Help, Lasers to Quit Smoking??

[Lianad]

Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone can point me to some good links about the process of using lasers to stop smoking.

A friend of mine is talking about getting it done and I immediately thought "bullsh*t" as soon as she told me a laser could stop her from smoking.. I'd really like to show her some well written info on how it is a scam (i tried searching quackwatch and found nothing), as she doesn't believe me when I try to tell her. Has anyone seen any articles exposing this before?

I did a quick google and found a site called "LaserCare". I can't post links yet because I'm < 15 posts but I'm sure you can find it if you look. It seems this laser does a lot more than just help you quit smoking! LaserCare eliminates the urge to smoke, boosts fat-burning metabolism, and helps relieve stressWow, I wonder if it can cure diseases too? Come on.. But how does it work? Ah but of course! It uses acupuncture points! When the pulsating light of the laser is applied to certain acupuncture points it is absorbed by skin and cells to stimulate the endorphins that help block out the cravings, while leaving you with a feeling of well being.If you keep reading the site there are loads of gems in there as they even have a page showing YOU how YOU can get rich selling and using these magic laser systems! So that is my thoughts, and what I've found, does anyone have any more insight I can share with my friend?

Thanks

[Molinaro]

I don't have any links to provide, just my memories of past reading on the subject. Laser treatment to quit smoking is a placebo therapy. The providers do not claim anything more. Or at least they should not be claiming anything more. Although I don't believe they actualy come out and tell you that it is a placebo therapy or I guess it wouldn't work.

[Timothy]

From the Lasercare site

"The method is 100% natural, so there are no side affects."

How many errors can you find?

1) There are no known "natural" occurrences of laser light. Another example of tossing in a nonsense buzzword to soothe the public.

2) The fallacy that "natural" implies no side effects. Ever tried hemlock?

3) Misuse of "effect" affects me. Get out your Strunk & White. Worse is the hastily tacked on:"The FDA has classified Low Level Laser devises as 'non-significant medical devices.' They pose no health risk to the client provided the client where protective eyewear."

Scamity-scam-scam.

[Flesh]

If you search on Google for "laser smoking scam" you will find lots of information.

I found the following.

w w w.aaronlevinelaw.com/stop-smoking.htm

Plus this article on CBSnews.

w w w.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/22/health/main1743339.shtml

The CBSnews article is pretty good about pointing out the lack of studies to back it up. As well as comparing it to a placebo.

~Flesh

[Lianad]

Thanks for the info everyone, I'm going to take a look at those links Flesh provided right now.

[arthwollipot]

Hey, I thought the same thing when I heard about teeth-whitening by holding a blue light in your mouth.

But shining lasers on acupuncture points? Pure placebo. That said, if a placebo can get someone to stop smoking, I'm all for it. (I'm an ex-ex-smoker)