In an effort to help students quit smoking, the University’s Health Education Program is offering acupuncture treatment during the Great American Smokeout, which is held today nationwide.
The American Cancer Society created the event 24 years ago to encourage people to stop smoking.
Licensed Eugene acupuncturist Tom Williams will treat 15 students this afternoon in the medical library of the University Health Center.
“Acupuncture helps establish balance in the body and reduces its imbalances, such as smoking,” said Matthew Mixer, another Eugene acupuncturist.
Mixer said he is confident in the success of acupuncture treatments but added that no official explanation exists for how they work. He said there are specific points in the ears that, when pricked, are good for treating addictions. His treatment consists of inserting four needles into patients’ ears.
“If people could live one day without smoking, then they could live the rest of their lives without smoking,” said Lia Riger, media relations and marketing director of the Portland branch of the American Cancer Society.
She said the American Cancer Society is concerned with children and young adults smoking, so many of the society’s programs are specifically targeted to prevent youths from starting to smoke.
“When students go off to college, they try new things, and they may pick up the habit,” Riger said.
Annie Dochnahl, a University peer health education coordinator, said she believes smoking is a health risk for students. She added she is confident that acupuncture can help people quit smoking.
Dochnahl said more of an effort to help students quit smoking is needed. A University study conducted in May 2000 showed that 20 percent of University students smoke.
“We want to keep the awareness in smokers that quitting is a viable option,” she said.