Laser therapy has rapidly become a fairly popular way for smokers to kick their habit. Laser therapy to quit smoking has been a popular method of treatment in Europe and Canada for several decades, but did not come to United States' shores until recently. While many people -- including ex-smokers -- swear by it, others, like the Public Citizen's Health Research Group, claim it's a fraud. But who is speaking the truth? What exactly is laser therapy? And will it work for you?

What is laser therapy?
Laser therapy, otherwise known as stop smoking laser therapy or LLLT (low level laser therapy), is a method of treatment in which the therapist applies the pulsating light of the laser to a number of acupuncture points on the body. This supposedly stimulates the endorphins in the body, relieving the smoker of their cravings and the desire to smoke. Laser therapy to quit smoking has been around for about 35-40 years in Europe, and the last 20 in Canada. The process of laser therapy to quit smoking started in the US in about 2001.

Where does the laser go?
The acupuncture points the laser is applied to are on the sides of the nose, the wrists, the arms, the hands and the ears.

How many treatments does someone need?
Some clinics suggest just one treatment, or a follow-up treatment if necessary. Others say many treatments are necessary before it is effective.

How long does it take?
Generally, a session takes about 30 minutes with the actual laser procedure itself. But most clinics also have a counseling session combined with that as well, which usually will take about an hour. So a visit to the clinic will usually take about an hour to an hour and a half.

What are the side effects?
Usually most patients experience no side effects whatsoever, but some complain of light-headedness or dry mouth. Typically the only thing a patient may experience is a feeling of relaxation and supposedly the loss of a desire to smoke.

Does it work?
There is a lot of controversy as to whether or not low level laser therapy actually is effective in helping people to quit smoking. Studies have indicated that it there is no evidence that laser therapy is any more effective than other methods in order to stop smoking, but no conclusions have been drawn as to whether or not it actually works. On the other hand, studies have stated that it may have a placebo effect, leading the smoker to believe that the therapy is working, and therefore assisting in their ability to kick their habit.

Since there is no conclusive evidence as to whether or not stop smoking laser therapy actually works, it's up to each individual to decide whether to pursue it as a possible treatment. For smokers who find themselves constantly failing in their attempt to stop smoking, it might be something to consider.