Question 1

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

Accepted Answer

Quitting smoking brings health benefits in the short, medium, and long term.

The main benefits include:
reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases;
reduced risk of stroke;
gradual reduction in the risk of lung cancer;
improved breathing;
reduction in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath;
improved circulation;
gradual recovery of taste and smell;
reduced exposure of family members and others to second-hand smoke;
financial savings.

Some benefits can start within the first few hours. Others develop over weeks, months, or years.

Question 2

Typical timeline after quitting smoking

Accepted Answer

After 20 minutes: blood pressure and heart rate tend to normalise.
After 12 hours: carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease.
Between 2 weeks and 3 months: circulation and breathing can improve.
Between 1 and 9 months: coughing and shortness of breath may decrease.
After 1 year: the risk of heart disease reduces significantly.
Between 2 and 5 years: the risk of stroke can gradually approach that of a non-smoker.
After 10 years: the risk of lung cancer decreases significantly.
After 15 years: the risk of coronary heart disease can become comparable to that of non-smokers of the same age and sex.

Question 3

How does the consultation work?

Accepted Answer

The consultation begins with an individual assessment.

The clinical team aims to understand your smoking history, level of dependence, routines associated with smoking, and main triggers.

Afterwards, auriculotherapy with electrostimulation is applied to the pinna (outer ear).

This stimulation is performed on specific points associated with the urge to smoke, anxiety, stress, and irritability.

At the end of the consultation, practical guidance is provided for the first few days smoke-free.

Question 4

How long does the consultation take?

Accepted Answer

The consultation lasts, on average, between 20 and 30 minutes.

The duration may vary depending on the individual assessment and the needs of each person.

Question 5

How many sessions are required?

Accepted Answer

The goal is for one session to be sufficient to support the smoking cessation process.

In most cases, one session can be enough. However, some people may require top-ups or additional aftercare, depending on their level of dependence, history of previous attempts, and progress after the consultation.

Question 6

Is the treatment guaranteed to work?

Accepted Answer

No.

No smoking cessation treatment can guarantee 100% effectiveness. The response to treatment varies from person to person.

According to internal follow-up clinic data from VSF - Smoke Free, the success rate observed in 2025 was 79.31%.

This figure represents results monitored by the team and does not constitute an individual guarantee.

Question 7

How are the success rates calculated?

Accepted Answer

Success rates are calculated based on the follow-up monitoring carried out after the treatment.

The team tracks progress at different intervals, including:
7 days;
1 month;
6 months.

During these contacts, the team assesses whether the person remains smoke-free, if they have had relapses, if they are experiencing cravings, and whether they need additional support.

Question 8

Will I have withdrawal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Quitting smoking can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially in the first few weeks.

The VSF - Smoke Free method can significantly reduce these symptoms in most cases, but some people may experience temporary discomfort. The team provides support during this phase.

Question 9

Do I get aftercare?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

The standard support includes aftercare at:
7 days;
1 month;
6 months.

This aftercare serves to evaluate progress, identify difficulties, prevent relapses, and adjust strategies when necessary.

In some cases, additional support may be available.

Question 10

What if I relapse?

Accepted Answer

A relapse does not mean the process is over or that the person has failed.

It can indicate that there was an unanticipated trigger, a stressful situation, or a strategy that needs to be adjusted.

In these cases, the team can help to understand:
when the relapse occurred;
what the trigger was;
if there was an intense craving;
what strategies can be used in a future situation;
whether it makes sense to consider additional support or a top-up.

Question 11

Are there any contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Assessments are made on a case-by-case basis.

Before booking, you must inform the team if you:
are pregnant;
are trying to conceive;
have a significant heart condition;
use a pacemaker or any other medical device;
have epilepsy;
have an ongoing medical condition being monitored;
are taking relevant medication;
have clinical doubts about the treatment.

When there is a significant medical condition, it is advisable to seek medical advice before

Question 12

I am trying to conceive. Can I have the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Our treatment has no contraindications for fertility treatments. If you are trying to conceive, this is the right time to cut smoking out of your life.

In fact, smoking is one of the main causes of reduced fertility, as well as maternal, foetal, and infant morbidity and mortality.

If you are planning to become a mother or a father, quitting smoking before conceiving maximises the chances of successful fertilization.

Question 13

I am pregnant. Can I have this treatment?

Accepted Answer

Our treatment has no contraindications for pregnant women.

While it is most beneficial for the foetus and the mother to quit smoking before conception or in the first few weeks of pregnancy, stopping smoking is always beneficial at any stage of pregnancy, including the final weeks before birth.

Quitting smoking brings benefits not only to you but also to your baby:
It increases the likelihood of a normal birth.
The foetus receives more oxygen and is no longer exposed to the toxic substances present in tobacco smoke.
It reduces the risk of the baby being born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
It reduces the risk of medical treatments and prolonged hospital stays post-partum.
It increases the chances of having a normal delivery and giving birth to a healthy baby.
It reduces the risk of foetal and perinatal mortality.

Question 14

Does the aftercare include psychological support?

Accepted Answer

Aftercare with VSF - Smoke Free includes ongoing monitoring and practical guidance during the smoking cessation process.

Depending on the case, psychological support or other specialized care may be recommended, particularly when smoking is strongly linked to anxiety, stress, depression, compulsions, or other emotional factors.

Question 15

Can the method be used for anxiety control?

Accepted Answer

The VSF - Smoke Free method was developed to support smoking cessation.

As the process of quitting smoking can involve anxiety, stress, irritability, and sleep changes, auriculotherapy with electrostimulation can help some people manage these symptoms during withdrawal.

It should not be presented as a standalone treatment for clinical anxiety. If anxiety is persistent, intense, or debilitating, you should seek medical or psychological support.

Question 16

Will I gain weight after quitting smoking?

Accepted Answer

Some people gain weight after quitting smoking, but this does not happen in every case.

The most common causes include:
increased appetite;
replacing cigarettes with food;
temporary changes in metabolism;
seeking new routines to occupy the hands or reduce anxiety.

To reduce this risk, it can be helpful to:
maintain regular meals;
drink water;
go for walks or do light physical activity;
avoid replacing cigarettes with frequent snacking;
plan alternatives for moments of craving.

Question 17

What is my level of dependence?

Accepted Answer

The level of dependence can be assessed using the Fagerström test, which measures physical dependence on nicotine.

However, tobacco dependence is not just physical. It can also involve emotional, social, and behavioural factors.

Therefore, the test can help with an initial screening, but the final assessment should consider the person's complete history.

Question 18

What is the difference between auriculotherapy and other smoking cessation methods?

Accepted Answer

Auriculotherapy with electrostimulation targets the pinna (outer ear) and is used to help manage cravings and symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Other methods may include:
behavioural counselling;
nicotine replacement therapy (NRT);
prescribed medication;
psychological support;
structured smoking cessation programmes.

The choice depends on the dependence profile, history of previous attempts, personal preferences, and clinical context.

Question 19

What is the composition of the Renew Breath supplements?

Accepted Answer

The information below reflects the composition listed on the website.

Renew Breath Extra
A compound presented to support the withdrawal process, focusing on detox and respiratory support.
Listed ingredients:
Brututo;
Artichoke;
Fumitory;
Boxwood;
Boldo;
Dandelion;
Red Grapevine.

Renew Breath Calm
A compound presented to support stress, anxiety, and discomfort associated with nicotine deprivation.
Listed ingredients:
Valerian;
Chasteberry (Agno Casto);
Passionflower;
Hawthorn;
Chamomile;
Hops.

Before taking supplements, you should confirm if they are suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Question 20

How can I find out if this method is right for me?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the VSF - Smoke Free team to clarify:
how the consultation works;
what is included;
the price;
available schedules;
what kind of aftercare is provided;
if there are any recommendations before the session;
if there is any situation where you should seek medical advice first.

The decision should be made with clear information about the process, realistic expectations, and next steps.

Question 21

Can I combine this method with other smoking cessation support?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your individual profile and the assessment during the consultation.

The team will advise if there is any advantage in combining approaches.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions