Treating Addiction with NADA Ear Acupuncture Protocol

Ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy, is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine and is especially effective in the treatment of addiction, mood disorders, PTSD, and pain.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a 5-point auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol specifically for the treatment of addiction, which is used by more than 2,000 drug and alcohol programs today. NADA is a not-for-profit training and advocacy organization, promoting community wellness through the use of a standardized auricular acupuncture protocol for behavioral health, addiction, mental health, and disaster & emotional trauma (https://acudetox.com). Most often, we use the NADA protocol to help people quit smoking.

An ear acupuncture or NADA treatment involves the gentle placement of 5 small disposable needles into specific site in each ear. These sites correspond to different parts of the body. The 5 designated acupuncture points that are used include: Lung, Kidney, Liver, Shen Men, and Sympathetic. The organ points, Lung, Kidney, and Liver, promote organ recovery and detoxification. Ear point Shen Men translates to “Spirit Gate” and is a powerful point to calm the mind and ease anxiety. The Sympathetic point relates to the autonomic nervous system and has a strong pain relieving and relaxing effect. Ear Acupuncture will help:

alleviate withdrawal symptoms

reduce cravings

promote organ recovery

ease anxiety + stress

promote restorate sleep

enhance will-power + motivation

improve sense of well-being

reduce a need for pharmaceuticals

The NADA treatment was designed to be a non-verbal approach to healing used in clinical group settings. At our clinic, your session will be private and there will be a brief intake at the start of your session. You will relax with the needles in for 30-45 minutes, allowing the treatment to take effect. Treatments are most impactful when received multiple times per week. We offer NADA treatment packages to keep your visits affordable.

Length of treatments and success varies for each individual. While some patients respond quickly to treatments, others may require a series of ongoing treatments. We will always strive to create an environment and treatment plan that is most supportive to you.

Acupuncture provides a foundation for recovery and rehabilitation, in addition to empowering you to create change. It is clinically effective, cost-efficient, and drug-free. Combining your acupuncture treatments with counseling, education, medical support and self-help groups enhances opportunities for success.

TO BEST ACHIEVE YOUR STOP-SMOKING GOALS, CONSIDER THESE TIPS:

~ Make a list of reasons to quit. Keep reminding yourself why you gave up the habit.

~ Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people and reach out when you need encouragement.

~ Set boundaries. If possible, stay away from smokers in the first few weeks you are trying to quit.

~ Have an affirmation. This is a positive statement repeated often to create desired changes in your life. For example: “I successfully quit smoking. I am now healthier, happier and relaxed.”

~ Strategize. Plan what you will do during a craving, which can last 5 minutes. Chew licorice root sticks or gum; repeat your affirmation; breathe deeply; exercise; sing a song; dance; call your support person.

~ Out with the old! Throw away your ash trays, lighters, matches, and cigarettes. Remove indoor pollutants from your home. Fill your house with plants, which act as natural air filters.

~ Get moving. A quick walk after meals will help regulate blood sugar levels, boost your energy, decrease stress,, and increase metabolism.

~ Eat your fruits and veggies. They are high in fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants, and an important feature of a detox diet. Chlorophyl-rich (green) foods cleanse the lungs and blood.

~ Drink more water. Hydrate your body, soothe dryness, and flush out the toxins that have built up in your cells.

~ Practice deep breathing. Calm your nerves and strengthen your lungs. BONUS: Try pine essential oil in a diffuser or use a drop on your chest. Pine strengthens the lungs, improves respiratory function, and promotes will-power.

~ Create a new routine, change your current schedule, so there is no time for addiction.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

National Acupuncture Detoxification Association: https://acudetox.com

The Great American Smokeout: https://www.tobaccofreecampus.org/the-great-american-smokeout

Acupuncture for Emotional Balance

Chinese Medicine offers an opportunity to improve your mental and physical health and to help you understand how your physical and emotional symptoms are related.

With a strong treatment focus on the connection between emotions, stress, trauma, and physical pain, acupuncture effectively addresses general health, emotional, and psychiatric concerns. Acupuncture is a “root and branch” medicine, meaning it treats the symptoms of a disorder as well as its underlying cause.

In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions and mental functions are viewed as components of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and blood. There are acupuncture points along meridians located all over the body that affect the brain and mental activity. The goal of treatment is to correct the movement of qi and blood in the meridians and bring balance back to the mind, body, and spirit.

Acupuncture induces a relaxation response, has been shown to affect the nervous system, and positively impacts neurotransmitter activity. Acupuncture can also help regulate the hormones, immune system, digestion, nutrient absorption and metabolic activity as well as modulate the body’s inflammatory response, all of which, when impaired, can influence one’s emotional wellness.

Acupuncture can help treat a wide range of emotional and psychological disorders, from mild to debilitating, including:

Depression * Anxiety * Panic Attacks * Fears and phobias * Lack of motivation * Hopelessness * ADD/ ADHD * PTSD * Eating disorders * Addiction * Stress* Insomnia * OCD * Borderline Personality Disorder * Bipolar Disorder

Auriculotherapy and the NADA Protocol

Ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy, is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine and is especially effective in the treatment of addiction, mood disorders, PTSD, and pain. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a 5-point ear acupuncture protocol specifically for the treatment of addiction, which is used by more than 2,000 drug and alcohol programs today. We offer ear acupuncture to those struggling with addiction or an emotional crisis.

While acupuncture will not, of course, change the circumstances of a person’s life, it does provide a foundation for recovery and rehabilitation, in addition to empowering the individual to create change. Acupuncture can work synergistically with other behavioral therapies.