Auricular Acupunture for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Insomnia, Cravings
Auricular Acupuncture (Acudetox), is a gentle, evidence-based protocol using five specific points in the ear to calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, trauma, PTSD, and cravings from alcohol, drugs, food. This non-verbal approach is especially helpful for clients who struggle to process trauma through talk therapy alone. Sessions are relaxing and can be combined with traditional therapy for enhanced healing.
5-Needle Ear Acupuncture Protocol (NADA Protocol)
The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) 5-Needle Protocol is a simple, standardized form of ear acupuncture developed in the 1970s at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx to support recovery from addiction, trauma, and emotional distress. It has since been used worldwide in a variety of settings, including disaster relief, mental health centers, veteran services, and community wellness clinics.
The NADA protocol is non-verbal, trauma-informed, and safe for people of all ages. It’s often offered in group settings to support healing in community. It can be used with infants, kids, teens, and adults.
This protocol involves the gentle placement of five small, sterilized needles in specific points on each ear. Most people describe the insertion as a pinch that goes away after the needle is placed. It is 100% safe and has minimal contra-indications.
Needles are left in place for 20 to 50 minutes for maximum therapeutic benefit. Treatments are conducted by Dr. Cheryl, a trained Acudetox Specialist (ADS). Participation in Acudetox is voluntary and consent is needed to participate. Participants are free to decline or opt out of treatment at any time.
The five NADA protocol points targeted include:
- Sympathetic: balances the sympathetic nervous system, has strong analgesic and relaxant effects on internal organs, dilates blood vessels, and reduces stress hormones for deep relaxation
- Shen Men (Spirit Gate): produces sedative effects, supports sleep, and provides neuropsychiatric support. Known as the “spirit gateway,” it has a calming effect on mind and body.
- Kidney Point: strengthens the kidney system, supports emotional regulation, reduces fear and anxiety, and builds willpower and resilience.
- Liver Point: supports eye health, helps resolve aggression and anger, processes emotional stagnation, and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes
- Lung Point: assists with respiratory health, helps process grief and letting go, and supports the body’s ability to release what no longer serves.
These points help calm the nervous system, regulate stress responses, promote emotional balance, and can even gently stimulate the vagus nerve through the ear.
Areas where benefits can be experienced:
- Reduced anxiety and racing thoughts, stress and emotional overwhelm
- Reduced depression and low mood
- Improved sleep and focus
- Decreased trauma-related symptoms
- Enhanced sense of grounding and inner calm
- Reduced pain
- PTSD and trauma responses
- Grief and loss processing
- General emotional regulation challenges
- Alcohol and substance abuse recovery support
- Nicotine and smoking cessation
- Withdrawal symptom relief
- Reduced cravings for substances and addictive behaviors
While the above effects are possible there is no guarantee any of these responses will be true for you. Sometimes, effects are not felt until well after the procedure, or after multiple Acudetox treatments. ‘Notice what you notice’ as you experience your treatment. Acudetox treatments have been used effectively to mediate withdrawal, reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety depression, insomnia, and to promote general well-being.
Side effects are minimal, but could include local bruising, temporary slight pain (pinch on insertion) or discomfort. In rare cases a faintness (needle shock) may occur and is remedied by taking needles out. Should any symptoms annoy you beyond minimal discomfort advise your ADS and needles will be taken out.
Infection Control/Clean Needle Procedures are used to minimize any possibility of infection caused by bloodborne pathogens. Your ADS is trained in universal precautions and clean needling techniques. Prepackaged, sterile, one-time use needles are used, then disposed of in a medical waste (sharps) container. Let us know if you have any questions prior to consent.
