Acupuncture for Addiction
Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of health care, which offers clients treatment for addictions by easing the withdrawal from drugs, alcohol or other addictive behaviors. Individuals feel immediate relief along with reduced tension and anxiety. Repeated treatments during the first week of detox relieve anxiety and aid in the relief of symptoms such as profuse sweating, headache, body aches, stomach aches, runny nose, itchy eyes, tremors and high blood pressure. Repeated treatments after the acute detox phase helps by reducing cravings, depression, and sleep disturbances.
How Can Acupuncture for Addiction and How it Can Help Recovery?
Addictions treatment is comprehensive; it treats the whole person, body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The balancing effect is immediate and has long-term effects. Some of the obvious benefits are:
• Treatment will be just as helpful if client doesn’t want to speak about certain issues.
• Clients with low self-esteem or feel a lack of hope can begin to engage in helping themselves.
• Acupuncture helps develop a meditation-like state; where clients feel comfortable with their own thoughts and physical well-being.
• Clients feel an internal source of strength and renewal.
• Clients report an increased sense if vitality during and immediately after treatment.
• As the number of treatment sessions increase, the client will feel the cascading or cumulative effect of the treatments,
The NADA Protocol
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Treatment Protocol.
The NADA protocol uses five specific ear acupuncture points on each ear for addiction treatment:
Sympathetic point – Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and has a strong analgesic effect.
Shenmen point – Called “Spirit Gate”, has a calming and relaxing effect to help alleviate anxiety and nervousness that can accompany withdrawal.
Kidney point – Tonifys the source energy and essence that is often damaged through chemical abuse. The point can also help resolve fear and increase the willpower needed to overcome addiction.
Liver point – Promotes repair of the Liver from drug and alcohol abuse and aids in resolving anger and aggression.
Lung point – Strengthens the immune system and accelerates detoxification. Emotionally, it is associated with grief and letting go.
