Traditional Chinese Medicine

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) auricular ear acupuncture protocol, is used globally to deal with and recover from substance abuse, addiction & assist detoxification.

The NADA protocol has been shown in a variety of clinical settings to be beneficial in the process of detoxification from substance abuse as well as to help with the emotional, physical and psychological attributes involved in addictions. 

The detoxification protocols, in contrast with much of Chinese medicine, involve no diagnosis and are usually not modified in any way. Due to the fixed nature of the protocol, many localities allow non-acupuncturists to administer the auricular acupuncture treatments.

Generally speaking, the protocol is usually administered on its own without the addition of other ear or body acupuncture points. The length of the treatment depends greatly on the setting in which it is administered and the status of the patient. In general, the needles are left in for 25 - 60 minutes.

The treatments listed below are used in many detoxification/rehabilitation facilities.

• NADA Treatment Protocol ACACD Treatment Protocol
• National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)

Treatment Protocol

What is the "NADA Protocol"? (from the NADA Website)

"At five designated earpoints in each auricle (outer ear), NADA-trained clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while the patient (in most circumstances) relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair. Ordinarily, groups of patients sit together while undergoing the treatment. The procedure functions as an adjunct to a comprehensive addiction treatment program offering the basic therapeutic elements of counseling, education, family involvement, mutual support group involvement, supportive health care of a general nature. Patients in all types of treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, incarcerated, shelters, harm reduction and street outreach can utilize this treatment. Among the benefits reported by patients and clinicians are improved program retention, a more optimistic and cooperative attitude toward the process of recovery, as well as reductions in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals."

5 point protocol that helps detoxification, nourishes yin organs, calms and reduces pain:

1. Shenmen
2. Sympathetic
3. Kidney
4. Liver
5. Lung 1 and 2

Shenmen - Fire ( Heart)

Functions: analgesic point, calms the mind, treats insomnia stress, anxiety and restlessness, lower abdominal circulation, harmonises the liver, reduces hypertension. Emotion - +joy neg: sadness

Sympathetic (Autonomic nervous system) Earth( spleen and digestion )

Functions: analgesic action, relieving contractions in the intestines, causing dilating of blood vessels, treats pulselessness, vasculitis, spasm of arteries and veins, night sweats and involuntary sweating, eye disease

Emotion: empathy neg anxiety, worry and nervousness

Kidney Water

Functions: Tonifies kidney and yin, strengthens the lower back, nourishes sperm, brain tissue, assists urination, deafness, ear and eye problems, dental problems, head hair Emotions: + trust, willpower, negative fear, paranoia, distrust

Liver Wood

Functions: regulates the free flow of qi, storing of the blood, improves eyesight, dizzy spells, convulsions, fainting, anaemia, strengthens digestion (liver/spleen disharmony) relieves chest pain, abdominal distension (bloating) depression.

Emotion: + free flow, acceptance neg anger, irritability, resentment

Lung Metal

Functions: controls breathing and respiration, regulates body temperature, treats oedema in the upper body, treats skin diseases, influenza and colds, night sweats, enteritis and dysentery.

Emotions: creativity, inspiration neg not letting go, grief.

 ACAD Points

American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders (ACACD)

Treatment Protocol

Point Zero - general homeostatic balance

Shen Men - stress, anxiety, excessive sensitivity

Autonomic Point - balance sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, blood circulation.

Kidney - kidney disorders, urination issues

Brain - pituitary gland, endocrine glands, addictions, sleep

Limbic System - aggressiveness, compulsive behaviour

ACACD Points

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Acupuncture Treatment