Acupuncture treatment and auricular acupuncture are excellent medical modalities to treat addictions. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has developed a NADA Protocol for detoxification from substance abuse including alcohol, drugs and prescription drugs. Generally speaking, the NADA Protocol is administered two to five times a week for periods of time between 30 to 60 minutes.

The NADA Protocol provides a specific ear template of five designated ear points and each outer ear. This treatment may be provided individually or in group settings. Many states have included the NADA Protocol treatment for inpatient, outpatient, shelters and street outreach centers. The court system provides this treatment in many cities.

Traditional acupuncture is an excellent modality to provide balance for the emotional and physical reactions experienced during detoxification. Lifestyle counseling is also necessary as a foundation to maintain the positive effects of addiction treatments.

Indications for addiction treatments include:

• Alcohol
• Food addictions
• Obsessive/compulsive disorder
• Prescription drug dependency
• Shopping addictions
• Smoking
• Street drug dependency

There are a variety of five point treatments for the ear with different combinations of the following points:

• Point Zero
• General homeostatic balance
• Shenmen
• Stress, anxiety, excessive sensitivity
• Autonomic Point
• Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
• Liver
• Hepatitis, cirrhosis, immune system
• Kidney
• Kidney disorders, urination
• Brain
• Sleep, addictions, pituitary, endocrine glands
• Limbic System
• Compulsive behavior, aggressiveness

The combination of oriental medicine modalities provides a comprehensive treatment plan for a medical and societal difficult addiction problem. The success of addiction treatments is being researched and documented in governmental and private research agencies.

To learn about how acupuncture can help you and schedule an appointment.
Please call 941-955-1220 or Email: doctorbrenda@me.com