Holistic Acupuncture Therapy for Wellness and Healing

NADA Auricular Acupuncture

NADA Auricular Acupuncture is a complementary therapy based on a five-point protocol involving specific acupuncture points on the outer ear. Developed in the 1970s at Lincoln Hospital in New York, the NADA Protocol was initially introduced to support people experiencing substance misuse and addiction.

Today, the protocol is used in a variety of settings, including behavioural health and recovery programmes. It may also be incorporated into supportive environments for people experiencing stress, emotional distress and the challenges associated with recovery. Some people find auricular acupuncture relaxing and report feeling calmer and more well. However, individual experiences vary, and research into its effectiveness for specific conditions remains mixed.

The NADA Protocol is designed to complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical care, counselling and other forms of professional support. It may be used alongside education, family involvement and peer-support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. The Spanish word nada means “nothing”, which is sometimes associated with the approach's emphasis on a non-verbal, drug-free and accessible form of support.

Potential Benefits of the NADA Protocol

NADA Auricular Acupuncture is a complementary approach used in various settings to support relaxation and emotional well-being. Individual experiences vary, and the protocol is intended to complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical care and professional support.

People receiving NADA auricular acupuncture may report:

A greater sense of calm and relaxation
Support with stress management
A sense of emotional balance
Improved feelings of well-being
Support during periods of emotional distress
A calming experience during challenging times
A greater sense of inner strength and tranquillity

The NADA Protocol is also used in some addiction recovery and behavioural health settings as part of a broader support programme. Evidence for its effectiveness in treating specific conditions remains mixed, and it should not be considered a standalone treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD or other medical conditions.

Acu-Detox: What to Expect

The NADA Protocol is a form of auricular acupuncture that offers a complementary approach to well-being and relaxation.

Up to five small, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are gently inserted into specific points on each ear.
You will then be invited to lie comfortably on the treatment table and rest quietly for approximately 40 minutes.
During the session, you may feel relaxed, become sleepy, drift into a light sleep or simply enjoy a peaceful moment of stillness. Experiences vary from person to person.
The treatment focuses on specific acupuncture points on the outer ear, offering a peaceful, restorative experience that encourages relaxation and a sense of calm.

The session provides an opportunity to pause, unwind and enjoy a quiet moment away from everyday demands.

The Five-Point NADA Protocol

Within traditional acupuncture theory, each point has its own associations with the body's systems, emotional well-being and the flow of energy, known as Qi.

2. Shen Men Point

Spirit Gate – Calmness and Inner Balance

Shen Men, meaning “Spirit Gate”, is traditionally associated with calming the mind and promoting a sense of inner balance.
Calmness and relaxation.
Emotional balance.
A sense of tranquillity and grounding.
Traditionally associated with restlessness, fear and emotional tension.

1. Sympathetic Point

Stress Response and Relaxation

Traditionally associated with the autonomic nervous system and the body's responses to stress.
Associated with the body's stress response and relaxation.
Traditionally linked to autonomic nervous system regulation.
Used within auricular acupuncture protocols to support a sense of calm and relaxation.

3. Kidney Point

Vitality, Resilience and Inner Strength

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney system is associated with vitality, the body's fundamental essence, growth and ageing. It is also symbolically connected with willpower and the emotion of fear.
Traditionally associated with vitality and resilience.
Linked to the bones, hearing and the body's fundamental energy.
Associated with willpower, confidence and inner strength.
Symbolically connected with fear, insecurity and trust.

The Flow of Qi and Emotional Harmony

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Liver system is associated with the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and with emotional balance, flexibility and the ability to adapt.
Traditionally associated with the harmonious flow of Qi.
Linked to the eyes, tendons and the smooth flow of energy.
Associated with flexibility, kindness and clear judgement.
Symbolically connected with frustration, anger and feelings of being emotionally stuck.

4. Liver Point

Breathing, Connection and Letting Go

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Lung system is associated with Qi, breathing and the skin. It is also symbolically connected with grief, inspiration and the ability to let go.
Traditionally associated with breathing and the movement of Qi.
Linked to the skin and the body's relationship with the external environment.
Associated with inspiration, motivation and creativity.
Symbolically connected with grief, sadness and letting go.