National Acupuncture Detoxification Association
NADA Auricular Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that is clinically effective, drug-free, and cross-culturally compatible. It can easily be established within behavioural health, addictions or disaster relief. The NADA treatment model follows the NADA U.S. five-point protocol, which was developed in the 1970s at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in New York.
It was initially used to help people with substance abuse problems in their recovery. It has since been found to be effective for a wide range of conditions such as trauma, substance abuse, dependence, and related mental and behavioural health conditions. Helps addicts recover from trauma, anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings.
The combined application of acupuncture with counselling, education, family involvement, medical support, and self-help groups such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) improves the chances of success. The word NADA comes from Spanish, which means nothing, non-verbal, without drugs, without barriers.
Benefits of Nada
Due to its effectiveness, Acudetox is integrated into treatment centres around the world. Ear Acupuncture can bring benefits to reduce the following
Addiction
Pain
Anxiety
Insomnia
Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
Withdrawal symptoms minimized
Give up smoking
Increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation
Relief from stress and emotional trauma
Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
Mental health
Panic attacks
Inner tranquillity and strength
Acu-Detox
The NADA protocol represents an ear acupuncture intervention, providing a non-verbal, complementary, and alternative approach to therapeutic healing.
The process entails the delicate insertion of up to five small, sterilised, single-use, disposable needles into specific energetic points on each ear.
The client settles into a state of repose for a serene 40 minutes, allowing the treatment to unfold.
During this time, clients may drift into slumber, enter a meditative state, or experience a profound sense of tranquillity and relaxation.
The outer ear serves as an intricate switchboard, transmitting impulses to the brain, thereby triggering the release of endorphins, alleviating stress, and inducing a deep state of relaxation.
Five-Point Nada Protocol
1. Sympathetic
Stress reactions. Fight or flight response.
Balancing the autonomic nervous system
Affecting the nerves in internal organs
Digestive system
Releasing spasms and creating dilation of blood vessels
Regulates sweating, pain control and eye disease
2. Shen Men
Spirit Gate – Returning the "Qi". Centre the person. Anchor the spirit and calm the mind.
Anxiety
Insomnia
Palpitations
Panic attacks
Mental health
Pain control
Hyperactivity
Fear
Water element. Roof of Yin and Yang. Governs the essence and the grace of ageing.
Use strengthens the lower limbs, spine, bone marrow, digestion, brain, hearing, teeth, sexual vitality, fertility and urination
Associated with trust, self-worth, confidence, gentleness, and willpowerImbalance fear, paranoia, mistrust, low confidence
Heal internal organs
3. Kidney Point
4. Liver Point
Wood element. Regulating the harmonious flow of Qi and blood.
Use metabolic functions of the liver
Nourishes the nails, eyes, hair, skin, ligaments and tendons
Regulates menstruation, sleep mood, digestion, respiration and urine flow
Effective in migraine, headaches, high blood pressure, pain and mood-seeing
Associated with clear judgment, no fixed opinions, free flow, acceptance, kindness, and harmonyImbalance creates anger rage, violence, frustration, depression, being stuck, obsessions
Detoxification, and blood purification
5. Lung Point
Metal element. Controls the Qi, and governs the water passages. Disperses and descends the Qi.
Regulates respiration and is associated with the skin
Use breathing disorders, skin problems, sweating
Controls the body temperature, sense of smell, oedema, thirst, urination, diarrhoea, constipation, colds and flu
Asthma and bronchitis, hayfever and sinusitis
Associated with inspiration, motivation, creativity and letting go
Imbalance apathy, lethargy, lack of inspiration, grief, sadness, holding on