At AromaOasis, our registered acupuncturist also underwent a specialized series of training in acupuncture detoxification with the NADA protocol. The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol involves inserting tiny, sterilized needles in 5 acupuncture points on each ear and retaining those needles for 30-45 minutes to relieve symptoms of withdrawal and craving. While this protocol promotes recovery and stabilization, it also relieves symptoms of stress, anxiety and pain.

While adapted to Western attitudes and conditions, the NADA method derives directly from the Chinese medicine theory of detoxification.Understanding the principles of both Chinese medicine and chemical dependency can lead to significant benefit in recovery from all forms of drug addiction as well as alcoholism and a variety of mental disorders.

Carefully developed and extensively tested, acupuncture detoxification assists recovery through the following pathways:

BIOCHEMICAL

1. Assists endorphin production for capacity to cope with stress and craving.
2. Assists body’s natural detoxification and chemical production to relieve withdrawal, craving, and other post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
3. Helps the process of regeneration and regrowth as well as the process of elimination of toxic substance

Lincoln Hospital had reported a 90% acute withdrawal symptom relief in client survey, and a 100% reduction in secondary post-acute withdrawal symptoms.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

1. Acts as a balancing component of an overall treatment program.
2. Client’s internal resources are strengthened for enhanced sense of vitality and well-being
3. Client can experience internal relief from craving without external factors
4. Helps the client individual strengthen their acceptance of the potential to stay clean

SOCIAL

1. Lets the client engage in treatment in a non-threatening way with few verbal commands
2. Important in early treatment when client may not be receptive to interventions
3. Acupuncture detoxification creates vitality and strength in a non-judgmental environment

Research has confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture detoxification:
A 2005 published research study out of the University of British Columbia, "Acupuncture for Substance Abuse Treatment in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver", states that acupuncture therapy is designed to help alleviate the emotional (depression and anxiety) and physical (cravings) symptoms elicited by abstinence, particularly in the early phase of the process and then to achieve mood stabilization and relaxation in later stages of recovery. Researchers finally concluded, "Our study has demonstrated the success of a voluntary, inexpensive acupuncture program in engaging addicts in an acupuncture treatment, which they found to be beneficial in reducing their use of drugs."

The NADA protocol has also been used to treat first responders after 911 as well as first responders and victims in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Director of the Office of Health Services in the Virginia Department of Mental Health, James Martinez says NADA practitioners have offered their services in the aftermath of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech.

The World Health Organization also pointed out in their review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trial that acupuncture is a useful treatment modality for alcoholism as well as for alcohol intoxication:

"Acupuncture has also been reported to be useful for treating alcohol recidivism. In placebo-controlled trials (with acupuncture at nonspecific points as the control), the patients in the treatment group expressed less need for alcohol than did the control patients. Patients in the treatment group also had fewer drinking episodes and admissions to a detoxification centre. It is interesting to note that in an experimental study on healthy volunteers, acupuncture diminished clinical alcohol intoxication by increasing the alcohol level in expired air and decreasing blood alcohol levels."

At AromaOasis, our registered acupuncturist certified in acupuncture detoxification will make a treatment plan not only based on NADA ear acupuncture, but also on the unique condition of our client. This means that in addition to ear acupuncture, body/scalp acupuncture, herbs and cupping may also be included in the treatment plan under our discretion to enhance the overall therapeutic outcome.