Auricular Acupuncture for Drug and Alcohol Withdrawl

The Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing conducted a study to track patients' response to auricular (ear) acupuncture during abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs.   Following the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, patients reported feeling a sense of peacefulness and well-being that contributed to their ability to refrain from using.  

With more than 75 acupoints,  the ear represents a microcosm of the entire body.  All meridians and organ systems can be accessed via auricular acupuncture alone.  When patients seek acupuncture support for smoking or drinking cessation, addiction relief is addressed as well as underlying imbalances that may perpetuate the condition.  Body points are included along with the points found in the ear.  The needles are typically retained for 20 minutes and small seeds are subsequently taped onto the acupoints after the needles have been removed.  Ear seeds allow patients to self stimulate via acupressure in the days between treatments.  With clear intention and the restorative help of acupuncture, patients can be very successful in their goal to quit using and regain health.