Reduce Cravings
Traditional Detox with a Holistic Approach
Acupuncture has been proven to be successful as a complementary therapy during detox. Not only does it help to reduce pain, combat cravings but it ultimately helps to keep our clients engaged in the process of detox.
The auricular acupuncture that is used to treat addiction is standard and varies between two basic protocols. The first is NADA (The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) treatment protocol and the second is ACACD (American College Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders) treatment protocol. Both protocols essentially target points that connect to the kidneys, lungs and liver, organs which are always compromised by drug use.
The NADA approach is a 5 point treatment that targets five points in each outer ear for a time frame of 30 minutes. This treatment is administered in groups or individual sessions.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Detox:
Stress Reduction
Dopamine is the main mechanism that allows drugs to elicit feelings of euphoria among users. When a user uses a large rush of dopamine is released and when the drugs are gone, these is an imbalance of dopamine in the system causing the user to feel withdrawal symptoms and cravings for more.
Because acupuncture targets the hypothalamus, the resulting production of endorphins have an analgesic effect, relieving pain and create the feeling of well being and calmness. This can be especially helpful to those addicted to and detoxing from opioids.
The ACACD protocol uses the same first three points, but introduces three more points, the Limbic System, the Brain and Zero Points.
The detox process may cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, insomnia, mood swings, etc. Acupuncture can help to support the reduction of these physical symptoms. Furthermore, these addiction protocols have been shown to increase the states of calmness and well-being after treatment.
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