Bringing the ear acupuncture 5-needle protocol (5NP) to Utah (and beyond!)

First, all the names:  The 5-Needle Protocol, 5NP, 5-NP, Acudetox, Ear Acudetox, NADA Protocol, NADA Acudetox, etc.

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The 5-Needle Protocol (5NP) or Acudetox is performed by placing thin, solid, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles into 5 specific points on the skin surface of the ear.   

We use 5 traditional ear acupuncture points:  Sympathetic, Shen Men,  Kidney, Liver, Lung as illustrated here.

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The treatment takes about 30-45 minutes.  Acudetox is usually done in a group setting.  Treatments are provided by an NADA Acudetox Specialist (ADS) or POCA Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) or a professional acupuncture practitioner or supervised trainee.

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Possible Benefits of Treatment:

The use of the 5NP for detoxification, recovery support and prevention of return to use has been shown to be helpful in relieving acute symptoms of withdrawal from a variety of substances. Individuals often feel immediate relief and a decrease in tension and anxiety.  Further treatment may reduce such withdrawal symptoms as profuse sweating, headache, body ache, stomach pain, runny nose, drug dreams and cravings.  Participants may develop a greater sense of well-being and connection with themselves.

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View this excellent introductory overview from our colleague Shimila Keenum, LCSW, RN.

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See a sample consent for treatment here.