NADA ear acupuncture for stress and anxiety (Pod 4)

NADA Protocol

Background:

The NADA treatment model follows the NADA U.S. five-point training protocol, developed at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Recovery Centre in New York.

The process involves the gentle insertion of up to five fine, single use, sterised, stainless steel disposable needles into specific energetic points in the outer ear. No electrical stimulation is used.

The five ear points:

1) Sympathetic - calms the nervous system and helps with overall relaxation.

2) Shen Men / "Spirit Gate" - reduces anxiety and nervousness.

3) Kidney Point - for calming fears and healing the interal organs.

4) Liver Point - for detoxification, blood purification, and to quell agression.

5) Lung Point - promotes aeration and helps to let go of grief.

The session:

This NADA session will be delivered in a group setting. A couple of NADA Acupuncture Practitioners will insert up to five needles in each ear for up to an hour while everyone sits still in a relaxed atmosphere, during this time people may fall asleep, experience a meditative state or just feel calm and relaxed. Please we ask that everyone turns off their phone when joining the session so everyone can fully relax.

Group NADA acupuncture is simple and effective. There is no need to fill out an intake form, no need to talk about past experiences. The individuals in this session are asked to come to the session simply with a willingness to experience the benefits of acupuncture.

The NADA protocol works best when used in combination within a comprehensive treatment programme that offers other therapeutic elements such as counseling, education, family involvement, peer/community support groups and supportive medical healthcare.

History:

In the 1970s the NADA protocol was developed to help addicts with their recovery dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, irritability and cravings. Since then NADA protocol has been found effective for a wide range of conditions.

Acupuncturists Without Borders has used it extensively in treating trauma during and after hurricane Katrina and have begun a national military outreach to veterans.