The Sports Massage Centre runs an open access community clinic, providing auricular acupuncture treatments in a group setting. These treatments are accessible, affordable, simple and effective across a wide range of conditions
This simple form of acupuncture is particularly useful for detoxification from substance abuse, addiction aftercare, weight loss, emotional imbalance, insomnia, anxiety, stress management and post-traumatic stress, relaxation and general wellbeing
I also provide the same groups by arrangement to organisations within the addiction services and community groups. These take place at the Centre or, if suitable, at the organisations own premises.
The treatment itself consists of five sterile needles inserted into specific points of the ear. These correspond to various organs, systems and emotional states. Once inserted, the needles are left in place for some 40 minutes while we practice some simple internal Qi Gong (Energy Work) or simply sit in peace. During the session, detoxifying and/ or relaxing herbal teas will be made available.
Simply turn up on time, get a seat and allow yourself to heal …….
For those with major support needs, such as detoxification from street or prescription drugs, those experiencing major anxiety and/ or panic attacks, or other significant life changing circumstances, such as major loss, it is generally most effective to attend three or more sessions each week for the first few weeks, or until significant progress is seen, and then reducing attendance gradually over the following weeks as the conditions ease.
It is strongly recommended that any intended detox from pharmaceutical, or other drugs, is discussed with an appropriate medical practitioner, prescribing agency or mental health professional, prior to commencement. I will be happy to contact any of these, as necessary, to ensure an integrated care plan.
Anyone seeking support for less dramatic conditions will find benefit from regular sessions as they see fit.
NADA Protocol Auricular Acupuncture
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has its origins in the 1972 discovery by Dr H.L. Wen, a Hong Kong neurosurgeon, found that whilst using acupuncture to anaesthetise an opium addicted patient in preparation for an operation, the patient reported that his expected withdrawals were markedly absent. The practice of using acupuncture in detoxification settings has developed since then through the work of Dr Mike Smith and others at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, in The Bronx, New York, from 1974, leading to the foundation of NADA in 1985 and NADA UK in 1991.
In recent years, this protocol has been used to support individuals working with mental health teams, in many cases with a significant reduction in prescription medication; young people diagnosed as ADD and ADHD and similar; and also carers in demanding circumstances. It has effective application in the relief of anxiety and has been used as an intervention in trauma. For those of us not affected by the trauma of Substance Misuse or disaster, we can all benefit from allowing our energy levels to balance, and regenerate in order to cope with the demands of modern life. The combination of five element detoxification acupuncture and Qi Gong offered is a simple yet profoundly effective method of combating such stresses, boosting the immune system and maintaining good health.
I have been a NADA Practitioner since 2000, and a NADA Assessor since 2010.
I would be interested to hear from any groups, services and support organisations working within the field of addiction or otherwise. Groups can take place within your working environment alongside already existing therapeutic work, and tend to increase engagement within your client base.
Annual Practitioner Re-assessments can be arranged at your convenience.
