Close-up of a human ear with multiple acupuncture needles inserted at various points.

Acudetox

Acudetox, or acupuncture detoxification, is a procedure that utilizes the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol.  It involves the gentle placement of five small, sterilized, disposable needles into specific sites on each ear for 30-45 minutes.  According to NADA, acupuncture affects the body’s central nervous system and key parts of the brain involved in stress response.  Many scientists theorize that acupuncture detoxification dulls the pleasure of drugs by reducing dopamine levels.  The procedure functions as an adjunct within a comprehensive treatment program that offers other therapeutic elements including counseling, education and supportive medical health care.  Acudetox is recommended daily for acute detoxification, three times per week for post acute withdrawal or smoking cessation, and weekly for relapse prevention.  For more information, book your appointment with Dr. Le, a certified AcuDetox Specialist (ADS).

The numerous benefits of acudetox includes:

  • Minimized withdrawal symptoms

  • Reduces cravings

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Improves sleep

  • Helps manage depression

  • Alleviates aches and pains

  • Improves mood

  • Calms the mind

  • Regulates the Nervous System

  • Improves overall well being

There is plenty of incentive to quit smoking but it isn’t necessarily easy.  The good news is that acupuncture has helped people kick the habit. The stress associated with quitting can be overwhelming, however, acupuncture treatment can help relax the mind, reduce anxiety, reduce nicotine cravings, stimulate the body’s repair and healing response, and restore the body to a healthy state of balance. Smoking is the current leading cause of lung cancer. It also increases a person’s risk of getting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, throat and mouth cancer. Acudetox can help kick the habit.

For more information on the use of acudetox in the treatment of addictions, read Evidence for the NADA Ear Acupuncture Protocol: Summary of Research by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.