Acupuncture for Addiction
Addiction
is defined as the compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming
substance, which means addiction can come in a lot of different forms.
People can be addicted to illicit drugs like heroin just as easily as
they can be addicted to sugar. But for the purpose of this article, let’s stick
to illicit drugs and alcohol.
According
to the Health Services Administration, 23.5 million people ages 12 or older
have needed treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. And the treatments
provided aren’t guaranteed, nor are they always easy. Luckily, there are
alternative treatment options that can help.
Acupuncture
is based on the correlation of individual locations and energetic meridians
found in and on the body. For addiction, micro-acupuncture has been used with
good results. Micro-acupuncture uses points on a small part of the body, like
the ear, that also show correlations with balancing and restorative functions.
Auricular
acupuncture is probably the most common technique used when treating addiction.
There is a specific protocol utilized for treating addiction. It is called the
NADA protocol. NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.
NADA was established in 1985 to promote education and training. The NADA
protocol utilizes five specific points in the ear that not only address
substance abuse, but also the emotional, physical and psychological attributes
involved in addictions. This five-point protocol allows one practitioner to
treat many patients at a time, making it more time-effective, as well as more
cost-effective.
The
NADA protocol consists of five specific points, the sympathetic point, Shen
Men, the kidney point, the liver point and the lung point. The sympathetic
point balances the nervous systems and has a strong analgesic effects. Shen Men
has a relaxing effect and helps alleviate anxiety and nervousness that may
accompany withdrawals. The kidney point boosts the source energy of the patient
while helping to resolve fear and increase willpower. The liver point promotes
the repair of the liver and aids in resolving anger and aggression. The lung
point strengthens the immune system and accelerates detoxification. It also
helps addicts deal with grief and letting go. When somebody is going
through the initial detoxification process, it is important to receive
acupuncture treatments daily until you are able to remain clean.
Acupuncture
provides a solid foundation for recovery and rehabilitation. It is a supportive
component of addiction treatment as well as a tool enabling addicts for a
normal life after rehabilitation. Acupuncture works to enhance overall functioning
in several ways. Because it is nonverbal, it helps reach patients that are
resistant to change. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and agitation. And it
helps develop an inner meditative state in those who are fearful or severely
troubled.
Acupuncture
for addiction and substance abuse offers a proven method of assisting people in
the process of recovery without any side effects. Acupuncture provides relief
of anxiety, depression, cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Freedom
from addiction is just a phone call away.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
888.375.5444
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