AcuDetox–The NADA protocol

AcuDetox is the brand name of a treatment protocol Dr. Michael Smith developed in the 1970s. Smith was intrigued by a surgeon in Hong Kong who reported a patient’s craving for opium had disappeared during a session using this protocol. Smith was a physician and acupuncturist who worked at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, New York, during the 1970s. Smith played a key role in adapting acupuncture as a tool to treat addiction, particularly for people struggling with heroin and other substance dependencies. This led to the creation of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) in 1985. 

AcuDetox, also known as Auricular Acupuncture Detoxification, is a specialized form of acupuncture that uses five points on the outer ear to support recovery from addiction and mental health issues by reducing withdrawal symptoms. The five points used in AcuDetox are believed to correspond to different parts of the body and help in restoring balance:

1. Sympathetic Point: Helps calm the nervous system and relieve stress.
2. Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
3. Kidney Point: Helps with detoxification and addressing fear.
4. Liver Point: Supports detox and helps with anger management.
5. Lung Point: Assists in releasing grief and promoting respiratory health.

AcuDetox provides several benefits directly related to addiction withdrawal such as:

• Reduced substance cravings
• Reduced severity of withdrawal symptoms
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved substance treatment retention

AcuDetox is often used as an adjunct treatment in addiction recovery programs, but it’s also utilized for anxiety, trauma recovery, PTSD, and stress management. AcuDetox is a regulated practice in many regions and practitioners must be trained to administer this procedure.