I’ve been treating more emotional type of cases recently such as patients dealing with stress and anxiety. Many of my Veteran patients have seen me for PTSD from their years in combat. Most people associate Acupuncture with treating pain and are negligent of its benefits in treating mental/emotional disorders.

A major part of treating such ailments in TCM is incorporating the NADA protocol. In Spanish, NADA mans nothing, as in, no-nonsense, non-verbal, no-drugs, no barriers. In TCM, this philosophy is incorporated through the use of an ear acupuncture protocol for recovery. This protocol is called the NADA protocol.

Simply, NADA, in TCM, is a non-verbal approach to healing. It involves the gentle placement of up to five small, sterilized disposable needles into specific sites on each ear. The auricular points are: Sympathetic, Shen Men, Kidney, Liver and Lung. In a future blog, I will discuss these points in much greater detail. It is enough for you to appreciate that these are the five points associated with the NADA protocol in TCM.

After the insertion of the needles, the patient sits or lies quietly for 30-45 minutes allowing the treatment to take effect. Most of my patients naturally take a nap, as one of the big benefits of this protocol is that it induces deep relaxation. Sometimes I just use this protocol, on its own, or in conjunction with some body points.

Other than being effective for treating mental disorders, NADA can easily be established within behavioral health, addictions or disaster relief settings. It can even be administered in any location that a group can assemble. The combined application of acupuncture with counseling, education, medical support and self-help groups such as AA and NA enhance opportunities for success.

The benefits of NADA include: reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine, minimized withdrawal symptoms, increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation, relief from stress and emotional trauma, an easier connection with counseling and a discovery of inner quiet and strength.

I’ll definitely be talking more about NADA in future blogs.