ADDICTION

In the clinical settings, many patients seek treatment for addictions including nicotine, alcohol, drugs and foods. Acupuncture treatment relieves withdrawal symptoms and craving of the illicit drugs.  Auricular acupuncture works through the stimulation of production of natural endorphins, a morphine-like polypeptide which is 100 times stronger than morphine in its actions. Endorphin is produced in the brain and found in the brain, cerebral spinal fluid, pituitary gland, adrenal gland and gastrointestinal systems.

Most acupuncture detox centres use the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, USA (NADA) protocol, Shen Men, Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver, and Lung 1 & 2. 

The benefits of auricular acupuncture are:

• Relieving the body of the need for the substance of addiction and thus breaking the habit of use.
• Having sedating, calming and supportive effects.