Ear Acupuncture (Auriculotherapy)
Ear Acupuncture can be been used for all types of pain, organ dysfunction, emotional distress, acute and chronic health conditions, stress reduction, weight loss and smoking cessation, and drug and alcohol addiction problems.  The practitioner gathers information and makes a diagnosis based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.  Points are chosen and needled just below the skin on the outer ear.  For those who are needle phobic, ear seeds can be placed which are attached to adhesive tape and stay in place for days after the treatment.  Ear Acupuncture does not take as much time to provide as is more economical for the client.  The Acudetox NADA protocol was developed for addictions in the 1970’s is still used today for people who are in the recovery process.

What is the " Acudetox NADA protocol"?
At five designated ear points in each auricle (outer ear), clinicians trained through NADA apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while the patient (in most circumstances) relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair. Sometimes, groups of patients sit together while undergoing the treatment. The procedure functions as an adjunct to a comprehensive addiction treatment program offering the basic therapeutic elements of counseling, education, family involvement, mutual support group involvement, supportive health care of general nature. Among the benefits reported by patients and clinicians are improved program retention, a more optimistic and cooperative attitude toward the process of recovery, as well as reductions in cravings, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, PTSD symptoms, and need for pharmaceuticals.

Ear Stapling for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation
Ear Stapling uses a surgical steel staple applied to the Traditional Chinese Medicine ear acupuncture points.  The procedure is similar to getting your ear pierced, and requires keeping the ear clean to prevent infection just as you would after having a piercing. You will be asked to stimulate the points by rubbing a place in front of your ear several times per day to increase the benefits. The advantage of this treatment is that the staple stays in place for 3-4 (sometimes more) months, providing constant stimulation to the points.  Ear stapling is most commonly used for weight loss and smoking cessation.  People have also reported reduction in headaches, TMJ pain, and anxiety around food issues after application of the staple.