Acupuncture has been treating people for centuries, aiding in the healing of a variety of emotional and physical complaints. The more mental health research that is revealed shows that the body and mind are connected as they experience pain and heal together. NADA is a five-point ear acupuncture protocol that has been known to assist people with anxiety, depression, addiction and sleep. The five point system corresponds to five different aspects of our body systems including our sympathetic nervous system, Shenmen or Spirit, Kidney, Liver, and Lung. It was first developed in New York City in the Lincoln Hospital in 1974 to be used in outpatient rehab facilities to assist recovering addicts with cravings. This was after a neurosurgeon from Hong Hong, H.L. Wen, M.D., was utilizing acupuncture as a way to assist people in opiate withdrawal. The results were significant in helping people as an adjunct therapy and was very beneficial for those that did not fit the “talk therapy” model. In recent years, they have attempted this treatment to psychiatric care facilities, cancer care, first responders, and a variety of other contexts. Following 9/11, first responders were provided the NADA acupuncture protocol and reported less physical pain as well as improved sleep.
Here at Authentic Connections Counseling Center, Ashley Brown MA, LPC, RYT offers NADA as an add on to your therapy session or a stand alone appointment without any therapy. On Wednesdays, she offers a NADA clinic where you can walk in during a 1-2 hour window and receive the ear treatment. Check it out under our events page.
This process is 30-45 minutes, where you can receive all or some of the five needles in the ear and enjoy some relaxing quiet time with aromatherapy and soft music in the background. Individuals are encouraged to sit in silence, rest their eyes if they feel comfortable and allow the points to assist in creating healing and relaxation. Many people experience a balancing effect where they find themselves relaxed if they report a higher anxiety response or more energized if struggling with feelings of depression. If you would like to schedule, contact Ashley Brown at 720-370-3010 ext. 107 or via email at ashleybrown.lpc@gmail.com.
