Taking a Holistic Approach: Ear Acupuncture for Addiction Treatment

Holistic approaches (https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/treatment/holistic-rehab/) to opioid addiction treatment have garnered a lot of attention recently. Holistic drug addiction treatment focuses on using natural and healthy techniques to help the client with withdrawal symptoms, addressing comorbid mental health diagnoses and previous trauma, and developing habits for healthy living. Typically, drug addiction rehab facilities that offer holistic options include yoga, meditation, tai chi, art and music therapy, outdoor activities, exercise and nutrition education, and massage therapy. However, a new option is getting some recent buzz – ear acupuncture (https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19962472/ear-acupuncture/).

This procedure is referred to as AcuDetox (https://acudetox.com/about-nada/) and is regulated by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). It is currently being explored as a treatment option for opioid addiction as a way to relieve stress and anxiety during the recovery process.

AcuDetox involves using five sterilized, fine-gauge, single-use needles that are inserted at specific points in the ear. Once inserted, the needles remain for up to 45 minutes. The five points (https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/kzndpn/acudetox-acupuncture-ears-drug-addiction-treatment) used in this form of acupuncture include:

• Sympathetic nervous point where the ear connects to the temple
• Shen Men (heavenly gate), which is in the upper fold of the ear
• Center of the ear (corresponding to the kidney)
• Outside rim of the ear (corresponding to the liver)
• Just above the earlobe (corresponding to the lung)

The first two points are chosen for their supposed calming effects, while the last three are associated with detoxification. It is claimed that AcuDetox helps to modulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response we experience in times of stress, anxiety, or trauma. It also brings the parasympathetic nervous system, which handles digestion, salivation, and the body's waste system, into balance.

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Currently, AcuDetox is only able to be performed by licensed acupuncturists. However, the pending legislation ( https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB575/id/1466787) in Massachusetts aims to make it legal for other licensed healthcare professionals outside of the acupuncture field to perform AcuDetox. In the United States, 26 other states (https://acudetox.wordpress.com/members/state-laws/) allow licensed healthcare professionals who are not acupuncturists to perform AcuDetox.

Those that have tried AcuDetox as part of their opioid addiction treatment have reported decreased withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as lower levels of stress, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. They also state that the procedure helps increase their relaxation, self-esteem, and focus. Additionally, some clinics report a lower rate of relapse amongst those that have undergone the AcuDetox.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of AcuDetox is its cost-effectiveness. The cost for needles is around 40 cents per person, making the option an affordable option for clinics to offer, especially to clients who might not otherwise be able to afford acupuncture. Its affordability also allows the procedure to be used long-term as a drug-free way to address anxiety or other mental health issues that people face throughout their recovery.

AcuDetox continues to be researched as an alternative option to traditional opioid addictions treatment or as part of a holistic treatment program. With the opioid addictions crisis at epidemic levels (https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis), it is clear that affordable, accessible, and effective treatment options are needed that address the needs of the whole person rather than simply treating the physical addiction. Ear acupuncture can address both the physical and mental health needs of those recovering from addiction, while also giving them a tool that can be used long-term as part of a healthy, clean and more holistic lifestyle.

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