AcuDetox: Natural Support for Detox and Balance

This therapy is often used as a supportive tool in addiction recovery programs, disaster relief efforts, trauma response, and general mental health care. It can be safely combined with Western behavioral health treatments to enhance outcomes, support emotional resilience, and improve access to holistic care. AcuDetox is also known by other names, including NADA protocol, acupuncture detoxification, five-point ear acupuncture, five-point protocol, auricular acupuncture, and 5NP.

The goal of AcuDetox is not just symptom relief, but also to create a sense of calm, grounding, and overall well-being. Many people report feeling more centered and emotionally balanced after treatment, even after just one session. By working on both the physiological and emotional levels, AcuDetox provides a safe, non-verbal, and cost-effective method of care that can be delivered in a wide range of settings—from clinics and community centers to disaster response zones.

At East West Wellness, we use AcuDetox as part of our integrative care model to support healing and resilience for patients navigating stress, trauma, and recovery.

What is AcuDetox?

AcuDetox is a specialized form of auricular (ear) acupuncture that follows a standardized five-point protocol developed and promoted by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). NADA is a not-for-profit training and advocacy organization that supports community wellness through the use of acupuncture in behavioral health settings. This approach is widely used to help individuals manage addiction, emotional trauma, stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

The AcuDetox protocol involves the gentle placement of small, sterile needles at five specific points on each ear. These points correspond to key organs and systems in the body—including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system—and are believed to help regulate emotions, reduce cravings, promote detoxification, and restore balance.

AcuDetox can help with the following:

  • Emergency medicine and disaster relief: AcuDetox practitioners can treat victims, first responders, police officers, firefighters, emergency technicians and specialists, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and more.

  • Treatment of addiction: Integrates with 12-step programs, aids in detox, and encourages drug avoidance for both outpatient and inpatient treatment.

  • Mental health: Suitable for psychiatric hospitals, outpatient facilities, and dual-diagnosis treatment.

  • Prison system & court diversion: Works for offenders and helps in prison settings.

  • Community health: Works in a diverse range of settings including health fairs, schools, homeless shelters, refugee camps, clinics, military bases, churches, HIV/AIDS clinics, rape crisis centers, sex offender programs, employee assistance programs, senior centers, and more.

  • Self-help and peer-support groups: Works in group settings dealing with mental health issues; illnesses and diseases such as breast cancer, sickle cell anemia, etc.; and survivors of violence.