Why You Need To Give 5NP Acupuncture A Try
There is a lot of buzz right now about the Five Needle Protocol. Perhaps it is due to the start of the new year so there are a lot of people trying to give up smoking or drinking. Or maybe it is due to the state of the world we live in and the seemingly constant natural disasters around the globe. Whatever the reason is, I am here for it because it is a powerful treatment. So what exactly is 5NP, where did it come from, and how can it help you?
History of 5NP also referred to as the NADA Protocol or AcuDetox
In 1973, a Chinese doctor, Dr. H L Wen, reported success in treating withdrawal and craving symptoms in post-operative patients using acupuncture with electrical stimulation on the ear. He went on to conduct several studies that established acupuncture as a valuable treatment for other forms of addiction as well. Meanwhile, over in New York, there was a community clinic looking for a more holistic approach to recovery.
Lincoln Recovery, part of the Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, was started in 1970 by community activists in response to the growing epidemic of drug addiction. It started as a methadone clinic but in 1974 acupuncture was introduced as an alternative. Initially, the volunteer acupuncturists used the same ear point with electrical stimulation that Dr. Wen used in his studies. However, their e-stim machine kept breaking so they began experimenting and found that treatment effects lasted longer with just insertion of the point with no added electrical stimulation.
Once it was established that this was an effective treatment method for the community, many of the staff members began studying acupuncture and experimenting with additional points. What came out of that is what we now know of as the NADA Protocol or 5NP. This is such a quick summary with a lot of details left out for length purposes, so for more information about the establishment of 5NP or the history of Lincoln Recovery, check out the documentary Dope is Death. You can watch it on Kanopy with your library card or university login, or on Amazon Prime for $3.99.
What are the five points?
Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Shen Men is used to calm the spirit, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. It serves as a foundational point to establish a sense of inner peace and is used in just about every ear acupuncture treatment (at least in this office!).
Sympathetic: The Sympathetic point is associated with the autonomic nervous system. Stimulating this point aims to regulate the body's stress response and enhance overall balance.
Kidney: The Kidney point is linked to the body's vital energy and is used to support the strengthening of willpower and determination, essential qualities for those overcoming addiction or trauma.
Liver: The Liver point is associated with detoxification and emotional balance. Stimulation of this point helps release stored emotions and support the body's natural cleansing processes.
Lung: The Lung point is linked to the respiratory system and emotional well-being. Activation of this point facilitates the release of grief and sadness.
How can 5NP help you?
I’m so glad you asked because 5NP is for EVERYONE, not just those who are experiencing addiction. I use this protocol so often for a wide variety of reasons. Here are a few frequent in-office examples:
First responders who have experienced a particularly traumatic call
People who are trying to quit smoking or drinking
People who are trying to reduce or eliminate sugar in their diet
People who are experiencing a very stressful time in their lives
People who are also doing other forms of therapy to heal past or current traumas and want to be able to dive deeper during their sessions - I typically place ear seeds so they can wear them to their appointment
In addition to reducing cravings and stress, this protocol can also improve sleep, minimize withdrawal symptoms, reduce pain, improve mood, provide an easier connection for counseling, and help you discover your inner quiet.
What does a treatment look like?
This depends on the setting. In my clinic, the protocol may be added during your acupuncture treatment with needles or might be applied with ear seeds that you will wear for up to five days. Training to become certified in 5NP is open to more than just acupuncturists though. Many counselors are licensed AcuDetox specialists who will use this protocol during group or individual sessions. There are also pop-up sessions with community organizations, such as those put on by the BIPOC Alliance here in Larimer County.
Interested in trying it for yourself? Schedule today for either a full acupuncture treatment (private or community) or a mini ear seed treatment.
Resources:
Dope is Death documentary: Kanopy or Amazon
4 Part Dope is Death podcast