Detox Acupuncture: quit smoking, alcohol, reduce sugar

Ear or Auricular acupuncture is used with great success for detoxification of the body. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into both ears at precise points which correspond to different parts of the body, while the patient relaxes. The discovery that particular ear points could alleviate the symptoms of drug withdrawal was made in 1972 by a Hong Kong neurosurgeon H.L. Wen. The set of points were so effective that the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was set up to promote use of the points protocol worldwide. The set of points have become known as the ‘NADA protocol’, and used to support smoking, alcohol and drug cessation. The protocol relieves a lot of the discomfort of withdrawal, or toxin overload and returns the body’s energy to normal functioning by targeting the body’s main detox organs: liver, kidneys and lungs.

At your first visit you will be given a short form to complete where you can provide brief details of your health detox needs. Then needles are inserted into each ear while you are seated. Sometimes a pricking sensation will be felt as the needles are inserted, followed by a warm feeling in each ear. After the needles are inserted, it is important to sit quietly for 30 to 45 minutes, with feet on the floor and legs uncrossed or resting on a treatment couch. You are encouraged to close your eyes. During in this time you cannot smoke, or eat or drink, apart from the Detox tea, which will be offered as you undergo your treatment. This tea is a calming and supports the body to clear itself of toxins. Friends or couples can be treated at the same time.

Ear acupuncture provides the following health benefits:

Strengthens the body’s major detox organs: liver, kidneys and lungs.
Reduces cravings for nicotine, alcohol, drugs and sugar.
Reduces withdrawal symptoms e.g. from giving up smoking.
Reduces feelings of depression, anxiety and fear by calming the mind.
Treats insomnia by promoting better sleep.
Strengthens digestion.
Improves energy.

The benefits of ear detox acupuncture are broadly relaxation and stress reduction. It effectively provides reduction in cravings, relief from withdrawal symptoms, a cleared mind, and increased sense of purpose, better sleep and improved appetite and energy. The typical locations of the needles in the ears are:

Sympathetic: this has a strong pain killing action and relieves contractions of the intestines. It can cause the dilation of blood vessels, and treat nightsweats.
Shenmen: Is concerned with our emotions. It calms the mind, and treats insomnia. It promotes abdominal circulation, harmonises the liver and reduces high blood pressure.
Kidney: strengthens the kidney function, assists urination to flush out toxins and invigorates the digestion. It helps back pains and reduces fear.
Liver: regulates blood circulation, strengthens the stomach, relieves dizzy spells and strengthens digestion, relieves general aches and pains, bloating, irritability and depression.
Lungs: this assists in breathing difficulties and it regulates body temperature. Promotes the circulation of oxygenated blood, and is effective in treating diarrhoea.

Fees

£30 per person for 45 mins

Detox treatments are available in East Dulwich, Crystal Palace and Southfields.