Acupuncture has been used in addiction treatment and recovery for years

In an earlier post, we saw the ear as the focus for both diagnostic and healing techniques via massage and reflexology.  When the NADA protocols were initiated by Dr. Michael Smith to assist heroin addicts in their recovery, the protocol lasted a much shorter time than a full acupuncture treatment.  Fewer points were used, and it was seen by supporters as a viable alternative to allopathic methods.

Critics argued there weren’t enough clinical studies to confirm its effectiveness on patients.  Much of the criticism stemmed from the use of Qi energy that is transferred from the practitioner’s body, through the needle, and into the patient to assist in the healing process.  Qi is unseen by the naked eye and therefore, cannot be measured by some laboratory instruments.  This has posed a problem for many researchers who claim that anything used in a medical setting must have the ability to be measured.

Nevertheless, acupuncture in general has had great success since its use began to spread in the US in the 1970s, and the NADA protocol has also experienced much growth and development on its own, with branches in the United States, India, and nearly a dozen European countries.  One can find an NADA certified practitioner in many hospitals and stand alone clinics, treating patients on a daily basis.