Addiction

 

Chinese Medicine addresses organ imbalances to treat addictions. The heart can be responsible for mental component, while the spleen can provoke food cravings; the lungs are mainly impacted by smoking and the liver is the main organ for detoxification. The kidneys can be severely damaged by heavy drug use and is important to be treated as they are considered to be a fundamental constitution and the core of one’s health in Chinese Medicine.  A well-known acupuncture protocol to treat addictions is “NADA” or National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol. NADA protocol was developed in 1970s by Michael Smith, a doctor at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Recovery Centre in New York.  His treatment consisted of the insertion of 5 acupuncture needles in the ear auricle. Both ears are typically needled and retained for 30-45 min. Treatment encourages the release of endorphins, lowers stress and induces relaxation. NADA protocol is only one example of how auricular acupuncture can provide long-lasting results for someone battling addictions. Aleksandra Dianova, L.Ac. underwent an extensive auricular acupuncture course and utilizes NADA protocol as well as other auricular treatments to assist her patients. Acupuncture and Cupping treatments along with Chinese Herbal Medicine can further assist with detoxification of the body, improvement of the liver function, and calming of the mind. For most patients, significant improvement is reached at about 3 months of regular treatments while additional treatments can produce further progress.

 

Drugs | Alcohol | Smoking | Sugar