Community Acupuncture: In Solidarity

Nicole Fillion-Robin, ​LAc, MAcOM, Dipl. OM

In solidarity with the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, and also because of the trauma and stress resulting from the political climate, Lindsey Wilder Flatt and Nicole Fillion-Robin are both offering car-side stress and trauma treatments for the community on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Anyone can come between 12:00 PM-1:00 PM and receive a NADA treatment in the comfort of their vehicle. Practitioners and participants are required to be fever-free and wearing a mask. 
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The NADA protocol was developed to address addiction, as well as the stress and trauma that often coexist alongside addiction. Although it was developed as a way to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and aid in recovery, many people find this protocol helpful for stress management and in disaster relief efforts. NADA acupuncture can help calm the nervous system and help you sleep better, as well as nurture a sense of inner calmness, strength, and introspection. 

The protocol itself is simple and relatively painless, which lends to it being easy to use in group treatment settings. Your acupuncturist will place five needles or magnets (for acupressure) in specific spots on the ears, and your body does the rest! You retain the needles for 30-45 minutes. Simply sit back and observe what comes up as you would in meditation, or take a short nap. 

In the 1970s, there were marches and a general public outcry for municipally supported drug treatment programs. In those days, many people addicted to heroin died while on the waitlist to get into a detoxification center. The only option for many people seeking help were outpatient community health and social service centers that the Black Panthers and Young Lords organized in order to help in the absence of municipal or state services. A drug-detoxification center was formed in the Bronx thanks to the public outcry and the grassroots efforts of these groups. There are now over 1,000 programs nationwide who use the NADA protocol as part of their efforts to work with the public. Globally it is utilized by Acupuncturists Without Borders and medical aid groups as a tool for disaster relief, refugee and international health care.

To learn more about the origins of NADA and how these POC-lead, grassroots organizations came together to help their communities, please visit the NADA website. 

We urge you to take care of yourself in these times. Come by if you need some support. We are offering these treatments free of charge, but if you care to donate, you may choose an amount of your choice to send to the NAACP or the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

RSVP on Facebook. ​