Community Acupuncture:

The NADA Protocol is a non-verbal approach to healing.

It is a standardized ear acupuncture and acupressure treatment that involves the gentle placement of up to 5 needles or seeds & beads into specific sites on each ear and sitting quietly in a group setting for 30-45 minutes.

NADA ear acupuncture is an adjunct therapy which is clinically effective, cost-efficient, drug-free and compatible cross-culturally. It can easily be established within behavioral health, addictions or disaster relief settings or in any location that a group of people can sit together.

The combined application of acupuncture with counseling, education, medical support and self-help groups such as AA and NA enhances opportunities for success.

Most participants report:

• Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
• Minimized withdrawal symptoms
  
• Increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation
• Relief from stress and emotional trauma
• An easier connection with counseling
• A discovery of inner quiet and strength

NADA is an acudetox protocol developed for the stress of recovering from trauma or substance abuse. That being said, it's also great for detoxing from substances that are a little more mainstream such as nicotine, alcohol, or maybe even gluten and sugar.

NADA is also be an excellent complement to talk therapy by helping process difficult emotions and making you feel safe in your body.

Benefits

• Increased calmness, better sleep
• Decrease in anxiety and agitation
• Reduced cravings for alcohol and other drugs (including nicotine)
  
• Relief from stress & trauma
  
• Easier connection with counseling & other health & healing treatments
  

Here are my two most frequently-asked questions:

Q: Will it hurt?
A: The needles I use are much smaller than your average needle. In fact, about 20 acupuncture needles fit inside the average hypodermic needle (used to draw blood)! Most patients do not even feel the needles go in. You may feel a tingling sensation, warmness, or heaviness and a dull ache where needles are inserted initially. Those are normal responses and signifies a connection with the rest of your body. I also have needle-free options for those with extreme aversion to needle-therapy.

Q: How do you know where to place the needles?
A: A lot of school (4 years!) and time spent learning about the anatomy and physiology of human body. Acupuncture points are located in areas with higher concentrations of superficial nerves, blood vessels, neuromuscular attachments (where vessels and nerves penetrate muscle fibers). 

Don't take my word for it, ask Katie:

"Amazing experience!  I have a needle phobia and Nicole was so understanding and patient with me, I felt so supported throughout the process from the first contact to the actual appointment!  I highly highly HIGHLY recommend her to anyone, but especially people who need compassionate support."