Acupuncture has become a recognized therapy for many conditions including:

• Substance Abuse
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Loss

The scientific literature has revealed that acupuncture has a profound effect on brain neurochemistry. In fact acupuncture has been used in drug detox programs for many years. In 1985 it was instituted as part of the addiction treatment program in the South Bronx’s Lincoln Hospital where it continues to be used today. According to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA),

“A wide variety of controlled clinical trials, outcome summaries and anecdotal reports about the use of acupuncture in addiction treatment have been appearing since the 1970s in journals specializing in addictions, mental health, public health, criminal justice and acupuncture. These reports differed vastly in terms of methodology, populations studied, statistical sophistication and clinical relevance as well as in their findings about the value of acupuncture. A sub-category of this published work has focused specifically on the NADA protocol. Within this sub-category is found strong evidence for the effect of the NADA protocol in improving patient outcomes in terms of program retention, reductions in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals (emphasis ours).” (1)

What are the benefits of acupuncture for addiction management?

Acupuncture helps to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. It helps to make the patient feel better emotionally, mentally and physically. In addition it will with the following:

• Reduction of craving Improvement of restorative sleep
• Reduction of anxiety and nervousness
• Reduction of pain and cramping
• Critically important as part of an overall detoxification on the patient

What are the benefits of acupuncture for weight loss?

In addition to the traditional detoxification protocol used for any form of addiction or substance abuse, additional points are used to help control hunger. Herbal and natural medications are used to increase metabolism and reduce cravings.

What is the AcuStop Program?

The AcuStop Program is different in the sense that it not merely the use of acupuncture needles. It is a complete program used to help patients through the process of quitting an addiction or losing weight.

How does it work?

With acupuncture, the body will be helped in producing natural relaxants and pain relieving endorphins and other neurochemicals. Specific points on the ear are used, that stimulate the organs and their corresponding meridian channels which are responsible for elimination of toxins from the system. Treatment also includes points regulating the nervous system. Additional points are used depending on the specific condition being treated, Additional points are used depending on the specific condition being treated, such as the auricular point for hunger, the mouth point, the small intestine point, shenmen (spirits gate), hunger point, endocrine point, or body points that impact the appetite such as stomach or spleen points in the case of weight control.

In the case of smoking one study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that acupuncture helped more then 80% of participants to quit smoking. There were 500 patients in the study. Two thirds of participants continued to be smoke free two years later.

Natural homeopathic medicine, anti-homotoxic medicines, and herbal formulations are also used to detoxify the body, reduce cravings (for that specific addiction), calm the mind, and promote proper weight management.

Are there alternatives to needles?

It is critically important to understand that acupuncture treatment is virtually painless. The needles that we use are as thin as a hair, and I have perfected a technique known as the Painless Acupuncture Method which makes the treatment experience a relaxing event, and not a stressful event. However, we can use the lasers and electro-acupuncture devices to treat addiction and weight loss as a substitute for acupuncture needles!

You should be aware that there are clinics that promote the use of hand held cold lasers (sometimes referred to as soft lasers, or low level lasers) for smoking cessation and weight loss, and that’s fine. However, beware of clinics that charge exorbitant fees and make unrealistic claims of success with “one treatment.”

As we all know addiction of any kind, i.e., drugs, overeating, etc., are often a lifelong problems for many which requires a multi-faceted approach. If it sounds to good to be true, then it probably is to good to be true. To be balanced, there are those that do quit their addiction in one visit.

How often do I need treatment?

Treatment starts in our office, but continues when you go home since we are offer a “program” and not merely an in-office service. It will include recommendations for appropriate nutritional, herbal and natural medicine products that will be required to achieve a successful treatment outcome. Treatment frequency varies since some patients’ require more frequent treatments to alleviate “urges” and others require less. We recommend treatment one to two times weekly to begin the process, and we are “on call” should a patient need more frequent attention.

How long is a treatment?

Typical treatment times can range from thirty minutes to one hour. Ears seeds are taped in place at the completion of the treatment for prolonged stimulation of the acupoints.

Can you guarantee results?

No! Addictions are difficult to treat. Please do not anyone fool you into thinking that treatment for addiction (and it doesn’t matter if you are a smoker or overeater) is a simple matter. Oftentimes we refer our patients for counseling, stress management, medical hypnotherapy, and nutritional therapy, to augment our treatment regimen.

Do you must want to end your addiction?

Like all addiction programs, successful use of the AcuStop Program begins with the true desire and commitment to end your addiction. YOU MUST WANT TO END YOUR ADDICTION FIRST!! Call today to schedule your appointment, or use our online form to request further information.

From the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association: www.acudetox.com