What is Acudetox?
Acudetox is a word formed from combining “acupuncture” and “detox” and refers to a specific form of acupuncture treatment targeting the ear. This process has been found useful in detox, and in many other areas of human health.
Acudetox was first developed in the 1970s by a Hong Kong neurosurgeon, and has since became widely used in treating those withdrawing from drugs, alcohol, and medications.
Acudetox has also been found useful in many other areas including holistic relief from mental health symptoms and unwanted conditions such as insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety.
An especially interesting report describes over 20 clinical trials on depression, involving over 1300 participants, that suggest acupuncture to be more effective than drug-based therapy with fewer side effects, and fewer adverse outcomes, even when used as a stand-alone treatment intervention lasting only 4 weeks. That kind of evidence should not be ignored. 7
How is Acudetox Done?
Acudetox can be done in a group or individual setting and is delivered by a licensed therapist who has been trained in the process. The protocols used in acudetox are developed and overseen by NADA, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.2,3,6
The process is simple, but effective. Very fine sterilized needles are inserted at 5 exact points of the outer ear. The needles will remain inserted until the end of the treatment, which runs about 30-45 minutes. The process is non-verbal, and some practitioners use calming background music for the client’s enhanced comfort. These 5 acupuncture contact points situated on the outer ear are described briefly below. The needles are inserted in both outer ears at these points.1,4,5
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Shen Men, a point in the upper part of the ear, which enables calmness, feelings of well-being, and relaxation
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lung
These 5 points produce changes by stimulating specific nervous system pathways, and are thought to trigger natural neurochemicals that can significantly ease the discomfort normally associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal. Additionally, a reduction in drug and alcohol cravings has been reported in the clinical findings where acudetox was used to support the detox process.