Ear Acupuncture

The 5 NEEDLE PROTOCOL (5NP)

 What is the 5NP?

The 5NP is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and offered as an integral component in mental health and addiction treatment.


The 5 Needle Protocol (5NP), also known as auricular acupuncture, Acudetox or the NADA protocol, is a standardized ear acupuncture protocol that clinical evidence supports in treating addictions, behavioral health, trauma and disaster relief.  The protocol is a simple yet powerful treatment that involves the placement of 5 sterile needles in specific points in each ear. The treatment is non-verbal, non-threatening and often brings an immediate calming effect. It has shown to improve retention to treatment and it is compatible across cultures. 


After the needles are placed, it is the client’s own body that is providing the healing. This is an empowering practice especially for clients who have been disconnected from their bodies due to trauma and other life challenges. It has been found to improve patient outcomes in terms of program retention, reduction in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals. Over time it has been discovered that the 5NP is also effective in the adjunctive treatment of trauma and PTSD, chronic pain and depression. It was used after 911 for first responders and community members.


NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY and SPIRIT


5NP Mindfulness & Tea

SATURDAYS, 10:30 to NOON

The five needle protocol offered in a calm community space, donation based sliding scale $10-20 suggested but not required. Every Saturday 10:30 to noon (please arrive by 11:15 am to ensure a full treatment). Please check the Grounded Path Calendar (tab above) before you come, sometimes the clinic is canceled due to other engagements. This offering is held at Grounded Path's Office 194 2nd St. Office 8 Amherst, VA.

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Free Student-Led Ear Acupuncture Clinics


Saturday June 1st and Sunday June 2nd at 3pm


 Please join Grounded Path's latest Auricular Acu-Technician Training Cohort to experience a demonstration of the ear acupuncture technique called the 5 Needle Protocol also known as the NADA protocol or Acudetox.


These clinics our supervised by the Trainers of the program.


This is a free event. Our trainees need ears, maybe you would like to learn more about the 5NP and experience it's effects for yourself!

Learn to Provide the 5NP

Trainings coming up this Spring and Summer 2024

Become credentialed as an Auricular Acu-Technician.

Grounded Path Holistic Counseling is happy to partner with POCA, The People's Organization of Community Acupuncture. POCA is a member-run 501(c)(6) non-profit organization whose mission is to work cooperatively to increase accessibility to and availability of affordable group acupuncture treatments.   Together we provide high quality, socially conscious, inclusive ear acupuncture trainings to those who share our mission in getting acupuncture into as many communities as possible especially those that are underserved.


Grounded Path offers a Hybrid Training consisting of independent study, 4 live Zoom classes and a 2 day in person class. 




Who can be trained    


The practice of the 5NP by non-acupuncturists is generally regulated by state agencies. Check this link to see if you are eligible to provide the protocol in your state.   


Members of the following professions have been trained as auricular acu-technicians (AAT) in localities that approve them as providers:

 

  • Addictions & harm reduction counselors
  • Mental health therapists & social workers
  • Correctional officers & drug court personnel
  • Disaster relief teams and trauma support center staff
  • First responders, health promoters, nurses, and EMTs
  • Acupuncturists, medical doctors



 



Training Format


This is an interactive training using multiple learning methods that will be both synchronous (live online) and asynchronous (completed independently, on your own) and in person learning. The in person training consists of one full day and one half day. After the training, trainees complete 40 supervised 5NP treatments. These treatments can be supervised by any AAT and must be completed within one year of the training. 

Once the didactic and clinical portion is complete the trainee is eligible for a Certificate of Completion provided by POCA.



Training Costs


All students are first required to join POCA as an Auricular Acu-Tech Trainee for $50.  Click here to join/read about membership benefits.  This is separate from the training cost of $400/person.

Students are also encouraged to purchase a practice ear (or a pair) to practice on during the Zoom sessions.  This purchase is optional. Previous students have found having an ear of their own to practice on was very helpful.



I am also happy to come to an agency or business to provide the training for an additional fee for travel and time.

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