I work at a methadone clinic, providing predominantly ear acupuncture to 30-70 patients a day. Patients are part of an interdisciplinary program of counseling, medical care, and methadone to support their process in ending their addiction to heroin. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (http://acudetox.com/) has been providing group acupuncture to chemically dependent patients for years and is used in hospitals, clinics and drug treatment facilities around the world. In many ways, community acupuncture models come out of NADA’s work.
Our ears have over 300 acupuncture points in each ear! Our ears are the only part of our body containing all 3 types of tissue that is present when we are a fetus. A group called Acupuncturists Without Borders went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and offered acupuncture to rescue aid workers, residents, community organizers and people experiencing the daily trauma of living amidst the destruction, racism, loss and rebuilding of their city. They did all ear points and were known to provide intense healing and recovery.
Many of my patients in community acupuncture receive ear needles – for anxiety, support in quitting smoking, to reduce the cravings for prescription drug addiction, and overall mental and physical health. Every part of the body is represented in our ears – ailments from jaw pain, toothaches and shoulder injuries to painful periods and allergies can be addressed by ear points. Powerful tools these healing ears of ours!
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