by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Addiction, Pain Management
NADA, which stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, was established in 1985 to promote the NADA protocol acupuncture treatment for addiction. The non-profit organization promotes advocacy and the use of a non-verbal, pharmaceutical free approach to behavioral health. The protocol uses five specific acupuncture points on the ear to treat addiction and to be an alternative to methadone.
The NADA protocol differs slightly from other acupuncture treatments. The treatment usually involves needling in both of the patient’s ears for about 30 minutes. The treatment is often done in a group setting for support for those being treated as they recover from addiction.
The NADA protocol is about more than just acupuncture, but really about being a step in a sometimes long road to recovery.
Patients are treated in a quiet, peaceful room. Each patient gets the exact same treatment. Group treatment is emphasized to address feelings of denial and create an open, safe environment.
Those in recovery from addiction commonly report feelings of an improved sense of purpose and well being after treatment. Acupuncture is known for its relaxing benefits, which is especially helpful for those in recovery. Patients are able to de-stress in their treatment process to help them continue to make progress.
Most common effects of the NADA protocol include:
• Improved retention of rehabilitation programs
• Improved mood and outlook
• Lowered anxiety
• Lowered cravings
• Improved sleep
• Reduced need for prescription medication
There are a lot of factors that come to play in addiction treatment. Along with counseling, support groups and/or 12-step programs, the NADA protocol can help make recovery easier and more successful.
For more information about NADA go to:
http://www.acudetox.com/
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/nadaprotocol.php
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Immune Health, Pain Management, Prevention
There are more than 80 chronic illnesses that are immune related including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and celiac disease.
Autoimmune diseases result when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body’s tissues. Immune deficiency is more common than most people think; around 20 percent of the population suffers from some form of an autoimmune disorder, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.
Although symptoms vary greatly depending on the specific disease, commons symptoms include chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, weight loss, dry eyes and abdominal pain.
Autoimmune diseases are not always easily treated, as they are a chronic illness with no known cure. However, there are natural ways to ease and reduce symptoms such as acupuncture treatment.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that immune deficiencies come from an imbalance in the body. When there is a stagnation in the body’s natural energy flow, called Qi, the body becomes out of balance, whether it is from a deficiency or excess of yin or yang.
Acupuncture works by addressing the body as a whole. By using specific acupuncture points on the body, the treatment is able to release any blockages and return the body back to its natural balance.
Research has shown that acupuncture can affect the release of hormones, proteins and chemicals in the body, which can affect blood pressure and the immune system.
Although there is no cure, immune deficiencies can be managed properly to have the best quality of life possible. Acupuncture has also been shown to help boost mood and lower stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for increased symptoms.
If you think you may have an autoimmune disease and are not getting a diagnosis, don’t give up. Immune deficiencies are hard to diagnose because of the wide range of symptoms. It may take multiple doctors to get a correct diagnosis.
Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment option that can decrease symptoms and improve overall well being.
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Treating+Autoimmune+Disorders+with+Acupuncture+and+Oriental+Medicine+
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Acupuncture, Anti-Inflammatory, Digestion, Fatigue, Insomnia, Often Misdiagnosed, Pain, Pain Management
Have you been suffering with little relief?
It could be due to a tailbone injury (coccydynia). Often, these injuries are old sometimes stemming from childhood – we have forgotten about them– and they could be the literal root cause of your painful symptoms.
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Neck Pain
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Back Pain and/or Spasms
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Constipation
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Gynecological Disharmony
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Headaches
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Depression
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Obsession
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Restlessness
When the connective tissue surrounding the tailbone is traumatized, the filum terminale may be pulled. This strand of connective tissue is connected to the dura mater which surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain. When this is pulled, a plethora of head, neck and back pain can result. The reproductive and elimination systems can also be affected profoundly. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, the tailbone area is the center of emotional energy which in this case can also translate to psychological problems that are resistant to other treatments, including depression, obsession, and restlessness.
We use an elegant Japanese treatment protocol that produces big results. It includes gentle, painless acupuncture and moxibustion that relieves tight, tender spots, alleviates symptoms and treats at the root cause. This is often a profound healing experience.
My own experience resulted in chronic low back pain which plagued me for over a decade until I discovered this treatment. I mistakenly attributed this pain to other more recent events even though the skiing accident I had in my youth was so traumatic that I couldn’t walk normally for a full month. This painful, traumatic event’s prognosis varies depending on the patient, but can certainly be treated with success using a unique combination of KMS, APM, and Moxibustion. Call us – we can help.
