Multiple Functions of Acudetox Points

Body and auricular (ear) acupuncture are used for treating a variety of clinical disorders. There are numerous acupoints on the external ear, all of which correspond to a specific area or function of the body. Stimulating these points with pressure or needles helps to facilitate the body’s own natural healing processes, restoring internal balance and treating the deeper underlying condition.

The five acupoints used in the NADA Acudetox protocol (from top to bottom) are:

Shen Men
Calms the mind and helps facilitate a state of harmony, serenity, and a deeper connection to one’s spirit; enhances ability to love self and others. Alleviates stress, pain, tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, excessive sensitivity, and reduces hypertension. This point also enhances the reactivity of all other points.

Sympathetic
Balances the autonomic nervous system – reduces excess excitement of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and promotes calming effect of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, strong pain relieving and relaxant effect on internal organs, helps regulate irregular and rapid heartbeats, enhances general sedation, calms the spirit and provides for a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Kidney
The kidney in Chinese medicine is associated with growth, development, reproduction, and the ageing process. It also relates to fear, resolve, and will. Stimulation of this point relieves fear, apprehensions and insecurities, helps develop will power and confidence and aids in mental focus. Can be used for kidney and urinary problems, bone disorders, low back pain, ear and hearing problems, hair loss, stress. Aids in detoxification.

Liver
The liver is one of the largest detoxification organs in the body. In Chinese medicine the liver is responsible for planning, vision and insight and helps to keep the body’s systems and emotions flowing smoothly. It is associated with the eyes, tendons, ligaments, and helps relieve muscle cramps. It promotes clear thinking and decision making and relieves anger, frustration, resentment and depression. The point relieves liver and gallbladder disorders, alcoholism, regulates blood disorders, hypertension and anemia.

Lung
The lung in Chinese medicine relates to the skin, nose, and body hair and is involved in immunity and protecting the body from disease. The lung aids in the regulation of grief and sadness, helps in the process of letting go and acceptance, and is an important organ for detoxification. Stimulating this point relieves all types of respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats etc.), edema, chest stuffiness, night sweats, addictions and skin disorders.

References:
Oleson, T., 2014. Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture, 4th
Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Edinburgh

National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. (2011). Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist Training Resource Manual, 4th Edition. Laramie, WY

Author: Sascha Kerr

Sascha Kerr is an Acupuncturist, NADA certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and Registered Massage Therapist. Sascha is grateful to be able to work in a profession that she truly enjoys, and is passionate about educating and empowering clients to achieve a more balanced state of health and well being.