The NADA Protocol: Ear Acupuncture for Trauma, Recovery, and Regulation

The NADA Protocol—developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association in the 1970s—is a powerful, low-cost, drug-free treatment approach that uses auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture) to support the body’s natural ability to heal from stress, trauma, addiction, and emotional dysregulation.

This non-verbal, somatic therapy involves placing five small, sterile acupuncture needles in specific points on each ear. Treatments last about 20–25 minutes, typically in a quiet group setting, allowing for communal healing, deep relaxation, and emotional grounding.

A Brief History

The NADA Protocol has its roots in the Lincoln Detox Center in the South Bronx, New York, where pioneering medical professionals and community activists sought non-pharmaceutical solutions to treat heroin addiction in the 1970s. Dr. Michael Smith, a psychiatrist, was instrumental in developing and formalizing the protocol, which became the foundation of what we now call auricular acupuncture for addiction treatment.

It was inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and the ear point research of Dr. Paul Nogier, a French physician considered the “father of auriculotherapy,” who mapped specific areas of the ear to neurological and physiological functions in the 1950s.

Since then, the NADA Protocol has expanded in scope and has been adopted around the world as a tool for emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and behavioral health support, especially in underserved, high-stress populations.

Clinical Points Used

The five standard NADA points on the ear are:

1. Sympathetic Point – calms the nervous system and balances the body’s stress response
2. Shen Men – translates as “Spirit Gate,” calming the mind and opening emotional pathways
3. Kidney Point – strengthens vitality, relieves fear, and supports detoxification
4. Liver Point – aids in emotional regulation, especially anger and frustration
5. Lung Point – supports grief processing, breathing, and immunity

This combination affects the limbic system, hypothalamus, and autonomic nervous system, promoting balance and calm without the need for verbal processing—making it ideal for individuals who are early in recovery or emotionally overwhelmed.

Clinical Applications

The NADA Protocol has been widely used in:

• Addiction treatment programs (including opioid detox and methadone tapering)
• Behavioral health clinics and trauma recovery programs
• Correctional institutions and veterans’ services
• Disaster relief, including post-9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Sandy Hook, and global humanitarian crises
• Community mental health initiatives
• First responder support and burnout prevention

Evidence & Research

While more large-scale, randomized controlled trials are still needed to satisfy Western clinical standards, numerous studies and program evaluations have demonstrated the benefits of the NADA Protocol, including:

• Decreased cravings and substance use
• Reduced anxiety, agitation, and PTSD symptoms
• Improved sleep quality, emotional stability, and treatment retention
• Lower rates of relapse and increased participation in counseling programs

Notably:

• A 2012 study in Substance Abuse found increased retention in residential treatment when NADA was added to traditional therapy.
• The protocol is endorsed by the World Health Organization and incorporated into recovery guidelines in many U.S. states, especially in correctional and recovery centers.
• Battlefield acupuncture, a related auricular technique used in the U.S. military, shares similarities and has gained widespread use among veterans for PTSD and chronic pain.

Why It Matters

The NADA Protocol is non-invasive, affordable, and universally accessible—requiring no verbal communication or patient preparation. It provides a gentle point of entry for deeper healing, especially for those who are trauma-impacted or hesitant to talk.

By calming the body’s stress response and re-regulating the nervous system, it lays the foundation for long-term recovery—whether the issue is addiction, grief, anxiety, or the cumulative burden of life’s challenges.

At Serenity Springs, the NADA Protocol complements our use of the Morph Device giving our patients a deeply rooted, time-tested foundation for true, whole-person healing.

This 20-25 minute treatment promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports recovery in group settings. It’s a cost-effective, drug-free therapy often used in addiction recovery, mental health, and disaster relief settings.

Experience the healing power of NADA Protocol.

Book your session today!