DRUG & ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Substance Abuse

Acupuncture is widely used as a detoxification treatment. It is a popular and safe method which provides convenient relaxation and reduction of drug craving, and reduction of withdrawal symptoms to substance abusers. Symptoms as chronic tension, craving and insomnia, reflect not only psychosocial imbalance but total body imbalance as well.

Acupuncture acts physiologically (body functions) by enhancing the patient's own balancing mechanisms.
 

ACUPUNCTURE DETOXIFICATION

The five ear points used for detoxification are as follows:

Sympathetic: This point relates to the emotional nervous system. It helps to alleviate stress, disease of the digestion systems, and aids in respiratory system.

Shen-men: The Kidney is a vital organ involved with the purification of blood. In terms of Chinese medicine it is related to longevity and life force. It cleanses damage caused by drug and alcohol abuse. It also serves to calm fears and remove insecurities, and strengthens the nervous system.

Liver: The liver is an extremely important vital organ. In conjunction with the kidney, it is responsible for detoxification and purification of blood. In terms of Chinese medicine it is related to emotional balance. When the liver is balanced people feel more relaxed and confident. Anyone who has had contact with substance abusers, of any type, know that these individuals are subject to severe mood swings. Balancing the liver energy helps to stabilize these impulsive individuals.

Lungs: The lung is another important organ. The lung relates to the immune system, expression of feelings, especially sadness, mental and physical balance, as well as relaxation. It is the organ most abused by inhalants such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, cigarettes, etc. In terms of Chinese medicine it is nourishing organ involved with the very balance of life force itself. In general acupuncture helps people transform their lives behavior. They become more aware of their environment. It also serves to take away negative and balancing their way of thinking into more positive channels.