Kicking a chronic habit is one of the toughest things we can face. Chinese Medicine (CM) offers a powerful tool called the NADA protocol, a widely-used auricular (ear) acupuncture treatment designed specifically for addressing addiction. This approach not only strengthens the body but also supports emotional resilience, calms the system, and helps shift the psychological patterns that often keep addictions in place.
In my practice, I’ve found that regular weekly treatments are key. The support doesn’t just focus on stopping the habit, but on anchoring you in a new, healthier way of coping with life’s challenges—whether related to self-image, self-worth, or personal autonomy.
Let me share two examples with you. Both patients were in midlife and had been smoking for nearly 30 years. The first patient was eager to quit, while the second enjoyed smoking but knew it was taking a toll on their health. It took three weeks of treatment before the first patient felt ready to begin quitting, and about seven weeks for the second. In both cases, deep emotional patterns related to self-worth and self-love emerged. As their treatments progressed, these patterns began to shift, leading to significant improvements in their sense of resilience and personal authority.
The first patient, despite going through major life challenges like initiating a divorce, never relapsed after quitting. Weekly treatments continued for six months until they felt completely free from the urge to smoke. For this patient, addressing unexpressed grief and current life stresses alongside the NADA protocol and other CM techniques was crucial.
The second patient didn’t share as much about their past trauma, but their energy indicated a deep need for protection, pointing to unconscious patterns developed for safety. We worked on calming their nervous system while treating the addiction, and after about two months of regular sessions, they began coming in only when they felt vulnerable to relapse. A year later, I received an email letting me know they’d stayed smoke-free and had even added new healthy habits into their life.
The NADA protocol isn’t just for smoking cessation; it’s also effective for weight loss, trauma, and PTSD. The timeline for overcoming addiction or trauma varies for each person, depending on how long the pattern has been in place and its intensity. While the effects of NADA can start immediately, creating lasting change takes time and consistent support. But with patience, the shift becomes permanent, and the risk of relapse fades as resilience strengthens.
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