Frequently Asked Questions

The metro-Detroit area.

Auricular Acupuncture is a form of acupuncture performed only on the outer ear. It is focused on inducing relaxation, relief from stress and insomnia, and aid in addiction recovery. It has nothing to do with audio or hearing, so why the ear? Because various points on the ear correspond to different parts of the body. You’ve likely seen reflexology diagrams of the bottom of feet, mapping each area of the foot to organs throughout the body. The ear is a similar system. This form of acupuncture regulates bodily and emotional dysfunctions through the stimulation of certain points on the ear.

This form of acupuncture primarily targets anxiety related ailments. The 5-point NADA protocol I use is typically used in behavioral health or therapy settings, addiction recovery centers, at veterans’ hospitals, as well as on location after natural disasters. This form of acupuncture has also been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. It calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and anxiety, reduces fear and anger, improves sleep, and regulates cravings for addictive substances. Some of these results can be felt immediately but will need continued services to maintain. Others will build with continuous sessions and alongside complimentary therapy.

The exact mechanism acupuncture is difficult to describe. However, the premise of acupuncture is that certain disorders are caused by abnormal flow of qi or chi throughout the body. Chi can be understood as a type of energy. The body is a self-regulating and self-healing organism, and stimulating certain points throughout the body encourages the proper flow of chi or blood to promote this healing. Acupuncture stimulates our body’s existing healing mechanisms via “micro traumas” that stimulate the body’s ability to spontaneously heal injuries through activating the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. As these micro traumas are healed, so is surrounding damage from older injuries. Acupuncture creates signals within the central nervous system that cause the brain to send out natural pain-killing endorphins. Auricular or ear acupuncture is no different; the stimulation or activation of somatotopic points on the ear lead to a healing release and relaxation effect.

You may feel a small prick when the needle is inserted, but acupuncture needles are much thinner than syringe needles and are barely noticeable. Once the needle is in, you will no longer feel it. The relaxation sensation begins while the needles are in, so you will not be in pain during the procedure itself.

Our needles are sterile, single use, and come pre-sealed. These are much thinner than needles or syringes used in medical or hospital settings.

The needles stay in for 30-45 minutes.

No, the needles are used once and discarded in a sharps container as medical waste. They come in a pre-sealed 10 pack (the exact number needed per person/treatment).

Some people will bleed a bit upon removal of the needles. This happens less than half the time and is typically such a tiny amount that a cotton ear swab will absorb it.

You may feel a small prick sensation as the needle is inserted. But within seconds, the sensation either goes away completely or you feel a faint buzzy or tingly sensation throughout the 30 minute treatment. You will either enjoy this time with the needles in or forget all about them. Immediately afterward you can expect a general feeling of well-being, sense of relaxation, improved sleep, and with continued sessions decreased cravings for addictive substances and improved pain management.

The good thing about this form of acupuncture is that that who respond to it will feel immediate relief; in the form of relaxation, decreased heart rate, and better sleep. You do not need additional sessions to achieve these effects. The effects last a couple days. While the results are immediate, it’s like medication, meditation, or massage – continued benefits only come with continued use.

When it comes to substance use and trauma, however, this is considered an adjunct treatment; meaning it cannot be the only means of addressing addiction or mental health. It may reduce symptoms in the short term, but complimentary therapy is needed for long term healing. When paired together, therapy and acupuncture produce outstanding results; stronger than either alone.

Adverse effects of acupuncture are rare. Infections are extremely rare and may result if unsterile practice is utilized. All of our needles are single use and come pre-sealed. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur in some people. To prevent this, sit or lay with the inserted needles instead of walking around. This treatment is safe for most people, even children, and those pregnant or breastfeeding. However, those on blood thinners should discuss treatment with their prescribing physician prior to receiving acupuncture.

This protocol has been shown to decrease cravings for alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. It makes withdrawal symptoms less intense. However, it is considered an adjunct treatment regards to substance use; meaning it cannot be the only means of addressing addiction. It can also be used to help manage gambling and food addiction, but is not a silver bullet. It boosts success rates when compared to talk therapy alone, but cannot singlehandedly lead to recovery if someone is otherwise passive about wanting to quit.

No. This is considered an adjunct therapy to compliment other efforts as it pertains to addiction. But relaxation, anxiety relief, and lowered blood pressure can be expected after a single treatment, as can improved sleep.

Yes! It’s safe and beneficial for those trying to conceive, pregnant, and/or breastfeeding. However, pregnant women with a history of fainting should take caution. It’s also safe for children. There’s no age minimum. If the child is mature enough to sit still with the inserted needles for 30 minutes they may be treated.

No, unless you have a dozen earrings on you should be fine leaving them in.

$25/person for groups of 8 or more. $30/person for groups of 4-8 people. $40/person individuals or 1-3 people. Please see the Pricing page for more details.

I’m certified as an Acupuncture Detox Specialist through the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). See the About Us section for my story.

This particular acupuncture protocol is usually offered in group settings to make it more affordable, convenient, and build lasting results. Meeting an existing group of people at a place familiar and frequented by them makes ear acupuncture accessible, reduces cost while increasing consistency, and has the added value a community.

For those who want to ease their way into this, we can offer ear seeds. They are adhesive magnetic beads placed over acupoints on the ear to produce an effect similar to the stimulation from needles. This is not equivalent in treatment strength, but is a good introduction or adjunct to the typical auricular therapy.