NADA Protocol

What is the NADA Protocol?

The NADA Protocol is a simple, standardized form of auricular (ear) acupuncture developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

It involves the gentle insertion of up to five small, sterile disposable needles into specific points on each outer ear. This protocol was originally developed in the 1970s to support people withdrawing from substances, and over time, has been applied successfully for mental health, emotional trauma, stress relief, disaster recovery, and wellness.

The five typical ear-points used in the protocol include:

• Sympathetic (calming the nervous system)
• Shen Men (Spirit Gate – reducing anxiety)
• Kidney (supporting fear, internal healing)
• Liver (detoxification, stabilizing emotions)
• Lung (letting go of grief, improving breath/energy)

Because it’s a standardized protocol, NADA can be applied in individual or group settings and is valued for its accessibility, low cost, and minimal side effects.

How does the NADA Protocol work?

During a NADA session, Dr. Schneider will insert the fine, sterile disposable ear-needles into the five designated auricular points on each ear (or as appropriate for your individualized plan). The needles remain in place for a set period — typically 30 to 45 minutes — while you sit quietly in a relaxed environment. This procedure can also be performed with semi-permanent needles (ASP) that are left in both ears for up to 7 days for continuous stimulation.

The mechanism is both rooted in traditional auricular acupuncture theory and supported by modern neuroscience. Stimulating these ear points engages cranial and peripheral nerve pathways, helping regulate the autonomic nervous system (balancing fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest), encouraging release of the body’s natural calming and healing chemicals (like endorphins and serotonin), reducing stress hormones, and improving circulation and neural regulation.

Because the protocol is standardized and streamlined, it is highly adaptable to group settings (which adds a therapeutic social/communal element), disaster relief, behavioral health clinics, and wellness programs.

What can I expect during a NADA session?

In your first visit, Dr. Schneider will review your health history, emotional or behavioral concerns, substance-use patterns, life stressors, or trauma background, and determine how NADA fits into your personalized treatment plan. If appropriate, you’ll be comfortably seated, and the ear points will be cleaned and prepped. Then the needles are gently placed in each ear at the five standardized points or a modified set, depending on your needs.

The insertion is typically minimally uncomfortable (a slight prick or tingling); most clients feel relaxed, and some may even drift into a meditative or restful state while the needles remain in place for 30-45 minutes. Many report a sense of calm, better sleep, reduced cravings,  improved mood, and decreased anxiety afterward.

Because NADA is often used in conjunction with counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support, or wellness programming, Dr. Schneider may recommend an initial series of weekly (or more frequent) sessions followed by maintenance visits to support long-term emotional health and resilience.

What are the benefits of the NADA Protocol?

The NADA Protocol is especially helpful for:

• Individuals dealing with addiction or substance use (including nicotine, alcohol, opioids), wherein cravings and withdrawal symptoms are reduced.
• People coping with trauma, PTSD, disaster-related stress, and emotional dysregulation — the protocol has been used effectively in disaster relief for stress reduction.
• Those managing anxiety, insomnia, or chronic stress, where calming the nervous system and improving self-regulation support broader therapeutic work.
• Anyone seeking a non-pharmacologic, minimally invasive wellness support option that complements other therapies.

While the NADA Protocol is not intended to fully replace other medical, psychological, or behavioral interventions, it can significantly enhance engagement, retention in treatment programs, and overall outcomes.

The NADA Protocol offers a compassionate, effective, and low-risk pathway to support the healing of body, mind, and spirit through ear acupuncture. At Acupuncture & Wellness MD, Dr. Schneider integrates this protocol into individualized wellness and recovery plans, helping you build resilience, manage cravings or stress, and move toward greater balance.

Call us today or request a consultation online to find out if the NADA Protocol could be the right adjunct therapy for you.