NADA Auricular Acupuncture

 

26/11/25

NADA Auricular Acupuncture

What is the NADA Protocol?

The NADA Protocol is a gentle ear‑acupuncture method that uses up to five small, sterilised needles placed in specific points on each ear. acudetox.com+2nada-norge.no+2 Originally developed for addiction support and “detox,” it’s now used in a wide range of settings — from mental‑health support and trauma relief to community wellbeing and stress management. nadagbacupuncture.co.uk+1

During a session, people sit together quietly (often in groups) for 20–45 minutes, giving space for the treatment to settle in — no talking necessary, just stillness, breath and time. acudetox.com+1

What the Points Are for & What It Can Help With

The five standard ear points used in the protocol are thought to support different aspects of the nervous system and emotional regulation. nada-norge.no+1 Because of this, people often use NADA for a range of issues — including stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, trauma, menopausal or hormonal shifts, difficulty sleeping, concentration problems, and managing general nervous‑system overload.

In community settings, many clients find it helpful when they feel “stretched thin,” overwhelmed, or simply in need of a reset: a gentle, grounding pause.

What Research and Clinical Reports Say
  • A 2020 observational study in a psychosomatic ward found that patients receiving NADA sessions reported significant reductions in stress and agitation, along with improved overall quality of life metrics. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  • In a mixed‑methods study from Iceland involving mental‑health service users, participants reported decreased pain, anxiety, stress, cravings, and depression — plus improved sleep — after ten NADA‑style sessions. Many described a profound sense of relaxation, reduced mental burden and improved well‑being. LIDSEN Publishing
  • In the context of substance use and addiction treatment, some studies have documented that NADA — when used as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional care — is associated with improvements in quality of life, energy levels, self‑esteem, reduced substance use (including alcohol and tobacco), and better longer-term outcomes. PubMed+2NADA Scotland+2

That said — as with many complementary therapies — research is mixed. Some controlled trials did not find clear differences between NADA and relaxation or sham protocols in reducing anxiety, cravings or improving sleep when used alone. PMC+2MDPI+2 What many experts and practitioners emphasise is that NADA works best as part of a broader holistic or therapeutic plan — not as a “magic bullet.” acupuncturetoday.com+1

Why NADA Social — and Why It Matters

At NADA Social (Newcastle upon Tyne), we believe in the value of simple, accessible tools to help people navigate stress, emotional load, life transitions (like menopause or neurodiverse challenges), and everyday overwhelm. The NADA Protocol offers a gentle, non‑verbal, community‑friendly way to support your nervous system and emotional balance — and the evidence and client experiences suggest it can be a valuable complement to many people’s wellbeing toolkit.

Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, support through menopause or life change, or simply an hour’s pause to breathe and reset — NADA can offer a soft landing.

For all upcoming NADA Socials click here. Private sessions can also be booked here at Dance City.

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