AcuDetox (Ear Acupuncture)

How Does It Work?

Chinese medicine understands human beings as having no separation between body, mind, and spirit.  They are perceived as a whole, and empowered by the energy of life force, Qi (pronounced “chee”).  Qi circulates in the body through pathways, channels, or meridians, each of which has an internal branch to the organs, and connects to external points or locations on the surface of the body.


There are two aspects to keeping Qi balanced—keeping it full and keeping it moving smoothly.  Qi is kept full by nurturing.  Nurturing is accomplished by the “Yin” aspect while the “Yang”  aspect is responsible for the movement, transformation part of Qi.  Yin deficient symptoms in general include lack of   inner calm, night sweats, disturbed sleep and agitation.


​Acupuncture helps to restore patients’ inner calm and control.  The lungs, liver, and kidneys are considered Yin organs.  They are also major organs involved in the elimination of toxins from the body and are very susceptible to damage by drugs of abuse and trauma.


Persons with trauma and chemical dependency are often the least nourished segment of society, physically as well as spiritually.  Western culture in general is external and aggressive—very Yang oriented.  Add to this stimulants, competition, caffeine, tension, violence, abuse, etc.—Yin is consumed without introspection, nurturing and spiritual/life values.  The mind, body and spirit are depleted by this way of life and Qi is out of balance. 


​Sterile acupuncture needles are placed in points corresponding to the Yin organs and open up the flow of Qi allowing the nurturing of these organs, thus reestablishing a balance.

AcuDetox - Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture Therapy

It is well known that acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat hundreds of ailments in the human body. Less well known is the practice of auricular therapy that concentrates on areas of the ear, working as a micro system of the body as a whole. 

For many years along with the use of needles, magnets and seeds have been incorporated into the therapy with great success. In more recent years magnets have improved in strength and material purity and also come in many forms from round spherical balls to powerful disk magnets, with magnetic products even taking the form of necklaces and bracelets made into elaborate designs. 

​For addictions it is becoming increasingly well known which parts of the anatomy and which parts of the ear can be acted upon to assist in reducing your cravings.

Scientific Evidence

Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body and act on the nervous system. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase relaxation.

Other Considerations

  • Eat something before treatment
  • Avoid coffee and cigarettes at least 30 minutes prior and after treatment
  • Tie back long hair
  • Slight discomfort at site of insertion
  • Mild headache, perspiration, and possible fainting sensation
  • Don’t pick up needles, especially someone else’s needles. A staff member will remove needles and dispose of them.

Contact an AcuDetox Specialist at Empowerment 

​AcuDetox@empowermentprogram.org
empowermentprogram.org/AcuDetox

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease.”

~World Health Organization