Acupuncture for Addictions and Stress
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective modality in decreasing craving. Whether you crave food, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or are managing addictive behaviors, acupuncture can lessen withdrawal symptoms, decrease the frequency of relapse episodes, and relieve anxiety, insomnia, and agitation. It is extremely helpful in treating all kinds of stress.
Treatments are being done at a low cost ($20/person) in a group setting, with no disrobing and no need to disclose your personal information or concerns.
Sally Tomme, LOM, licensed acupuncturist /Oriental Medicine practitioner and trained acudetox specialist, will assist you on your profound journey of healing.
How Does It Work?
The protocol involves placing five very small pins in each ear. While sitting quietly in the group for 30-45 minutes you allow your body and mind come to a deep relaxation point.
One could think of the needles as a “reset” button for the sympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for the “fight or flight” reaction. When stressed, sometimes we become stuck in that fight or flight response. In the case of addiction recovery, the cravings and anxiety make it more difficult to abstain. Our minds are unable to reset to a normal mode. It is at these times that we tend to self-medicate, whether it is with food, cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol. Sometimes we get stuck in a pattern of anxiety and insomnia.
The treatment affects the non-verbal, deep part of the brain called the limbic system, which processes emotions that cannot be accessed during talk therapy. It gives people a starting point from which they are then able to start the healing process. They are not meant as a stand-alone measure and will not solve the problem alone.
Why Is This Done in a Group Setting?
While it can be effective on an individual basis, in a group setting there is a kind of energetic resonance, or entrainment, which enhances the effects of the treatment. It also allows the cost to be lower in order to provide more frequent access to treatment.
How Often Do I Need to Do this?
Group sessions will be offered on a weekly basis. Most people benefit from weekly treatments at first, because the effects are cumulative. As time goes on, the frequency can decrease to as needed.
What Will Happen During the Session?
• When you arrive, if this is your first time, you will sign a consent form which will then be kept on file.
• Each session, you will sign in on your own card.
• It is recommended that you eat a light meal or snack prior to treatment to decrease the possibility of fainting.
• Participants will sit quietly in chairs arranged in a circle.
• The treatment is done with a minimum of conversation, and when all the needles are in, it is expected that everyone will sit quietly with soft music playing in the background. Some people fall asleep during the treatments. Most experience a deep sense of relaxation but even if you are not feeling this during the treatment, it does not mean that it is not working on a deep level.
• If you need to have the needles removed for any reason before the group finishes, or if one falls out, you will raise your hand and the acupuncturist will assist you.
• DO NOT WALK AROUND with the needles in your ears. If they drop on the floor they must be located before anyone leaves. Needles on the floor pose a health hazard to other groups using this space.
When: Tue nights 5:30- 6:30 PM
Feb 21st, 28th
March 6th, 13th
Cost: $20 a session
$10 a session for Veterans and Active Duty military