Introducing the NADA Protocol at EPIC Recovery
Gentle Ear-Acupuncture for Recovery
At EPIC Recovery in London, Ontario, we’re pleased to introduce a new community offering: a weekly ear-acupuncture session based on the NADA Protocol. This gentle, evidence-informed group experience is designed to support nervous system regulation, stress relief, emotional steadiness and a sense of calm, helping you reconnect with your body and mind during recovery.
What is the NADA Protocol?
The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol is a standardized auricular (ear) acupuncture approach developed in the 1970s.
The word “detoxification” in this context refers not to medical withdrawal from substances, but to the process of helping the body and nervous system re-balance, ease hyper-arousal, and support rest. The protocol is intended as a complementary service, not a standalone cure, and is best used alongside counselling, therapy and other recovery supports.
How it works
In a typical session, a practitioner inserts up to five small, sterile needles into specific points of each ear. The main points are:
Sympathetic point — which helps with nervous system calming and stress reduction.
Shen Men (Spirit Gate) — associated with emotional clarity and ease.
Kidney point — linked with energy regulation and stress response.
Liver point — supports emotional regulation (anger, frustration) and stabilization.
Lung point — associated with release of grief/anxiety, breath, and foundational calm.
These points and their descriptions mirror the traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework as well as emerging Western hypotheses about modulation of nervous system activity.
While the exact mechanism is still being studied, some research suggests the NADA protocol may act by helping regulate autonomic activity, reduce arousal, enhance parasympathetic tone, and improve the capacity for restful states.
What the research says
There is a growing body of literature on the NADA protocol. For example:
A review found the protocol can produce positive effects across populations, including those with addictions and trauma, though it emphasises it is not a standalone intervention.
Another study in a Kaiser-HMO setting found that adding a NADA-style treatment to usual addiction care improved outcomes and was cost-effective.
Research emphasises that the protocol is best used as part of a comprehensive model of care (i.e., with counselling, peer support, therapy) and not as a replacement for those services.
At the same time, it’s important to note that the evidence is not conclusive. Some studies report mixed outcomes, and the protocol is rarely evaluated in isolation in double-blind, large-scale trials.
How we’ll offer it at EPIC Recovery
Beginning Friday, November 21, we will host weekly group ear-acupuncture sessions at EPIC Recovery.
Time: Fridays starting at 3:00 PM
Format: Each person books an individual arrival time, receives the ear-acupuncture (about 15 minutes hands-on), and then rests quietly in the group space for roughly 45 minutes.
Practitioner: Stacey Hess, R.Ac.
Open to: individuals in recovery, those in early re-stabilization, family members, and anyone experiencing stress, disrupted sleep, trauma or cravings.
Purpose: To support nervous system regulation, emotional steadiness, improved sleep, reduced tension and the sense of connection in community.
Important caveats
We emphasize that this offering is:
Complementary — It supports recovery, but does not replace counselling, therapy or medical withdrawal management.
Not a medical detox or withdrawal-management service.
Best when paired with a robust recovery plan that includes emotional health supports and social connection.
Not prescribed to guarantee specific outcomes. Each person’s journey is unique.
NEXT STEPS
If you’re interested in joining this offering or learning more, please visit our booking page or services page. We welcome you to explore this gentle, person-focused approach and see how it might support your path.
Recovery is not simply about stopping substance use — it’s about rebuilding connection with your body, mind and community. The NADA Protocol offers a respectful, calming, non-judgemental space to support that process. We’re honoured to make it part of the EPIC Recovery journey and to walk with you in a spirit of hope, strength, and possibility.
References and Resources: