NADA is a simple, gentle form of auricular acupuncture, where tiny acupuncture needles are placed into five specific points on the outer ear.

The NADA protocol was originally developed in the 1970s to support people experiencing substance withdrawal and addiction. Today, it is also used as a complementary approach alongside other support for stress, emotional wellbeing, trauma recovery, anxiety, cravings and nervous-system regulation.

The treatment uses up to five tiny, sterile, single-use needles in each ear. There is no electrical stimulation, and once the needles are placed, you simply sit comfortably and relax for around 30–45 minutes.

The ear has a fascinating relationship with the rest of the body.

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ear is viewed as a microsystem — an area that reflects connections with different parts and functions of the body. Auricular acupuncture works with specific points on the ear to support balance within the wider body.

From a modern perspective, the ear is also richly supplied with nerves, and acupuncture may influence nervous-system activity. Exactly how acupuncture produces its effects isn't fully understood, but research suggests that acupuncture can affect the nervous system and other body tissues.

So NADA brings together an ancient energetic tradition with a modern understanding of the nervous system.

The NADA protocol uses five points in each ear. Each point has its own traditional associations and purpose within the protocol.

1. Sympathetic

Calming • Relaxation • Nervous-system balance

The Sympathetic point is traditionally used to support balance within the autonomic nervous system.

This is the part of your nervous system involved in your automatic stress responses — including the familiar fight, flight or freeze response.

Working with this point is intended to encourage a calmer, more settled state and can be particularly helpful when you feel tense, overwhelmed or constantly “switched on”.

You may notice: a sense of calm, physical relaxation, deeper breathing or simply feeling that your mind has slowed down.

2. Shen Men

“Spirit Gate” • Calm • Emotional wellbeing

Shen Men is one of the best-known points in auricular acupuncture.

Its name is often translated as “Spirit Gate”, and within Traditional Chinese Medicine it is traditionally associated with calming the mind and settling the Shen — the aspect of ourselves associated with consciousness, emotional wellbeing and our inner state.

It is often used when someone feels mentally busy, nervous, emotionally overwhelmed or unable to switch off.

Think of it as creating a little more space between you and the noise in your mind.

3. Kidney

Fear • Resilience • Inner reserves

The Kidney point is traditionally associated with the Kidney system in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In TCM, the Kidney system has a much broader meaning than the physical kidneys. It is associated with our fundamental vitality, reserves and resilience, as well as the emotion of fear.

This point is therefore traditionally used when working with feelings of fear, insecurity, depletion and exhaustion.

It can be particularly relevant when you feel as though you've been running on empty or have been carrying a lot emotionally.

4. Liver

Movement • Emotional tension • Letting go

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver is associated with the smooth movement of Qi, or vital energy.

When things feel stuck, TCM traditionally describes this as stagnation of Qi. Emotionally, this can be associated with frustration, irritability, anger and feeling unable to move forward.

The Liver point is therefore traditionally associated with movement, release and emotional balance.

You may hear NADA described as “acudetox” and the Liver point described in terms of detoxification. On a website, I prefer to explain this as part of the traditional TCM framework rather than suggesting that acupuncture physically removes toxins from your body.

Your liver and kidneys already perform your body's physiological detoxification processes.

5. Lung

Breathing • Grief • Release

The Lung point is traditionally associated with breathing and the process of taking in and letting go.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, grief and sadness are associated with the Lung system.

This makes the Lung point particularly relevant within the NADA protocol when someone is experiencing emotional heaviness, grief or difficulty letting go.

Sometimes, simply sitting quietly and becoming aware of your breathing can create a powerful sense of release.

One of the things people often appreciate about NADA is that you don't have to talk.

You don't need to explain your whole story.

You don't have to work anything out.

You don't have to find the right words.

Once the needles are placed, you simply sit quietly and allow yourself some time to pause.

For someone who has been living in a state of stress or emotional overwhelm, that opportunity to stop and be still can be incredibly valuable.

NADA is used as a complementary approach in settings supporting addiction, trauma recovery, mental health and general stress. It is not intended to replace medical care, psychological therapy or addiction treatment, but can form part of a wider programme of support.

NADA has a particularly strong connection with addiction and recovery.

The protocol was developed in New York in the 1970s in the context of helping people experiencing substance withdrawal and has since been used within addiction and substance-misuse programmes.

It may be incorporated alongside counselling, medical care, peer support and other recovery services.

The intention isn't to “cure” addiction with five needles. Instead, NADA can provide an additional, non-verbal, calming support that may help people manage stress and cravings and engage with wider recovery work.

Ear seeds are a gentle, non-invasive form of auricular acupressure.

Unlike acupuncture needles, ear seeds don't pierce the skin.

Tiny seeds or beads are attached to small pieces of adhesive tape and placed over selected points on the ear.

You can then gently press or massage the seeds for a few seconds whenever you want to stimulate the point.

They're discreet, painless and can be worn between appointments, allowing you to continue your self-care at home.

I often think of ear seeds as little reminders for your nervous system.

Every time you notice them, they can become an invitation to stop for a moment, take a breath and check in with yourself.

Your session is deliberately simple.

1. We get comfortable.
I'll talk you through the treatment and make sure you're happy and comfortable before we begin.

2. The five points are located.
The five NADA points are identified on each ear.

3. The needles are gently inserted.
Tiny, sterile, single-use needles are placed into the five points on each ear.

4. You relax.
The needles remain in place while you sit comfortably for around 30–45 minutes.

5. You simply be.
You can close your eyes, breathe, meditate, listen to calming music or simply enjoy some quiet time.

You might feel very relaxed. You might become sleepy. You might experience warmth or other sensations. Or you might simply enjoy having some uninterrupted time to yourself.

There is no right or wrong way to experience NADA.

I combine it with other therapies depending on what you need.

NADA + EFT
A beautiful combination for working with emotional patterns, stress and feeling stuck.

NADA + Reiki
A deeply relaxing combination designed to give you space to slow down, settle and reconnect.

Sometimes you just need a safe space to stop.

To breathe.

To settle.

And to give yourself permission to feel whatever you need to feel.

Five tiny points. Thirty minutes of stillness. A little space to come back to yourself.

NADA is a complementary therapy and isn't intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed appropriately by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, although it isn't completely risk-free.

I'll always discuss your individual circumstances with you before treatment and make sure NADA is appropriate for you.