Disaster trauma and what NADA learned through providing Acudetox for stress and trauma in the aftermath of New Yorks 9/11 disaster is documented in this short film, Unimagined Bridges, Ear Acupuncture Treatment for Disaster Trauma.
Chronicling the healing power of ear acupuncture on those affected by the events of 9/11 and the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The story is told through the lens of an ear acupuncture-based holistic healing program providing First Responders and community members with relief from anxiety, depression and insomnia. Laura Cooley‘s film demonstrates how ancient traditional healing techniques are being used to address acute trauma across the globe.
During the early 2000s, Audetox took off around the world. Beginning with the realization that the NADA protocol was helpful as a stress reduction technique, improving sleep and coping, not only in those with substance abuse problems but also in those exposed to horrific trauma. (NCBI)
Acudetox & Disaster Relief
Auricular acupuncture was used by St Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan following the traumatic events of 9/11. It reduced insomnia and offered stress relief to medical staff, local residents and the emergency personnel. Acudetox is currently offered at all five New York City Firehouse counseling centers. It has proven to work well as an outreach tool. Bridging emergency personnel and victims of trauma to other services too.
Ear acupuncture can be used for anyone involved in a traumatic incident:
- survivors
- mental health staff
- emergency personnel
The therapeutic effects happen quickly and can last a long time. Bessel van der Kolk, renowned trauma expert, has shown that the emotional overload of traumatic experience can cause a blocking of verbal access and ability. These simple acupuncture treatments can have a calming and transformative effect without requiring the traumatized client to talk. They can be in an extreme state of dissociation and still benefit.
Those receiving treatment do not have to wait to feel its impact, as relaxation generally occurs within minutes. Survivors of traumatic events report AcuDetox to be useful in alleviating symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder. Recipient surveys show increased mental clarity, ability to cope, alertness. ability to sleep, and a reduction of aches, pains and muscle spasms, depression, intrusive recall and anxiety.
Acudetox is an effective, safe, low cost and drug free therapy for use in addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, PTSD and psychological and emotional trauma.
The NADA Protocol can be easily used in any location where a group of people can sit together. Programs incorporating ear acupuncture to offer relief have included:
- Dakota reservations in the aftermath of a series of tornadoes
- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
- Honduras residents displaced after a hurricane Refugee camps in Burma
- Kashmir following earthquakes
- Refugees in the US & Uganda
- Veterans suffering from PTSD