 UNION HOSPITAL ACUPUNCTURE SERVICES
Acupuncture for Addictions
Questions about the Acupuncture Program
What is Auricular Therapy and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a therapy developed by the ancient Chinese that has been used for over five thousand years. The stimulation of points on the body encourages the flow of energy in the body along meridians (or channels) which in turn can affect us physically and mentally. Dr. Michael Smith, Director of Lincoln Recovery Center in New York developed the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol and describes auricular therapy (ear acupuncture and acupressure beads) as helping us achieve balance and control and has a peaceful, calming and empowering effect. Pathways in the ears correspond in miniature to the pathways in the whole body, and it is known that acupuncture releases endorphins (the body's own opiates) which in turn have wide ranging effects on our health, specifically, the immune system and our emotions.
What Does Auricular Therapy Do?
Research shows that it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for tobacco and other drugs, decrease anxiety and insomnia, support detoxification, decrease relapse rates, promote relaxation and stress reduction, and support your own body's ability to help itself.
How is Auricular Therapy Done and Does It Hurt?
Extremely thin flexible stainless steel sterile non-reusable needles are placed in 5 points in each ear. There may be a brief prick as the needle pierces the skin. Some people feel numbness, tingling, warmth or a dull ache where the needle is located. One sits quietly for approximately 45 minutes and then the needles are removed. Most side effects are minor and could include slight dizziness with treatment, or a light bleeding when the needle is withdrawn. Infections at the needle site or any other side effects are rare.
Who is providing the auricular therapy and options for counseling?
Debbie Stevens, the PSUPP counselor for the Union Hospital Maternal Health Clinic is licensed to provide the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) 5 point ear acupuncture protocol as well as acupressure with beads for addictions including nicotine and other drugs. Debbie is a licensed mental health counselor and has an addictions certification. She recently completed special training in auricular therapy at Lincoln Recovery Center in New York. She works in collaboration with Dr Kathleen Stienstra, MD-licensed medical acupuncturist.
What are the costs and options?
Individual Counseling and Auricular Therapy
Initial One Hour Counseling
followed by auricular acupuncture and take home acupressure bead--$125.
Counseling without acupuncture, just the bead--$85.
Follow up 1 hr counseling session followed by auricular acupuncture and take home acupressure bead--$75.
Counseling without acupuncture, just the bead--$45.
Freedom from Smoking Class with Auricular Therapy
Six weekly 2 hour evening group class sessions that begin with the use of the
auricular acupuncture and include take home acupressure bead -- $180
Auricular Acupuncture Open Sessions
You can come to an open room with comfortable chairs and quiet before the work day to receive auricular therapy for 30-45 minutes to enhance and assist with tobacco and other drug cessation, reduce cravings, support detoxification and maintain sobriety. $25/session or 6 sessions for $125. An individual session with Debbie is necessary before participation in the group auricular therapy sessions.
Does Insurance Cover the Costs?
Tobacco cessation counseling and acupuncture is covered by some insurers, but not all. Debbie is out of network for third party insurers. We are happy to provide the paperwork for you to file with your insurer (who would then reimburse you any coverage), but we do ask for payment at the time of service.
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