NADA Protocol

NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. This organisation was established in 1985 in the the state of New York following the development of an acupuncture protocol that had been found to be effective in the treatment of addiction and substance abuse. The protocol consists of five standardised points on each ear that remain in place for 20-45 minutes. It is now practised worldwide, and is also used for anxiety and depression.

Battlefield Acupuncture

Battlefield acupuncture is a 5-point protocol of auricular acupuncture. It was developed by Dr Richard C. Niemtzow in 2001 for use in the US military. It involves the application of semi-permanent needles in one or both ears. They stay in place for 3-4 days. It is quick to administer, does not require the patient to undress, and has no serious side effects. Several studies (Jan et al, 2017, Murakami et al, 2017, Kim et al, 2021) support its efficacy for both acute and chronic pain relief. However, its ability to reduce the demand for pain medication is unclear (Jan et al, 2017).

Jan AL, Aldridge ES, Rogers IR, Visser EJ, Bulsara MK, Niemtzow RC. Does Ear Acupuncture Have a Role for Pain Relief in the Emergency Setting? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Med Acupunct. 2017 Oct 1;29(5):276-289. doi: 10.1089/acu.2017.1237. PMID: 29067138; PMCID: PMC5653340.

Kim H, Markert R, Burtson K. Battlefield acupuncture appears to be an effective therapy for pain management. Acupunct Med. 2022 Feb;40(1):43-49. doi: 10.1177/09645284211050648. Epub 2021 Oct 8. PMID: 34625003.

Murakami M, Fox L, Dijkers MP. Ear Acupuncture for Immediate Pain Relief-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pain Med. 2017 Mar 1;18(3):551-564. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw215. PMID: 28395101.