What is 5NP AcuDetox?
AcuDetox is a 5-point ear acupuncture protocol for mental health and wellness that promotes emotional balance, reduces stress, and supports overall wellness. This gentle, non-verbal treatment activates the body’s natural healing responses. Experiences can be conducted in group or individual therapy.
The five points that are utilized in this protocol are:
Sympathetic – Calms the nervous system, reduces stress.
Shen Men – Relaxes emotions, supports inner awareness.
Kidney – Supports healing and energy flow.
Liver – Aids detoxification and emotional balance.
Lung – Improves breathing and helps release grief.
How Do I Get Trained?
This 3-day training teaches AcuDetox using the 5-Needle Protocol (5NP), a gentle ear acupuncture practice supporting mental health and nervous system regulation. Participants receive hands-on instruction and supervised practice following the approved 5NP curriculum and Texas Medical Board guidelines. Open to eligible Texas-licensed professionals. Completion of training alone does not authorize practice.
Open-Minded Wellness conducts regular 5NP AcuDetox Practitioner Trainings to appropriately licensed professionals throughout the state of Texas. The cost is $1,100 and includes: Full 3-day training, training manual,
20 CEU, including 3 hours of ethics, starter box of AcuDetox needles, and supervision of all post-training requirements.
See if a training is scheduled: openmindedwellness.as.me
OR
Reach out today to schedule a training: connect@openmindedwellness.com
A minimum of three people is suggested to schedule a professional training.
History & Grassroots Origin
• Developed in the 1970s by Dr. Michael O. Smith in New York City to address addiction recovery needs.
• Widely recognized for its effectiveness in trauma healing, addiction recovery, and emotional regulation.
• Post-9/11: AcuDetox became a critical tool for crisis response, helping first responders and survivors cope with trauma and stress.
• Now used globally as part of trauma-informed care and addiction recovery programs.
How does 5NP AcuDetox work?
Process: The protocol involves placing needles at five key points on the ear, which stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Duration: Sessions last 20-45 minutes and promote a calming, non-verbal experience.
Benefits: Reduces anxiety, enhances clarity, and promotes emotional regulation and focus.
Key Benefits & Uses
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and promotes emotional stability.
• Supports better sleep, clarity, and overall well-being.
• Effective for those recovering from addiction, trauma, and PTSD.
• Used in crisis situations, including post-9/11, to support mental health recovery.
Who Can Be Trained in 5NP AcuDetox in Texas?
- Social workers
- Licensed professional counselors
- Licensed professional counselors associates
- Licensed psychologists
- Licensed chemical dependency counselors
- Licensed marriage and family therapists
- Licensed marriage and family therapist associates
- Licensed vocational nurses
- Licensed registered nurses
- Licensed physician assistants
- Licensed pharmacists
- Licensed pharmacy technicians
- Licensed occupational therapists
- Licensed occupational therapy assistants
Additional Information
References
American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAO). (2021). AcuDetox: Trauma-Informed Healing in Practice. Retrieved from www.aaom.org
ChatGPT. (2025). AcuDetox PowerPoint outline. OpenAI. Retrieved from https://www.openai.com/chatgpt
O. Smith, M. (2000). The use of acupuncture in addiction recovery. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 23(3), 227-234.
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). (2019). AcuDetox: A tool for addiction recovery and trauma healing. Retrieved from www.acudetox.org
Perry, B., & Szalavitz, M. (2006). The boy who was raised as a dog: And other stories from a child psychiatrist’s notebook. Basic Books.
5NP AcuDetox is not a substitute for appropriate medical care and is not mental health therapy. Please consult your doctor and/or therapist with questions to see if this might beneficial for you.