Acudetox
The 5 NEEDLE PROTOCOL (5NP)
What is the 5NP?
In this short video, you'll learn the basics of the 5 Needle Protocol (5NP), a simple yet powerful auricular acupuncture technique used to support stress reduction, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Rooted in community care and accessibility, 5NP offers a non-verbal, trauma-informed approach that complements a wide range of healing practices. This introduction provides a grounded understanding of how 5NP works and what to expect when you attend a community clinic.
The 5NP is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and offered as an integral component in mental health and addiction treatment.
The 5 Needle Protocol (5NP), also known as auricular acupuncture, Acudetox or the NADA protocol, is a standardized ear acupuncture protocol that clinical evidence supports in treating addictions, behavioral health, trauma and disaster relief. The protocol is a simple yet powerful treatment that involves the placement of 5 sterile needles in specific points in each ear. The treatment is non-verbal, non-threatening and often brings an immediate calming effect. It has shown to improve retention to treatment and it is compatible across cultures.
After the needles are placed, it is the client’s own body that is providing the healing. This is an empowering practice especially for clients who have been disconnected from their bodies due to trauma and other life challenges. It has been found to improve patient outcomes in terms of program retention, reduction in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals. Over time it has been discovered that the 5NP is also effective in the adjunctive treatment of trauma and PTSD, chronic pain and depression. It was used after 911 for first responders and community members.
NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY and SPIRIT
5NP Mindfulness & Tea
SATURDAYS, 10:30 to NOON
The five needle protocol offered in a calm community space, Saturdays 10:30 to noon (please arrive by 11:15 am to ensure a full treatment). This is a donation-based offering. Contributions help cover clinic costs and support continued community care. Your presence is truly enough — donations are appreciated but never expected or required. Come as you are. Please check the Grounded Path Calendar (button below) before you come, sometimes the clinic is canceled due to other engagements. This offering is held at Grounded Path's Office: 194 Second St. Office 8 Amherst, VA.
Learn to Provide Acudetox (5NP)
Become credentialed as an Auricular Acu-Technician(AAT).
Grounded Path Holistic Counseling is happy to partner with POCA, The People's Organization of Community Acupuncture. POCA is a member-run 501(c)(6) non-profit organization whose mission is to work cooperatively to increase accessibility to and availability of affordable group acupuncture treatments. Together we provide high quality, socially conscious, inclusive ear acupuncture trainings to those who share our mission in getting acupuncture into as many communities as possible especially those that are underserved.
POCA’s AAT training is designed to meet previously established training standards sometimes described in state laws or regulations as “NADA or equivalent.” Completion of POCA’s AAT training does not guarantee that you will be able to practice legally in your state and each trainee is responsible to research the requirements of the state they intend to practice in.
Ready to deepen your healing work and support community wellness through auricular acupuncture?
Register today for our 3-day, in-person
AAT Training coming this MAY 2025
Presented by Grounded Path Holistic Counseling, LLC & Intercept Health - True North Clinic
📚 Training Format
This AAT training includes both independent study and in-person instruction:
✅ Complete assigned reading from the training manual before the in-person session
✅ Complete a Bloodborne Pathogen Training (online link provided upon registration)
✅ Attend all three full days of in-person instruction and hands-on practice
🗓️ Training Dates
May 14–16, 2025 8:30 am - 5 pm
📍 Intercept Health – True North Clinic
5673 Airport Rd, Roanoke, VA 24012 (Large Conference Room)
Investment
$400 tuition for the class
$50 membership fee to POCA (separate from tuition)
Spaces are limited — secure your spot today and join a growing network of community wellness advocates bringing this powerful protocol to those who need it most.
Who can be trained
The practice of the 5NP by non-acupuncturists is generally regulated by state agencies. Check this link to see if you are eligible to provide the protocol in your state.
Members of the following professions have been trained as auricular acu-technicians (AAT) in localities that approve them as providers:
- Addictions & harm reduction counselors
- Mental health therapists & social workers
- Correctional officers & drug court personnel
- Disaster relief teams and trauma support center staff
- First responders, health promoters, nurses, and EMTs
- Acupuncturists, medical doctors
Training Format
We offer both 3 day in person trainings as well as hybrid trainings composed of both synchronous (live online) and asynchronous (completed independently, on your own) and in person learning. The in person training consists of two full days. After the training, trainees complete 40 supervised 5NP treatments. These treatments can be supervised by any 5 Needle Protocol Practitioner and must be completed within one year of the training.
Once the didactic and clinical portion is complete the trainee is eligible for a Certificate of Completion provided by POCA.
Training Costs
All students are first required to join POCA as an Auricular Acu-Tech Trainee for $50. Click here to join/read about membership benefits. This is separate from the training cost of $400/person.
Students are also encouraged to purchase a practice ear (or a pair) to practice on during the Zoom sessions. This purchase is optional. Previous students have found having an ear of their own to practice on was very helpful.
I am also happy to come to an agency or business to provide the training. For trainings requested by organizations outside of a 50 mile radius from Bedford/Lynchburg VA area, please add an additional $100/training participant with a required minimum of 6 and max of 20 students.
