5 Needle Protocol (5NP)
5NP AKA NADA Protocol AKA Acudetox
Dr. Cantrell is a certified POCA Auricular Acu-Technician.
5NP is offered Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm for free (cash donations accepted) in a community setting. A recipient must arrive by 6pm to receive a session. Meditative music is played while recipients quietly sit for between 20-45 minutes in a group. With this protocol, there is gentle placement of 5 small needles (pins), beads, or seeds into specific acu-points in each ear.
Wednesdays when 5NP will not be available:
- Jan 7, 2026
5NP is a non-verbal approach to healing.
Benefits include:
- Increased calmness, better sleep
- Decrease in anxiety & agitation
- Reduced cravings for alcohol & other drugs (including nicotine)
- Relief from stress & trauma
- Easier connection with counseling & other health & healing treatments
“All five points serve to balance the body’s energy and assist the body’s healing process.” (NADA Manual)
The 5 Points Used:
- SYMPATHETIC: (Autonomic Nervous System): This point alleviates stress in the autonomic system (“fight or flight”). This basic response to perceived danger evokes great anxiety and translates into a powerful stress response in the mind, nervous system, and organs of the body. Reduces Anxiety. Promotes Calmness.
- SHEN MEN: (Spirit Gate): This point alleviates anxiety, controls nervousness, has a general relaxing effect and helps to bring the “Spirit Heart” (Heart Energetics) into balance for a conscious self. Reduces Impatience, Mood Swings, & Cruelty. Promotes Joy, Calm, & Honor.
- KIDNEY: (Essential Energy; Yin & Yang source): This point alleviates toxicity in the kidneys from chemical use; purifies the blood and strengthens the nervous system. Calms fears and removes insecurities. As the source of yin and yang energy, it is related to the Life Force and longevity. Reduces Fear/Paranoia & Anguish. Promotes Awareness & Gentleness.
- LIVER: (Emotional Balance; Rules for the flow of Chi): This point alleviates toxicity in the blood in conjunction with the kidney. Balance of liver energy creates emotional behavior for relaxation and confidence. Stabilizes impulsive behavior and mood swings. Reduces Anger/Rage & Depression. Promotes Kindness & Balance.
- LUNG: (Life Force Balance; Rules Chi): This point alleviates toxicity in the immune system, respiration, skin function and promotes physical balance and the expression of feelings – especially sadness. Also promotes relaxation. This is a nourishing organ involved in the very balance of the Life Force itself. Reduces Grief & Sadness. Promotes Courage & Righteousness.
Interested in becoming a POCA Auricular Acu-Technician? Contact Katie Clifton, LAc at Calm Clinic or email: info@calmclinicva.org