Hi Folks,

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried auricular acupuncture to deal with alcoholism. At my local NHS alcohol specialist group, I have been offered this form of acupuncture. So, I have made an appointment to see their complementary health practitioner within the next couple of weeks.

I had previously heard of auricular acupuncture but never really considered it until yesterday when I visited the group. As it's NHS, it is a service that is offered free-of-charge. I've done a little reading on the internet (as one does) and found the following:

http://www.meridianhealing.co.uk/Auricu ... ncture.pdf

So, if anyone knows about this technique and has tried it, I'd welcome your comments.

V.

Hi Virgil -- I haven't heard of acupuncture for alcoholism, but I'm a huge proponent of it in general. I had chronic sinus infections for two years, confirmed by endless MRI's and treated by countless doses of antibiotics, until I went through a course of acupuncture. I haven't had one since, and it's been about five years.

That being said, I saw from your link that the auricular form works specifically on stimulating endorphin release, so I wonder if it would make sense for you to take your NAL as early as possible the day before your treatment, and then to schedule the session as late as possible the following day, just to minimize the effects of any endorphin blockade? Just a thought...

Sabrina

V -- If you can get acupuncture for anything, by all means go for it. It's truly a miracle. My accupuncturist quit practicing and I haven't found another, partly because it's so expensive. It works for most anything, so I imagine it would help with addiction.

Hi Sabrina & Lena,

Many thanks for the feedback.

V.

Hi Virgil,
My son had Auricular Acupuncture on the NHS following a detox. He says it was very calming, in fact immediatley after having it done he was quite sleepy. When he felt agitated he had to squeeze his ear and the calming effect returned. He can't really remember how often he had to have the acupuncture repeated, maybe each week or so but he definitely found it beneficial, as
much of his drinking is anxiety related. As you might expect, he started drinking again and the therapy stopped.
I have on my computer a couple of close-up photos of the needles in his ear. His therapist took them so he could see what was happening. If I can fathom out how to do link to them or get them on here to show you I will. I'm not very computer literate but I'll give it a go!

Cheers
Chris

Hi Chris,

Now that's music to my ears (pun intended)!

Thanks for that. It sounds as though I may derive some benefit from it.

Isn't it amazing that complementary therapies are available on the NHS?

My best.

V.