Description of the Workshop
Svarnim Puducherry, a holistic development project of Sri Aurobindo Society, as a part of their health initiatives organized a Workshop on De-addiction and Wellbeing on July 7 and 8, 2019. The workshop was based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association’s (NADA) Protocol, which comprises ear acupuncture for addiction, stress and trauma. The applicants selected included a group of 35 medical and paramedical professionals and interested candidates, who wholehearted and keenly participated in the programme.
The reason that Sri Aurobindo Society chose for this programme is that the NADA Protocol “can easily be used in any location where a group of people can sit together. It is most commonly used for addiction, behavioural health, disasters and emotional trauma. It is versatile, effective and economical.” Also, this therapy is growing and thriving because its members are committed to using acu-detox for wellness, healing pain and suffering of people living with addiction, trauma, non-communicable diseases or other behavioural health issues worldwide through non-pharmacological approaches.
The Workshop at Society
The participants at the Workshop gained all the benefits of acupuncture training that can support them personally and professionally. The training was designed not only for those who are already working in the addiction or health-promotion field, and want to add to their knowledge and provide additional treatment options for their clients/target groups, but also amateurs who want to work in the fields of wellness and holistic healing.
The certificate course was a blended learning experience – theory, practical, group work, on-going assessment, continuing clinical and professional development and sustained membership. The two-day programme included theoretical and experiential sessions, and towards the end all the trainees were given an opportunity to practice acupuncture for wellness on volunteers from Sri Aurobindo Society.
About NADA India
NADA India training follows the format of the successfully accredited Protocol training developed by NADA US at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, New York (www.acudetox.com). NADA India registered trainers were trained by Dr. Michael O. Smith, psychiatrist and founder of NADA International, which began at Lincoln Hospital (Bronx, NY) in 1974. There are now independent NADA organizations in more than 20 different countries.
NADA India has been training hundreds of health professionals and volunteers in correction centres, rehabilitation programmes, drug treatment centres, schools, and hospitals. NADA India acu-detox is a balancing and relaxing experience. It helps to access inner resources in the manner of meditation and yoga.
Benefits of NADA Protocol
- A reduction of cravings for the substance including prescription drug
- A clearer mind which helps and enhances the benefits of counselling
- Reduction of withdrawal symptoms
- Improved sleep pattern
- Improvement of other health problems which can be associated with long term drug and alcohol abuse
- Marked relaxation
NADA Ear acupuncture teaches the person to relax from the inside out. This increased sense of calm and the quieting of symptoms that occurs as a result of the acupuncture treatment stimulate patients' own “Qi” (one's inner energy) and bring them back into a more balanced state.
As the person becomes calmer inside, they become much more aware of themselves and others. From this quieter, inner place the person can then make more careful choices in his/her reactions to a life situation.”
—Dr. Michael O. Smith, Psychiatrist, Acupuncturist and Founder of NADA International
Acu-Detox Programme Resource Person
Mr Suneel Vatsyayan is a practising Social Worker, who has dedicated his work and life to addiction prevention and rehabilitation of drug- and alcohol-dependent persons. He has led the strategic positioning of NADA India which is based on non-discrimination and supports all persons in need irrespective of caste, creed, age, sex, religion or region. He led the Workshop at Sri Aurobindo Society with his able team from NADA India.
