by Gina Marie Cronin
Acupuncture is known to decrease stress, increase relaxation, inspire a better emotional state and instill a feeling of overall balance, explains James M. Shinol, LAc, LMT, department chair of acupuncture at the Graduate School of Oriental Medicine of New York College of Health Professions, in Syosset. “Acupuncture is a safe, effective, drug-free and excellent alternative or adjunct treatment for patients with pain, digestive complaints, allergies and countless other ailments,” says Shinol. What many do not know, however, is that acupuncture is also known to effectively treat addiction, which Shinol sheds light on in an interview.
In what ways, if any, can acupuncture help relieve addiction?
“Acupuncture is effective in reducing the body’s desire and need for the addiction. Acupuncture provides detoxification, relieves withdrawal symptoms and decreases the incidence of re-lapse. The treatment improves the areas of the body that may have been weakened by the drug addiction, including boosting the immune system, improving memory function and stimulating the nervous system. Research shows that acupuncture increases endorphins, similar to those caused by opioids. These endorphins decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms and commonly act as natural painkillers. This is similar to the concept of a “runner’s high” when someone exercises.”
What kind of addictions can acupuncture help treat?
“I feel that acupuncture is most commonly thought of being used for opioid addictions [e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and codeine]. It is also effective for addiction to all drugs and “drug-like” substances, like coffee, cigarettes or sugar. Acupuncture is also useful for treating obsessive compulsive behaviors and addictions.”
Where are the needles commonly placed for treating addiction?
Commonly, a licensed acupuncturist will use the NADA [National Acupuncture Detoxification Association] protocol or acudetox points. These are a set of points located within the structures of the ears, and in this case, smaller, specialized needles are used. In my practice, I use the NADA protocol as a starting point and customize and build the treatment to fit everyone’s individual needs.
Have you ever personally treated someone with an addiction? If so, what were the results?
In my practice, I commonly treat carbohydrate, sugar and smoking addictions with great success. In my practice, I require that all patients that I treat for opioid, alcohol or similar addictions use acupuncture as an adjunct to psychotherapy and/or support groups. Results are typically very positive, but it is largely based on each individual patient and if they truly wish to change their behavior. I find that if someone is not ready to make the change in their mind and heart, they will commonly find any and all excuses to continue to search out the addiction.
Acupuncture techniques are safe for individuals of all ages with various needs. Acupuncture needles are as thin as a strand of hair, and a licensed acupuncturist is trained to be able to insert a needle with little or no feeling to the patient. Students at New York College of Health Professions learn about the NADA protocol and acudetox points. The Acupuncture Clinic at New York College offers affordable acupuncture for all conditions and is open to the public. (For an appointment, call 800-922-7337, ext. 231. For more information about acupuncture, visit ThinkAcupuncture.com.)
New York College of Health Professions has been the leader in holistic health care and education on Long Island for more than 30 years, offering accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs in massage therapy, acupuncture and oriental medicine. For more information about enrolling at one of its convenient locations in Syosset or Manhattan, call 800-922- 7337, ext. 351, or visit NYCollege.edu.
