Acupuncture works by retraining our brains to heal and rewire in a desirable way. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of our central nervous system that can counteract the fight or flight response. Stimulating this system produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. With acupuncture, your brain will counter the effects of depression by learning to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system.
The auricular acupuncture reduces anxiety because the ear is innervated by the vagus nerve, which connects directly to the brain. This nerve is associated with anti-inflammatory and calming actions, therefore, stimulating it results in hormonal changes that cause a decrease in anxiety symptoms. NADA is a simple auricular acupuncture protocol that can be used to help people suffering from anxiety or anxiety-like disorders. During the early 2000s, the world realized that the NADA protocol was helpful as a stress reduction technique, improving sleep and coping for people who experienced trauma. Auricular acupuncture can alleviate anxiety symptoms and bring the patients better sleep and clarity of mind.
