We think everyone should have access to treatments that help regulate our nervous systems from "flight, fight or freeze" mode to "rest and digest" mode.
That's why we've been advocating for and teaching people about 5NP and helping to make 5NP more accessible.
5NP or the 5-Needle Protocol, also known as the NADA, Acu-detox or Acu-Wellness protocol uses 5 tiny filiform needles or “ear seeds” or beads, to stimulate different areas of the outer ear. It has been used for almost 50 years in various health and community settings. 5NP can bring about changes in mental state and physiology. For example, it can lower respiration and heart rates, decrease mental arousal and anxiety and other typical signs of stress in the body and mind.
What's the difference between 5NP, 5-needle protocol, the NADA protocol, acu-detox, or acu-wellness?
Nothing! This 5 point ear acupuncture protocol goes by a few different names, but the points used and the benefits are the same.
What is 5NP good for?
5NP works to rebalance the nervous, as well as, other body systems. Originally 5NP was developed as a part of a community response to treat opiate addiction, but the protocol has been found to be useful for so much more including helping people to regulate sleep, digestion, tension, feelings of anxiety, depression, and can support people dealing with trauma, toxic stress, PTSD, or in recovery.
Who can practice 5NP?
In Rhode Island licensed social workers, mental health counselors, drug and alcohol counselors, peers, and nurses (LICSW, LMHC, LCDP, peers, nurses) can use 5NP in their work once they have completed an approved training like this one.
Ultimately we would like to see many more providers able to use 5NP in their work since it has such wide applicability and is something that can enhance other types of behavioral and mental healthcare, and is supportive of bringing peoples’ nervous systems back to a more neutral state of calm attention.
But currently only the providers listed above can practice 5NP in RI.
Who can benefit from receiving 5NP?
Everyone!
How do I get trained to do 5NP?
Auricular Acu-Tech Trainings in Rhode Island
Our next training dates will be posted here as soon as we are ready to launch our next round of applications.
Our next training is Friday + Saturday
April 24th+25th, 2026
If there are no training dates currently listed above, click on the button below to get added to our mailing list.
Note about the application and registration process:
Step 1 – complete application form online for a specific training date. If there are no current training dates posted use the “NOTIFY ME of new training dates” button instead.
Step 2- once we review your application you will receive an email if your application is prioritized for the next training. If you do not hear from us right away, it means we are processing other applications ahead of you.
Step 3-If you are invited to register (your application is accepted) you will be sent an email asking you to complete a second form that tells us how much to invoice you for.
Step 4-Pay invoice to confirm your registration and reserve your spot.
Frequently asked questions about our trainings:
Visit POCA’s FAQ for answers about AAT trainings here.
Learn more about the People's Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) and its 5NP training and advocacy work
Another great video about 5NP and how it was used at Ground Zero in NYC
