Acupuncture in Boulder, Colorado
Acupuncture can support healing for people who face mental health challenges or addiction. Many people feel drawn to natural therapies that help the mind and body work together. Acupuncture can support the healing and recovery processes as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Individuals can explore acupuncture in Boulder at Flatirons Recovery for a supportive path toward emotional balance or substance use recovery.
What Is Acupuncture Therapy?
Acupuncture therapy is a traditional Chinese practice that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Practitioners place each needle with care to support the flow of energy in the body. People often turn to acupuncture for support with pain, stress, migraines, digestive problems, and emotional strain. It is also used to help treat drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and mental health disorders.
The practice of acupuncture encourages the body to return to a more balanced state. Many people feel relaxed during sessions and notice improvements in their physical and mental well-being over time. It is often used as part of a personalized and comprehensive wellness plan.
How Does Acupuncture for Mental Health Work?
Acupuncture for mental health is often used to help treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Specific points on the body can help regulate stress responses and ease emotional tension. Many people report feeling more relaxed after a session. Some individuals also experience fewer symptoms related to their mental health condition.
Acupuncture helps the body shift from a stressed state to a calmer state. It promotes the release of natural neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Increased neurotransmitter levels can support better sleep and improved mood stability. Many individuals combine acupuncture with counseling or other supportive therapies.
A typical acupuncture session begins with an initial assessment to determine whether this therapy could benefit the individual. If so, then the individual lies down, and very fine needles are inserted into different areas of the body. Most people only notice a slight tingling sensation as the needles are inserted.
After they are inserted, the needles are left in place between 20 and 40 minutes. The needles may be gently manipulated or a mild electrical pulse applied. Some people notice a relaxed and calm state afterward, while others see a more gradual change with repeated sessions.
The Role of Acupuncture in Addiction Recovery
Acupuncture for addiction helps regulate and modulate neurotransmitters in the brain and restore balance. Many substances deplete neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, GABA, and serotonin. Once substances are discontinued, the body and brain start to heal. During this time, people can experience discomfort from withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture can help reduce discomfort, promote relaxation, and make individuals feel more stable.

What Type of Acupuncture Therapy Is Used for Mental Health and Addiction?
The type of acupuncture therapy most commonly used for mental health, addiction, and dual-diagnosis treatment is the NADA Protocol. The NADA Protocol focuses on five specific ear points that help the body relax and release tension. These 5 points also help ease withdrawal symptoms, cravings, anxiety, and depression by regulating stress responses and easing emotional strain. Most people report a relaxed state after sessions and a reduction in their symptoms. Other people notice these changes more gradually, and they continue to improve with regular sessions.
The NADA Protocol began in the 1970s at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. Dr. Mutulu Shakur established the first acupuncture detox program in the United States at Lincoln Hospital in 1971. In 1985, Dr. Michael Smith, a psychiatrist who worked at Lincoln Hospital’s acupuncture detox clinic, refined the initial processes, which used electrical stimulation. He refined and standardized the process, creating the NADA Protocol and the NADA organization.
Why Is Incorporating a Holistic Approach to Recovery Best?
A holistic approach to mental health and addiction recovery honors the connection between the body and the mind. Emotional stress and anxiety have a direct effect on physical health and mental well-being. Acupuncture supports healing by helping the body release tension and restore balance. In addition, many individuals feel more connected to their goals when using natural therapies as part of their comprehensive care. Acupuncture in Boulder fits well with this approach due to its non-invasive, gentle nature.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Acupuncture offers several benefits for mental health and addiction recovery. Many people notice improved relaxation and reduced tension after sessions. Others feel more connected to their bodies and their emotional states. These effects can help support a steady recovery process.
Many individuals also report fewer cravings when acupuncture is part of their addiction treatment plan. Regular sessions can help address insomnia and sleep disturbances, common withdrawal symptoms. Many people feel that sessions offer a quiet space for self-awareness and reflection, along with these other benefits:
- Increased sense of calm
- Increased relaxation
- Improved mood
- Reduced tension, irritability, and agitation
- Improved emotional balance
- Reduction in symptoms
AcuDetox in Boulder
AcuDetox is a structured style of ear acupuncture that uses the NADA Protocol. The method focuses on targeted ear points that help the body relax and release tension. Many individuals find AcuDetox helpful during detox and early recovery. Many people experience stress, sleep issues, and discomfort, along with other withdrawal symptoms. AcuDetox can help alleviate these symptoms, reduce cravings, improve mood, and increase physical comfort. AcuDetox also helps the body heal and stabilize faster as it returns to a more regulated state.
AcuDetox can be beneficial in treating mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Sessions incorporate mindfulness-based therapy since individuals sit quietly for about half an hour, sometimes longer, often reaching a meditative state. Many people feel calmer and may notice increased focus and symptom reduction afterward.
Flatirons Recovery offers AcuDetox in Boulder as part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Many people appreciate that our programs include medical, evidence-based, and holistic approaches, giving them flexibility to customize their care plan. Combining AcuDetox with the natural beauty of Boulder provides individuals with a peaceful and serene environment to reconnect with themselves.

Start Acupuncture in Boulder Today
People who struggle with mental health concerns, addiction, or co-occurring conditions can find support at Flatirons Recovery. We offer a compassionate and caring approach that respects the needs of each individual. Our team provides comprehensive care plans, including AcuDetox and other supportive therapies, to support healing and recovery. Your personalized care plan helps you begin the path toward recovery and improved physical and mental well-being. Contact us today to learn more about starting acupuncture in Boulder.