5NP is used to address stress, trauma, and addiction as well as mental, emotional, and behavioral health. If that sounds like a wide path, it is, and that’s what makes it so great!
5NP is an effective wellbeing tool utilized world wide. This practice focuses on 5 points in the ear that work collectively to regulate the nervous system, releive stress, and support overall wellbeing.
Sessions can be as quick as 15 minutes, take place individually or in a group, and be done privately or in public spaces. 5NP is often offered at community events, festivals, and celebrations where it is accessible and supported.
What happens in a session?
Sterile acupuncture needles are gently applied 1cm into the ears in 5 median points. They remain in place for 15-45 minutes. Those receiving treatment may feel an immediate sense of calm or a more gradual mental and emotional regulation over the following days.
5NP is also known as: 5 Needle Protocol, NADA Protocol, AcuDetox, auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture.
Not ready for needles? Ear seeds can be used in place of needles or as a supporting tool after a needle-based treatment. Seeds are on a bandage-like material and are placed on points in the ears. These seeds can stay in place for a few hours or a few days, making them a great tool for anticipated periods stress or anxiety.
Ready to share 5NP?
Host a 5NP event or stress reduction clinic! Pop-up treatment events are perfect for festivals, markets, in-store events, and all kinds of public or private gatherings. All treatmeants are provided on a sliding-scale basis.
For indoor spaces, room for 6-10 folding chairs and a 6-foot table is best. For outdoor spaces without coverage, space for a 10×10 tent is best.
Your Practitioner
Kristen was trained by Manchester Acupuncture Studio (MAS) licensed acupuncturists in a 70-hour training program through the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA). The MAS website describes 5NP as “a simple, repeatable ear acupuncture protocol used to help people settle emotionally and find stability—especially during times of great stress, social disruption – and in support of sobriety.”
Kristen is licensed by the State of New Hampshire as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) by the Board of Acupuncture Licensing, holding license #134. She is also a member of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA). POCA is a member-run 501(c)(6) non-profit organization whose mission is to work cooperatively to increase accessibility to and availability of affordable group acupuncture treatments.
Does 5NP have a connection to herbalism?
Yes! When Dr. Michael Smith was treating patients with 5NP in the 1970’s, he also incorporated a tea blend to aid in further physical detoxification, aid digestion, prevent insomnia, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. The blend of 6 herbal allies have also been traditionally utilized for stress management and sleep support as well as soothing the nervous system, encouraging circulation, and the release of waste.
More Common Questions Explained:
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Where can I do 5NP?
5NP has been traditionally done in group and community settings to keep treatments accessible, affordable, and accepted as a viable tool for nervous system regulation. Treatments in a group setting allow for a collective sense of community, healing, and belonging. As a non-verbal practice, those receiving treatments can sit quietly in community, supporting others while supporting themselves.
To experience 5NP, visit Kristen at a community event or book a private session.
Is 5NP for pain relief?
Not exactly. 5NP does not target pain; however, by regulating the nervous system, some people do experience a positive impact on their pain levels when the rest of their body is better regulated.
What are the 5 points in the ear?
Sympathetic: Calms the central nervous system, helps reduce fight-or-flight responses, and promotes the “rest and digest” parasympathetic state.
Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Promotes deep emotional calm and better sleep. Reduces anxiety, stress, nervousness, and insomnia while promoting an overall sense of deep peace.
Kidney: Associated with vitality and healing. It is used to calm fears, reduce trauma-induced aggression, and support internal organ healing.
Liver: Helps balance emotions and reduce anger or frustration. Assists in physical detoxification, blood purification, and suppresses frustration or aggression.
Lung: Associated with grief and shame, this point supports self-worth, dignity, and detoxification. Helps the body process and release grief, supports respiratory function, and aids in cellular oxygenation.
Where did 5NP originate from?
A brief history from the State of Oregon Medical Board:
5NP emerged from an intersection of grassroots activism and community-driven healthcare innovation. In the 1970s, advocacy efforts demanded accessible drug detoxification services at Lincoln Hospital in South Bronx, NY. The protocol represents a unique fusion of ancient Eastern healing practices with modern healing social justice movements of the Black Panthers and Young Lords. These activists recognizing the failure of traditional medical systems to adequately serve marginalized populations struggling with addiction, collaborated with healthcare providers to develop what became known as acudetox which transformed a hospital detox program into a community-centered healing practice. This grassroots origin reflects the protocol’s core values of accessibility, community empowerment, and culturally responsive care, establishing it as more than just a medical intervention but as a tool for social healing that emerged from communities most affected by addiction and trauma. The protocol’s evolution from this activist foundation to its current global application maintains its commitment to serving underserved populations and providing trauma-informed care that honors both individual healing and collective community wellness.
Where can I learn more about 5NP?
Check out these videos about 5NP:
Let’s Connect!
Email Kristen to schedule a private session or group event: hello@noreasternherb.com