Auricular Acu-Technician Training

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What is an AAT?

Auricular Acu-Technicians (AAT), also referred to as Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists (ADS), are non-acupuncturists who are trained to treat 5 points on the outer ear using needles or seeds; this 5-point treatment is often referred to as Acudetox. This simple, inexpensive, safe,  and efficient ear acupuncture treatment created for non-acupuncturists has been used over the last 40 years to address issues related to addiction support in recovery, pain, PTSD, toxic stress, disaster relief, insomnia, mild to severe anxiety and depression, and the healing of emotional traumas. 

For the first two days of the training, participants will be trained in the history, theory, and practice of the 5-point treatment. On the third day, participants will host a community clinic where they can practice the 5-point treatment and receive direct feedback from instructors before becoming officially certified.

History of Acudetox:

Acudetox was originally created as a harm reduction technique in the 1970s through collaboration with the Black Panther Party, the Young Lords, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturists. Over the years Acudetox has been found to support all individuals, regardless of substance use habits. Acudetox is offered in community care settings all around North America and is able to foster balance within each individual’s unique nervous system. Acudetox can be beneficial for all people, regardless of where you lie on the spectrum of mental health. 

Building off the legacy of those who developed and championed this treatment for decades, including the Young Lords, the Black Panther Party, Lincoln Detox, and the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, POCA’s Ear Circle created a training program whose mission is to train and support as many people as possible to become AATs and use the 5 Needle Protocol in their work and communities.

The mission of POCA’s Ear Circle is to train and support as many people as possible to become Auricular Acu-Technicians (AATs) and use the 5 Needle Protocol in their work and communities as a supportive treatment for substance use disorders, trauma, and mental health issues.