Auricular Acupuncture and Addiction: Mechanisms, Methodology and Practice

Auricular Acupuncture & Addiction provides a comprehensive guide to the use of ear acupuncture for the treatment of substance abuse. Rather than focus on the procedural details, it concentrates on the neurological basis of addictive behaviour and its treatment. The treatment itself is straightforward to administer, what is more important is a deep understanding of the addicted patient. It provides a thorough grounding in the theory of Chinese medicine and integrates Chinese medical theory with modern biomedical concepts.
Interest in the use of ear acupuncture in the treatment of addiction has grown swiftly. This book is an important step towards taking acupuncture out of 'alternative' medicine and integrating it within a modern health service.
Key Features:

• Scientific explanation of the theories of Qi energy and Yin-Yang
• Detailed presentation of the neurological basis of addictive behaviour
• Physiological effects of misused drugs discussed in detail
• Integrates Chinese medical theory with modern biological concepts
• Explains how this clinical intervention can be used in any treatment programme within a variety of settings
• Reviews the latest research into the subject
• Includes a comprehensive guide to the SMART UK teaching protocol and emphasises the scientific nature of this model
• Written by two leading experts in auricular acupuncture and substance misuse

Auricular Acupuncture & Addiction will be important for all students and practitioners working in the addiction field. It will be of particular value to those with an interest in the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of addiction.

Kim Wager has over 25 years of experience in the fields of addiction and Chinese medicine, working both in private practice and in the NHS. He is a qualified acupuncturist and Chinese medical herbalist. He holds a PhD in molecular neuroscience and genetics from the Royal Veterinary College and UCL School of Pharmacy, and an MSc in neuroscience from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London.

Sue Cox has over forty years working in the field of addiction, as a qualified Counsellor and Acupuncturist, both in private practice and in the NHS.She has also studied Diet, Nutrition, and natural sciences. Her absolute passion remains the treatment of addiction and mental health.She is in her forty second year of her own recovery from addiction.