What is 5NP?
5NP (5-Needle Protocol) is a safe and evidence-supported, complementary therapy designed to support the body’s own innate healing. With 1-5 tiny needles in each ear, the 5NP technique helps regulate the nervous system by stimulating neural pathways such as the vagus nerve. This comfortable and gentle stimulation aids in interrupting the "fight-flight-freeze" activation common with chronic stress and trauma.​​
Accesses The Ear-Brain Bridge
When we experience stress, our vagus nerve is what returns us to homeostasis. Although in the case of chronic stress and trauma, the vagus nerve can sometimes fail to properly switch off the fight-flight-freeze response. Interestingly, the ear is one of the only places on the body where this nerve is accessible on the surface. 5NP comfortably stimulates and re-engages the vagus nerve, and thus helps bring the nervous system back to a place of calm.
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Creates Emotional Resilience
5NP supports the release of beneficial neurotransmitters (the "happy chemicals") which can improve mood, reduce anxiousness, decrease emotional pain/numbness, and even lessen addictive cravings - facilitating a better sense of ease and groundedness.
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Gentle - Drug Free & Talk Free
5NP is a gentle and relaxing therapy commonly provided in group settings. Sessions are designed to be quietly meditative and essentially non verbal - focusing on calming the nervous system without the need for clients to share their story.​​​​
How does 5NP feel?
Ear (or auricular) needles are extremely thin, comparable to the thickness of a human hair - 10 times smaller than standard medical needles. 5NP is generally considered painless, and can feel like a light poke, often described as "oh, was that all?" This is often followed by a deep sense of calm, relaxation, and sometimes a slight tingling or warmth. Sessions typically last 20–60 minutes depending on the clients needs. After sessions clients often report feeling much calmer, "lighter," and more centered.
Can it be needle-free?
Yes! 5NP can be performed needle-free utilizing acupressure ear beads. This method utilizes the same ear points, although adhesive-backed, 24k gold-plated or stainless steel beads are applied in place of needles. Ear beads are often the preferred method for children or those with an aversion to needles. Additionally, 5NP ear beads can be applied after a standard needle treatment for those requesting continuous, multi-day stimulation (3–5 days.)
Meet your Acu-Tech
Trauma-Informed Community Acu-Tech Provider
C
C is a dedicated practitioner specializing in trauma-informed care and holistic stress relief. She combines evidence-based and somatic techniques to help individuals with chronic and post traumatic stress. C creates a safe, compassionate space, empowering clients to regain resilience and, in their own words, "move from surviving to thriving."
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​I am passionate about creating a non-judgmental, compassionate space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. My goal is to equip you with practical tools to manage stress in real-time, allowing you to build a resilient foundation for the future
Related Certifications & Training
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5NP Acu-Technician - Oregon
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TRE (Trauma Release Exercise) Facilitator
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Clinical EFT/Tapping Out of Trauma
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Guided Imagery & Mindscaping Facilitator
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History of 5NP
Auriculartherapy has a wonderful dual history, which combines ancient traditional practices with modern science. Ear stimulation for healing dates back some 2,500 years in Egypt, China, and the Mediterranean - and additionally in the Americas where indigenous people often used porcupine quills or thorns for acu treatments. While the modern system of auriculartherapy was developed by a French physician in the 1950's, after he observed a local healer having significant success by utilizing ear points. Intrigued, he used bioelectric stimulation on his own patients to locate key auricular points; later creating an "ear map" which was then translated and integrated into modern Chinese acupuncture. Two decades later in the 1970's, a group of doctors and activists at Lincoln Hospital in New York first developed the 5 Needle Protocol as a nervous system support for patients recovering from addiction. Although 5NP’s role began to expand in 2001 following 9/11 - when over 40,000 treatments were provided to first responders and survivors; as many were not open to talk therapy, but welcomed the nervous system regulation they found from 5NP.
And now today, 5NP has expanded all over the world, and is considered a highly effective adjunct therapy for chronic stress, trauma, mental health, grief, etc. Below is a list of agencies and hospitals that currently endorse and use 5NP.​​​​
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​Veterans Affairs (VA)
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US Justice Department
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Indian Health Services (IHS)
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Medical Reserves Corps (MRC)
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First Responders such as EMT's & Firefighters
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​Yale Medical School
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Brown University Health Services
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The Ass. for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
The 5NP points
The 5 point protocol is based on the bioelectric map of the ear and the corresponding innervated organ systems. 5NP not only accesses the vagus nerve, but also targets other nerve pathways associated with the physical body's stress response. By stimulating these specific points, the protocol works holistically by sending calming signals to an individual's system as a whole.
Point 1
Calms the nervous system by balancing the Sympathetic and promoting a shift from "fight-flight" to a sense of ease, safety, and groundedness.
Point 3
Supports the kidney and adrenal cortex - helps balance cortisol in response to threatening/stressful stimuli. Aids in reducing fear, anxiety, and worry. Associated with vital energy, and strengthening inner resolve and resiliency.​
Point 4
Supports the liver and aids in the reduction of frustration and anger. Quells irritability, and reframes pessimistic thinking.
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2
1
4
5
Point 2
Acts as the foundational calming point in auriculartherapy. Known originally in China as Shen Men or "Spirit Gate" - as it balances the mind and psyche. Additionally eases emotional turbulence, and aids in quieting racing thoughts and restlessness. Helps quell anxiousness and worry. Improves sleep and enhances overall wellbeing.
Point 5
Supports the lung and regulates the breath. Aids in emotional processing - namely low mood, sadness and grief. Also plays a role in fostering a renewed groundedness in the physical world. Reduces emotional numbness, while supporting the restoration of joy & connection.