Region 10 trained several employees today on the practice of Auricular Acupuncture, which is acupuncture to the ear. This technique helps people with substance abuse problems by reducing cravings and calm them as they begin their treatment.

In the state of Virginia, Auricular Acupuncture can be used as the first step of substance abuse treatment.

"So even though there are lots of point that can treat lots of different things, we are only treating addiction. We only use five points in the ear," said Mark Farrington, the Director of Wellness Recovery at Region 10.

Those five points are triggers for different organs in the body which work to detoxify.

"The kidney, the liver and the lung are all points that help with addiction in several different ways. One way is those are the organs that detoxify the body. So it aids in detoxifying and getting chemicals out of the system," said Farrington.

This process of Auricular Acupuncture helps reduce people's anxiety as they give up their addictions. And it doesn't hurt at all.

It's important that the people who will do the acupuncture, know what it feels like. That's why Region 10 had their employees undergo the acupuncture so they can explain it to future clients.

"You can just feel yourself sort of calming down and relaxing. Today I felt like I was falling asleep," said Jeff Sobel, who works for Region 10.

"What the acupuncture is really effective in is helping in sleep. It also helps in reducing anger, improving relaxation and concentration." said Cheryl Desvernine, a Substance Abuse Clinician from Richmond.

"It in itself will not cure your cravings or make people not addicted, but it is another tool in the fight in addictions and to get people on the road to recovery," said Sobel.

If you are interested in Auricular Acupuncture, and are willing to let Region 10 employees practice on you, this program will be going on through tomorrow and they are looking for volunteers.

If you would like to try Auricular Acupuncture, or want to learn more about this process, click on the link below.