Addictions

If you're dealing with addictions and looking for a natural, whole-body approach to relief, Dr. Annie Yang, DACM, at Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture in Aiea, Hawaii can help. Rather than treating addictions as an isolated problem, Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the underlying pattern behind it, so that treatment addresses the root cause and not just the symptoms on the surface. Patients throughout Aiea and the greater Honolulu area come to Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture for exactly this kind of individualized, root-cause care.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, addictions is most often associated with Shen (spirit) disturbance with underlying Liver Qi stagnation and Kidney deficiency. Common signs include cravings, withdrawal-related anxiety, disrupted sleep, emotional volatility. From a Western perspective, addictions is typically linked to substance dependence, behavioral addiction patterns, or nervous system dysregulation from withdrawal, and Dr. Annie's evaluation takes both frameworks into account, combining a thorough intake, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and a clear understanding of your health history to build a treatment plan specific to you rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

The NADA auricular acupuncture protocol, a five-point ear protocol originally developed for substance use support, is one of the most widely used and researched acupuncture protocols for addiction, and Dr. Annie incorporates this alongside individualized body point work.

How Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture Treats Addictions

At Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture, addictions is most commonly treated with a combination of Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Here's how each of these approaches can help:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for addictions is used to shift the body out of a stressed, overactive state and into a calmer, more regulated one. Points are selected to address shen (spirit) disturbance with underlying liver qi stagnation and kidney deficiency, and research has shown acupuncture can influence neurotransmitter and hormone levels involved in mood and stress response, which is why many patients notice both physical and emotional shifts after treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas for addictions are selected to nourish the specific deficiency or resolve the stagnation identified during intake, addressing shen (spirit) disturbance with underlying liver qi stagnation and kidney deficiency at its root rather than only managing symptoms day to day. Many patients find the herbs particularly helpful for maintaining progress between acupuncture sessions.

Supporting Your Recovery at Home

Because addictions is so closely tied to the nervous system, Dr. Annie often pairs treatment with simple recommendations around sleep, breathwork, and daily rhythm, small, consistent habits that help reinforce the calming effects of each acupuncture session between visits.

Every treatment plan at Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture is customized to the individual, which means your visit for addictions will look different depending on your specific pattern, health history, and goals. Dr. Annie takes the time during your first visit to understand not just your symptoms but your lifestyle, stress levels, and overall constitution, so that treatment supports lasting change rather than temporary relief. If you're in Aiea, Honolulu, or anywhere on Oahu and ready to explore a natural approach to addictions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Annie at Oahu Central Earth Acupuncture today.