The best acupuncture results are obtained when patients receive treatment in an open-group setting, in which they are able to relax easily. Some women hold their small babies in their laps during treatment. Children usually remain calm in this type of setting, and no one is distracted. New patients are able to observe the treatment process so that they do not fear the pain of needle insertion. Addicted persons are attracted by the opportunity to reduce their inner turmoil.
Acupuncture detoxification is a non-judgemental, nurturing process.
It blends well with most crisis counselling and long-term rehabilitation programmes. The method of acupuncture used for the treatment of drug-dependent persons is also appropriate for the treatment of persons suffering from stress. The mechanism of action of acupuncture has not been fully understood in physiological terms, but it probably involves the homeostatic actions of the autonomic nervous system, various neurotransmitters, and elements in the pituitary-subcortical axis. It is easy to be confused by the xu huo that many addicts exhibit and to conclude that the main goal should be the sedation of excess fire. In fact, addicts themselves take this approach in the extreme by using sedative drugs.