180 Views

824 - Effectiveness of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Protocol in the Management of Postmenopausal Symptoms: A Case Report

Friday, February 28, 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

Presenting Author(s)

AB

Abigail E. Brown, MS

OMS-IV
WVSOM
LEWISBURG, West Virginia, United States

Co-Author(s)

SS

Sohil D. Sheth, BS

Medical Student
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia, United States

Corresponding Author(s)

SJ

Sunil K. Jain, MD

Medical Director
Carilion Clinic
Roanoke, Virginia, United States

Case Diagnosis: A 59-year-old female with a history of chronic low back pain, depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia was additionally diagnosed with postmenopausal syndrome characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Case Description: The patient was benefiting from acupuncture for low-back pain and fibromyalgia when she received a menopause diagnosis. She underwent two acupuncture sessions to address her postmenopausal symptoms. The sessions consisted of Ming Men protocol with moxa and electricity for the first 10 minutes. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) protocol with electricity was then executed for 20 minutes. Then bilateral auricular acupuncture was performed using NADA protocol to minimize postmenopausal symptoms. Needles were placed at five points in the auricular microsystem: Sympathetic, Shenmen, Kidney, Liver, and Lung. These needles were left in place for 30 minutes. Patient’s initial pain of 6/10 was reduced to 2/10 at the end of the treatment session along with immediate improvement of fatigue. On weekly follow-ups, the patient reported sustained improvement in her sleep patterns, anxiety, and fatigue, in addition to overall pain.

Discussions: Postmenopausal symptoms can be debilitating and decrease quality of life. Hormone replacement can effectively provide symptom relief, however this strategy is limited to patients free of adverse effects, risk factors and contraindications. Alternatively, auricular acupuncture has been considered. This case suggests the potential for NADA protocol as an effective approach to taming postmenopausal symptoms.

Conclusions: Auricular acupuncture appears to be a safe and effective alternative approach to postmenopausal symptom relief. Specifically, the NADA protocol has been shown to improve sleep disturbances and mood-related manifestations associated with menopause, as well as benefit energy levels and quality of life in this patient population. Studies with a higher level of evidence are indicated to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of NADA protocol in the management of postmenopausal symptoms.