Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) Trainings
Building off the legacy of those who developed and championed this treatment for decades, including the Young Lords, the Black Panther Party, Lincoln Detox, and the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, POCA’s Ear Circle created a training program whose mission is to train and support as many people as possible to become AATs and use the 5 Needle Protocol in their work and communities. Auricular Acu-Technicians (AATs) are non-acupuncturists who are trained to treat points on the outer ear using needles, or ear seeds. AAT’s often work in behavioral and mental health fields, in recovery or addiction treatment settings, and sometimes as peers and advocates in a variety of community settings. Training for Auricular Acu-Techs (AAT) also called Acu-Detox Specialists (ADS) involves learning the 5-Needle Protocol, which is also known as 5NP, acudetox, or the NADA protocol. This simple, inexpensive, safe, and effective ear acupuncture treatment created for non-acupuncturists has been used over the last 40 years to address issues related to addiction, support in recovery, trauma, pain, toxic stress and more.
Note: Each state has its own laws governing the use of 5NP. Click here to research your own state’s regulations.
POCA’s AAT training is designed to meet previously established training standards sometimes described in state laws or regulations as “NADA or equivalent.” Completion of POCA’s AAT training does not guarantee that you will be able to practice legally in your state and each trainee is responsible to research the requirements of the state they intend to practice in.
email us at: allears@pocacoop.com
Resources for Trainers
Licensed acupuncturists and certified acudetox specialists can become an AAT and start the process of becoming a trainer by attending an in-person training OR completing this online CEU Course.
The People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA), and POCA Dept. of Education are separate and distinct entities from POCA Technical Institute (POCA Tech or PTI). Educational courses and programs offered by POCA or POCA Dept. of Education including, but not limited to, continuing education, Auricular Acu-Technician Training and POCAfests are not controlled or delivered by PTI and are not accredited by ACAHM. Questions about professional licensure or certification for education received at POCA and/or POCA Dept. of Education should be directed to your local state’s higher education authorizing agency or relevant state licensing/certification authority.
POCA Technical Institute (POCA Tech or PTI) and its master’s-level diploma program in acupuncture are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). PTI’s accreditation status may be viewed at: https://acahm.org/directory-menu/directory/
ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a specialized accreditation agency for institutions and programs that prepare acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at 8941 Aztec Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347; phone 952/212-2434; fax 952/657-7068; www.acahm.org