Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wellness Wagon and the Wellness Rodeos?
The Wellness Wagon is a 36-foot refurbished school bus that travels to marginalized communities to offer AcuDetox treatments. These treatments incorporate the 5 Needle Protocol (5-NP) auricular (ear) acupuncture modality, which calms the nervous system, therefore assisting in reducing cortisol levels, anxiety, depressive symptoms, as well as decreases withdrawal symptoms and cravings for those suffering from substance use disorder. The Wellness Wagon partners with multiple community and social services to create Wellness Rodeo events around the Roanoke Valley
Our Wellness Rodeos seek to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing services they need. Wellness Rodeos offer a variety of options to families including preventative medical care, vaccines, addiction services, housing options, and healthy, affordable food. We consistently visit three locations monthly so long-lasting relationships can be established in the communities we serve.
Our list of partners includes, but are not limited to:
Roanoke City Housing Authority
Roanoke Valley Health Department
Carillion Community Health Outreach
What is the 5 Needle Protocol (5NP)?
The 5 Needle Protocol is a five-point auricular (ear) acupuncture modality. It involves the gentle placement of five small, sterilized, disposable stainless-steel needles in specific sites on each ear of a patient undergoing treatment. The treatment is a non-verbal process with minimal interaction between client and provider. The treatment benefits are immediate, tangible and apparent, even to someone experiencing the treatment for the first time. It can be provided as an initial treatment intervention before clients have developed a relationship with the counseling staff.
The 5NP has been shown to significantly decrease cravings for alcohol and drugs, withdrawal symptoms, relapse episodes, anxiety, insomnia and agitation. The treatment often helps participants become relaxed and more comfortable with their own thoughts, enabling them to experience a sense of “letting go” of tensions and apprehensions, and supporting quiet participation in a group setting. The 5NP is effective regardless of a client’s level of motivation and tends to increase the client’s readiness and willingness to participate in treatment.
What is an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist or an Auricular Acupuncture Technician?
The title “Auricular Acupuncture Technician” (AAT) denotes one who is trained specifically in integrating the 5-NP auricular acupuncture protocol. Every trainee must complete the combined instructional and clinical experience provided and/or overseen by a Registered Trainer. In addition, they will demonstrate to the satisfaction of that Registered Trainer a master of the basic competencies.
Does the treatment hurt?
The insertion of the needle is very superficial, and any initial pain is short-lived and mild. The 5 NP uses small, solid steel acupuncture needles with a 0.2 mm tip.
What can I expect during a treatment?
The 20- to 25-minute treatment calms the client’s central nervous system, and that sense of calm can last for days to weeks.
Is there something I should do before getting a treatment?
Have a light snack before the treatment; however, if you find yourself hungry or thirsty before, during or after your treatment, ask a Wellness Wagon staff person for a drink or snack.
How can I support the Wellness Wagon?
The best way to support the Wellness Wagon is to experience the treatment for yourself–then spread the word and make a donation to keep our services going and growing. Because we believe in acupuncture being available for everyone, all of the stops are free, reduced price, or donation based. Our focus is on building connections and community. We want every person on the bus to feel welcome, so treatments are “pay what you can.”
Businesses are able to hire out the bus at the rate of $200 an hour for private events for their employees. We are able to accommodate large organizations by working through an office and have multiple ADS (AAT’s) treat individuals.