• Check-In

    Welcome to The Hokey Pokey Collective. This check-in helps us make sure you understand what AcuDetox is, what to expect, & anything we should know to provide care as safely as possible.

  • What is AcuDetox?

    Auricular AcuDetox (Five-Needlepoint Protocol or 5NP) is a limited form of auricular acupuncture intended to support relaxation, stress regulation, recovery, emotional well-being, and general wellness.

    Treatment may involve up to five sterile, single-use acupuncture needles in each ear at specific points: Sympathetic, Shen Men, Kidney, Liver, and Lung.

    Recipients usually rest quietly for about 30–60 minutes, individually or in a community setting.

    The practitioner is an Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT), not a licensed acupuncturist, physician, psychologist, psychotherapist, or substance-use counselor unless separately identified.

    What AcuDetox Can & Cannot Do
    AcuDetox may support stress, overwhelm, burnout, grief, difficult transitions, restlessness, recovery, cravings or withdrawal-related discomfort, trauma-related stress, relaxation, grounding, or nervous-system support.

    Some people report relaxation, reduced tension, emotional grounding, improved rest, or increased well-being.

    No result is guaranteed.

    AcuDetox does not diagnose or treat medical or mental-health conditions, and is not medical care, psychotherapy, supervised detox, crisis intervention, emergency treatment, or comprehensive acupuncture.

    Do not use AcuDetox as a reason to start, stop, or change medications or professional care without consulting a licensed provider.

    Your Participation is Voluntary
    You may ask questions at any time, decline any part of the service, choose fewer needles, receive treatment in only one ear, ask about needle-free options, request removal of needles at any time, or end the session whenever you wish.

    You do not have to explain your reasons or share your story, trauma history, diagnosis, recovery status, or substance use to participate.

    Your choices will be respected.

    Possible Risks & Reactions
    Auricular needling is generally low-risk but not risk-free.

    Possible reactions: brief pain, tenderness, discomfort, redness, itching, warmth, tingling, irritation, minor bleeding or bruising, dizziness, sweating, nausea, fainting, headache, fatigue, temporary emotional sensitivity or changes in feeling, skin irritation or allergic reaction, infection, accidental needle movement/displacement, or rare injury to the ear or tissue.

    Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used.

    If you feel faint, uncomfortable, unsafe, or unwell, tell the practitioner right away.

    Community Care & Privacy
    AcuDetox may be offered in a shared community setting. Other people may be able to see that you are receiving care & information you choose to discuss aloud may be overheard. The Hokey Pokey Collective will make reasonable efforts to respect your privacy, but complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in an open community environment. We also ask everyone participating in the space to respect one another's privacy. Please do not photograph, record, identify, or share personal information about another participant without their clear permission. 


    Needle Safety 

    During treatment: sterile, single-use needles are used; needles are never reused; used needles are disposed of in an approved sharps container; appropriate hand-hygiene & clean-needle procedures are followed; and you should remain seated & avoid touching, adjusting, pushing, or removing needles yourself unless instructed otherwise. If you would like a needle removed, just ask.

    No diagnosis required. No story required. You are welcome to share only what is necessary for your safety & consent.

  • Are you 18 or older?*
  • If you are under 18, consent from a parent or legal guardian may be required before treatment.
  • Have you had acupuncture before?
  • AcuDetox is not emergency medical, psychiatric, crisis, or withdrawal-management care. Are you currently under the influence of alcohol or another substance to a degree that may affect your ability to understand what you are consenting to, communicate your choices, remain seated safely, or follow basic safety instructions? If Yes or Unsure, please speak with the practitioner before treatment so we can determine whether AcuDetox can be offered safely today.
  • Do you have a known allergy or sensitivity to stainless steel, nickel, adhesives, alcohol, latex, or medical products? If yes or unsure, tell us anything relevant:
  • Do you currently have an infection, rash, open wound, burn, significant swelling, recent piercing, or injury on either ear? If yes, tell us anything relevant:
  • Do you have a bleeding disorder, difficulty stopping bleeding, or take medication that significantly affects bleeding or clotting? If yes or unsure, tell us anything relevant:
  • Have you previously fainted, become very dizzy, or had a significant reaction to needles, injections, blood draws, or acupuncture? If yes, tell us anything that would help us support you:
  • Are you currently pregnant, possibly pregnant, or recently postpartum?
  • Immediate Safety Are you currently experiencing a medical or behavioral-health emergency? This may include severe withdrawal symptoms, chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else, severe disorientation, or another condition requiring immediate professional care. If Yes or Unsure, please speak with the practitioner before treatment.
  • Is there a medical condition, implanted medical device, or other health or safety concern you believe your practitioner should know about before treatment? If yes, please share only what feels relevant to receiving care safely:

  • If you answered Yes or Unsure, please speak with the practitioner before treatment so safety can be determined today.

  • Please review each statement before checking the consent box. By consenting, I confirm that:*
  • Should be Empty: