5NP Training with Dr. K

In 2023, the 5NP Texas team partnered with Texas legislators who unanimously passed 88(R) HB 1106 allowing more licensed clinicians to offer 5NP acupuncture to ALL Texans for addiction, trauma, and/or physical, emotional, and psychological stress. At less than $1 per treatment, the five-needle protocol is a non-medication intervention for healing that helps to calm the nervous system. A greater variety of licensed clinicians (RN, Vocational Nurse, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LP, LCDC - as well as Licensed Associates) now have the ability to provide 5NP in the context of community mental health and wellness. This means that a clinician has the potential to help more people to heal and increase monthly income potential for four or more hours of group sessions.

The 5-Needle Protocol is a powerful auricular (ear) acupuncture technique that helps bring the body out of "fight or flight" and into a state of balance. By placing five small needles (or magnetic beads) in specific points on the ear, this method calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes emotional resilience. Originally developed for addiction recovery, it is now widely used to support those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic stress. This simple yet effective practice offers a natural, cost-effective way to restore inner peace and well-being.

This tool has no contra-indications, can be used daily and is also appropriate for psychological first aid in contexts such as community violence (school shootings, etc) and disaster relief. Ear acupuncture was widely used after 9/11 for first responders.

This modality is typically offered as a non-verbal, group meditative intervention. In addition, this tool is perfect for peer-to-peer support as it can easily be incorporated into staffing or supervision for self-care and burn-out prevention.

What are you waiting for? Register today!

Course Format

Dr. Koehler’s 5-Needle Protocol training is a three day training (option of one day virtual, two days in-person) with a virtual follow-up call scheduled for one month later. The content is divided into didactic and clinical experience with a short practicum.

Participants learn auricular point locations, needling techniques, clean needle precautions, tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical strategies for application, and integration of the 5-needle protocol into various settings, such as individual psychotherapy and group meditation with sound healing.

Dr. Koehler’s 5NP training takes place in Frisco, Texas and provides trainees valuable hands-on experience as well as time for meditative, restorative self-care practices. Self-care options include sound healing & 5NP acupuncture sessions, yoga & breathwork, resonance biofeedback, equine interaction, craniosacral therapy, zone healing chiropractic, and organic snacks, juices, and the latest trends in biohacking.

Trainees are responsible for completing supervised clinical experiences (which can be done virtually) and homework assignments. Participants are considered eligible for a certificate upon full completion.

This class is packed with information and paradigm shifts for clinicians who are embracing integrative and holistic approaches to mental health.  We try to balance the pressure of that work with a number of relaxation practices to demonstrate the real nature of the 5NP experience, yin replenishment! Altogether, it is a unique experience for most attendees. We love providing these trainings and hope to work with you soon!

Upcoming 2025 Training Dates

May 16, 17, 18

June 6, 7, 8,

June 20, 21, 22

July 4, 5, 6

July 18, 19, 20

August 1, 2, 3

Email to schedule a complimentary information session!

DrKoehler@NeurodevelopmenTx.com

Cost

Training with Dr. Koehler is $1250 payable by Venmo/Paypal or credit card.  Fees include training manual, materials, a starter kit of needling supplies, and supervision.  A total of 24 CEU hours are offered to attendees including 2 hours of ethics and 2 hours of multicultural competency.  You must be present during the entire course and submit an evaluation form to receive CEUs.

Upon completing requirements, your training certificate and transcript will be sent to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to begin the process of becoming a permitted acupuncture detoxification specialist, (ADS). If you are attending from another state, the necessary information will be forwarded to your state’s licensing board upon completion of all requirements.

WHAT? WHY? & HOW does it work?

The 5 Needle Protocol (5NP) is a standardized auricular acupuncture treatment used for stress reduction, addiction recovery, trauma relief, and overall nervous system regulation. Its mechanism of action involves several physiological and neurological pathways:

1. Neurotransmitter Regulation

  • Endorphins & Enkephalins: Stimulates the release of natural opioids, promoting pain relief and relaxation.

  • Dopamine & Serotonin: Modulates these neurotransmitters, helping with mood regulation, cravings, and emotional balance.

  • GABA & Glutamate Balance: Helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and hyperactivity.

2. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Regulation

  • Shifts the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, promoting relaxation, emotional processing, and resilience.

  • Reduces cortisol levels and inflammation, supporting stress recovery.

3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation

  • The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) is directly stimulated by the needles in the ear, influencing heart rate variability (HRV), digestion, and emotional regulation.

  • Vagus nerve activation helps improve gut-brain communication, which is critical for mental health.

4. Limbic System Modulation

  • Directly affects the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, which are responsible for processing emotions, trauma responses, and stress regulation.

  • Helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, balancing stress hormone production.

5. Bioelectrical & Quantum Resonance Effects

  • Activates meridian pathways and optimizes the flow of Qi (bioelectrical energy) throughout the body.

  • Potentially enhances coherence in brainwave activity, aligning with principles of quantum physics by creating harmonic resonance in the nervous system.

Ask about scheduling a free demo!

** Coming soon: 3 hour CEU for ADS credential renewal!