SUCN trains health professionals in ear acupuncture detox for community care
Silliman University College of Nursing (SUCN), in partnership with National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Philippines, conducted a five-day training on ear acupuncture detoxification from June 23 to 27, 2025, equipping health professionals with skills in the NADA Protocol to support physical and mental wellness in local communities.
The training, titled Ear Acupuncture for Detoxification: A Course on the NADA Protocol, combined classroom lectures and hands-on community service. Didactic sessions were held at Room 101 of the Mary Marquis-Smith (MMS) Building at Silliman University, while the practical community clinics took place at the Lo-oc Covered Court in Barangay Lo-oc, Dumaguete City.
Organized to expand the pool of certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, the course was part of NADA Philippines’ mission to promote accessible, complementary care for individuals and communities dealing with physical, emotional, and behavioral health challenges.
The training was facilitated by NADA Philippines chairperson and founder Janet P. Paredes, along with trainers Magin L. Ardeña Jr., Kristin Faith O. Cataylo, and Evelyn B. Dulay. Faculty members of the Silliman University College of Nursing also served as lecturers, with Asst. Prof. Rochie C. Cagara acting as training coordinator, joined by Asst. Prof. Rowena M. Turtal, Asst. Prof. Mary Nathalie M. Cata-al, and Ms. Paredes.
Participants of Batch 59 included a mix of healthcare professionals and SUCN faculty and staff, such as Dr. Audrey C. Bolodo, Dr. Celia C. Castillo-Secuya, Flonisa Mindac-Amarante, and Asst. Prof. May Ross P. Cafe. The training enabled participants to apply the five-point ear acupuncture protocol on community members during the clinic sessions.
Among the guests who witnessed the sessions and expressed support for the initiative were SUCN Dean Dr. Theresa A. Guino-o, Dr. Luz Sobong-Porter Center of Leadership Excellence in Nursing (CoLEN) co-director Dr. Evalyn E. Abalos, and incoming SUCN Dean Dr. Theorose June Q. Bustillo.
Patients who availed of the free treatments shared positive feedback. One patient, who had struggled with insomnia for months, reported being able to sleep well for the first time after treatment. Others noted that the sessions made them feel “relaxed and sleepy.”
With the success of the training, SUCN is now planning to train five of its faculty and staff to become certified NADA trainers. The college is also looking to strengthen its collaboration with NADA Philippines through the CoLEN, aiming to institutionalize future training programs and broaden the impact of holistic community health initiatives.
