Free Webinar: Utilization of Acupuncture for individuals with substance use
disorder

The Ceylon Association of Medical Acupuncturists (CAMA) in collaboration with the
Department of Acupuncture of KIU held an online free webinar on the 2nd of September 2022 at
7.30 p.m. About 20 members, researchers, members of the National Dangerous Drug Control
Board (NDDCB) and students participated in the online event. Dr. Libby Stuyt, MD. Addiction
Psychiatrist, Medical Director for the Circle Programme from Colorado, USA was invited as the
honorary speaker.
Ms. Imesha Hemasinghe, a member of the director board of CAMA, opened the session as to
why this webinar was organized, the present situation in Sri Lanka regarding substance use
disorder and how it has become a public health concern.
Dr. Libby Stuyt gave in sites on acupuncture used as a treatment for addiction by sharing
research findings on the Utilization of Acupuncture for individuals with substance use disorder
and shared the history of the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association). She
mentioned that Acupuncture is “definitely not a stand-alone treatment but it’s a very helpful aid”.
She also explained the functions of the five points of the NADA protocol and said that “the
Traditional Chinese Medicine is more about prevention than it is about our Western Medicine,
reductive medicine techniques and the fact that all the points have a physiological but a
the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspect to them”.
As closing remarks, Ms. Imesha Hemasinghe expressed her gratitude to Dr. Libby Stuyt and
thanked everyone who participated in the event.