What is AcuSound?
AcuSound is SmartHealth Clinic’s signature wellbeing treatment, combining a standardised sequence of five auricular—or ear—acupuncture points with therapeutic tuning forks based on the Beaulieu approach.
During each session, up to five fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are carefully inserted into specific points in each outer ear. Selected tuning forks are then activated and
gently applied as part of the treatment, introducing carefully chosen tones, harmonic intervals and gentle vibration.
The combination creates a quiet, restorative experience that may encourage deep relaxation and support a greater sense of calm, balance and overall wellbeing.
The 5 ear-acupuncture points
The auricular acupuncture component is based on the five traditional points used within the NADA protocol:
-
Sympathetic
-
Shen Men, also known as “Spirit Gate”
-
Kidney
-
Liver
-
Lung
The NADA system uses a standardised combination of ear points rather than points selected through an individual Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis.
AcuSound builds upon this established five-point sequence by combining it with therapeutic tuning forks, making it a distinct treatment offered by SmartHealth Clinic rather than a standalone NADA protocol session.
A brief history of the five-point system
The five-point NADA protocol was developed during the 1970s at the Lincoln Recovery Centre in New York. It was originally introduced as a supportive approach within addiction- recovery programmes.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association—NADA—was established in the United States in 1985 to provide education and standardised training in the system. The protocol was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1988 and has since been used in a variety of healthcare, community and wellbeing settings.
Although the five-point system originated within addiction services, it is now also used as a complementary approach to relaxation and general wellbeing.
Every session is uniquely tailored, creating
How are tuning forks incorporated?
Tuning forks are precision instruments that produce specific tones and vibrations when activated. During an AcuSound session, selected tuning forks are activated and applied according to the Beaulieu approach. Different tuning-fork combinations create carefully chosen harmonic intervals, allowing the treatment to be experienced through sound and gentle vibration alongside the ear acupuncture.
The tuning forks add another sensory dimension to the session while you rest in a calm and
supportive environment.
What happens during a session?
Your first appointment begins with a brief health and suitability assessment.
Up to five fine acupuncture needles are then gently inserted into specific points in each outer ear. No electrical stimulation is used.
The tuning forks are activated and applied as part of the treatment, after which you will be given time to rest quietly and experience the combined effects of acupuncture, sound and vibration. Each appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Who do we recommend the AcuSound Ear Acupuncture and Tuning Fork Programme for?
The AcuSound programme may be suitable for people who:
-
Are experiencing periods of everyday stress or emotional pressure
-
Feel mentally overwhelmed or overstimulated
-
Find it difficult to switch off and fully relax
-
Would like to feel calmer, more grounded and settled
-
Are going through a period of change or personal transition
-
Would benefit from a regular opportunity to pause, rest and reset
-
Prefer a gentle treatment that does not require extensive talking
-
Would like additional wellbeing support between full acupuncture treatments
-
Are interested in experiencing acupuncture, therapeutic sound and vibration together
-
Individual experiences and responses can vary.
Who do we recommend the AcuSound Ear Acupuncture and Tuning Fork Programme for?
For consistency and continuity, the programme includes two sessions per week for four weeks:
-
Eight 30-minute AcuSound sessions
-
Up to five ear-acupuncture points in each ear
-
Therapeutic tuning forks based on the Beaulieu approach
-
A brief health and suitability assessment
-
Quiet relaxation during each session
-
Progress monitoring throughout the programme
How is AcuSound different from a full acupuncture treatment?
AcuSound follows a standardised five-point ear-acupuncture sequence. It does not include a complete Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis or an individually tailored body-acupuncture treatment.
If you require a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan, we recommend
booking our Initial Consultation and First Treatment instead.
Session options and prices
Four-week AcuSound Ear Acupuncture and Tuning Fork programme
Eight 30-minute sessions: £200
Equivalent to £25 per session—saving £40
Although a single session may provide an enjoyable opportunity to pause and relax, AcuSound is designed to be experienced as a structured course. Regular sessions provide greater consistency and allow you to experience the treatment over time.
For this reason, we recommend completing the full programme of two sessions per week for
four weeks to give yourself the best opportunity to notice its potential wellbeing benefits.
Individual experiences and responses vary, and specific results cannot be guaranteed. Ideally, there should be at least 72 hours between the two appointments, rather than booking them on two consecutive days.