Battlefield Acupuncture in the U.S. Military: A Pain-Reduction Model for NATO

Background: Acupuncture originated in China more than 5000 years ago. Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), developed by Niemtzow, consists of treating 5 points on each ear, using semi-permanent needles to reduce pain in a few minutes. Easily taught to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops, this methodology can be explained in 3 hours. Objective: This article describes how the BFA technique may be taught to military medical personnel in a few hours and may be used in a NATO medical treatment facility or battlefield environment without the necessity for patients' disrobing. Methods: Five tiny, sterile 2-mm needles are inserted into specific points of each ear. The points are: (1) Cingulate Gyrus; (2) Thalamus; (3) Omega 2; (4) Shen Men; and (5) Point Zero. The needles may remain in the ears for up to 3 days. Conclusions: BFA produces rapid pain relief in a few minutes with almost no side-effects. This is an ideal technique to use when pain has not responded to narcotics or when habit-forming drugs are not desired, especially during critical military missions.