Discover the transformative relief of Battlefield acupuncture at Beacon Acupuncture in Grafton, MA. This specialized technique, utilizing precise ear acupuncture points, offers rapid and effective pain management for various conditions.
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) uses very small (0.1mm) semi-permanent needles (ASP) which are inserted into the skin of the outer surface of the ear at five distinct points to alleviate pain as an opioid alternative. Most patients experience minor, temporary discomfort when needles are placed. The needles remain in place for 3-5 days. If the needles become too uncomfortable, they may be easily removed with fingernails or tweezers.
BFA was created by Dr. Richard Niemtzow while on active duty in the US Air Force in 2001. Dr. Niemtzow discovered this five-point sequence of needles in the ear would provide rapid and highly effective relief of nearly all types of pain, both acute and chronic. He paired the French auriculotherapy needles (ASP) with the treatment protocol to be used on the battlefield or on deployment when it was not advisable to use western pain medications. The US Military Health System trains 10,000 non-acupuncturist clinician, military members annually. Research shows that 75 to 82 percent of people experience decreased pain immediately following treatment.
Battlefield Acupuncture Helps:
- Pain, chronic and acute
- Pre & post operative pain
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain
- PTSD
Cautions & Contraindications to BFA:
- Pregnant or might be pregnant
- Valvular prostheses
- Skin problems around the puncture site or ear infection
- Hemophiliacs or patients taking anti-coagulants
- Current or previous keloid scar formation on either ear
- Caution taking Adderall, Gabapentin, cannabis, alcohol as they may reduce or increase effects of substance
- Aversion to needles or vasovagal response to needles
- Not experiencing pain
- Active military duty members on active flight status or in special mission programs
Side Effects
Although BFA has an outstanding safety record, even safe procedures carry some risk of side-effects. Potential side effects include:
- Feeling euphoric or light-headed
- Discomfort at the needled sites
- Bleeding or bruising at the needle sites
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Dizziness, nausea, fainting
- Drowsiness
- With several consecutive treatments, temporary discoloration may occur on treated areas of ear