The history of acupuncture in Chinese medicine dates back more than 2000 years.
The military medical system has developed a modern refinement of this ancient practice known as Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA).
Military health care providers have found that auricular acupuncture, which involves inserting small needles into various areas of the ear, is successful in reducing pain in injured or ill military personnel.
“BFA is highly effective and significantly reduces acute or chronic pain in approximately 80 to 85 percent of patients, regardless of the underlying cause,” says Professor and acupuncturist at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. said Dr. Jeff Leggett. Bethesda, Maryland.
Leggit described it as an “invaluable tool.” Providers can manage her BFA quickly and securely. There is virtually no risk of drug interactions or side effects, he said.
BFA can also reduce the need for narcotics. “Protocol modifications could also be very useful in treating migraine and tension-related headaches,” Leggit said.
Nearly every military hospital or clinic has at least one BFA-trained person, added Dr. Arnis Pock, USU associate dean and medical acupuncturist. “Additionally, the use of BFA in particular and acupuncture in general is becoming increasingly common in the following regions: [Department of Veterans Affairs] So is the equipment,” she said.
20 years of evidence
Retired Air Force Col. (Dr.) Richard Niemtzow developed BFA shortly after September 11, 2001, to quickly and efficiently provide pain relief in combat and other military situations. After working as a radiation oncologist, he became the military’s first full-time physician acupuncturist.
Leggit and Pock are currently part of a team teaching the BFA to military medical students, doctors, nurses, and others throughout MHS.
Courses last up to 4 hours. Leggitt said this will include lectures and hands-on exercises.
In March, Legit and Pock taught a BFA course for graduating military nursing students at USU. In this course, health care workers, such as highly skilled nurses who are not doctors or acupuncturists, were trained to provide her BFA to patients for pain management.
“USU recognized the importance of offering BFA training as a valuable tool in the analgesic ‘toolbox’, regardless of what specialty the graduates pursue,” said Professor Pock. . “Being able to treat pain effectively is something all physicians need to be able to do.”
