Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital (BJACH) in Fort Polk, Louisiana, is offering Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA)—a swift, medication-free ear‑based treatment for pain, migraines, anxiety, and stress. In a recent session, Retired 1st Sgt. Thomas Washington, plagued by chronic back pain, experienced immediate relief within mere minutes and now seeks BFA treatments every two weeks. The therapy is administered by trained providers. Impressively, over 75% of recipients report nearly instant, short-term pain relief. BFA is a non‑sedative, cognition‑safe option that’s both efficient and bedside-ready.
The History of Battlefield Acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture was developed in 2001 by U.S. Air Force Colonel Richard Niemtzow. Designed for rapid pain mitigation in deployment zones, this technique centers around placing up to five tiny needles in the outer ear to interrupt pain signals—ideal in environments where sedatives or opioids impede operational readiness. Since then, the protocols have been adopted across both VA and DoD healthcare settings, with thousands of providers trained and significant use in primary care, emergency, and integrative services.1
Main Points Used in Battlefield Acupuncture
- Targeted Auricular Points
BFA focuses on five specific locations in the outer ear, believed to influence pain perception across the body and promote healing. - Neurochemical Activation
Stimulating these points triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, and endorphins—biochemicals known to reduce inflammation, modulate pain, and boost mood, all without the use of narcotics. - Portable and Practical
The lightweight needles are tiny enough for a cargo pocket and can remain in place for days—making the protocol highly adaptable for austere or mobile environment. - Immediate Relief
Most patients report noticeable pain reduction within minutes. VA studies show more than 75% experience immediate, short-term relief. The procedure is quick, low-risk, and doesn’t affect mental acuity. - Complementary Treatment Option
BFA can be delivered solo or alongside physical therapy, behavioral health services, or medication, providing a flexible treatment addition.
The Benefits of Implementing Battlefield Acupuncture Especially for Military and Emergency Response/Disaster Scenarios
| Benefit Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Medication-Free Relief | No sedatives or opioids needed. It’s ideal where such medications impair performance or are restricted. Fast pain relief preserves operational capability. |
| Operational Readiness | Patients regain function quickly—soldiers who walked in with severe pain can be walking out pain-free. Helps maintain unit strength. BFA’s portability boosts readiness even in extreme environments like cold or remote locations. |
| Low Cost, Easy to Train | Acupuncture needles are inexpensive, and many healthcare providers—including non-acupuncturists—can be trained to administer BFA effectively.2 |
| Versatility Across Settings | Useful not just in combat zones but also in urban hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and mobile clinics. Its simplicity and quick deployment make it well-suited to chaotic or resource-constrained environments. |
| Supports Broader Recovery | Beyond pain relief, BFA improves sleep, mood, and stress—all vital for recovery and resilience. It creates a window for integrating longer-term therapies like physical rehab, yoga, tai chi, or sleep therapy. |
Final Note
Battlefield Acupuncture offers a nimble, fast-acting alternative for pain management—particularly suited to military and emergency response operations. It’s affordable, minimally invasive, safe for cognition, and supports resilience and readiness in ways conventional treatment often can’t match.
This article draws on information from the U.S. Army article “Tiny Needles, Big Relief: Certified BJACH Providers Bring Battlefield Acupuncture to Patients,” available at https://www.army.mil/article/286779/tiny_needles_big_relief_certified_bjach_providers_bring_battlefield_acupuncture_to_patients.
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- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, August 24). Battlefield acupuncture’s proven pain reduction treatment becoming popular with caregivers, patients. VA Research Currents. Retrieved August 13th, 2025 from https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0821-Battlefield-acupuncture.cfm ↩︎
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