Battlefield acupuncture to treat low back pain in the emergency department – Battlefield acupuncture (BFA) is an ear acupuncture protocol used by the military for immediate pain relief. This is a pilot feasibility study of BFA as a treatment for acute low back pain (LBP) in an accident and emergency department (ED). Click here to continue reading.
Battlefield Acupuncture
The Battlefield Acupuncture protocol was developed by Col. Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH. It is designed to be administered quickly and easily in a variety of situations and delivers rapid pain relief. Results are often significant and long-lasting. Treatment is performed according to the following protocol:
Treatment order is Cingulate Gyrus, Thalamus Point, Omega 2, Point Zero, Shen Men.
Choose an ear (it doesn’t matter which ear) and insert a needle in Cingulate Gyrus point. Ask the patient to walk or move the painful part for 30 seconds. If there is no significant pain relief (at least 20%) move on to step 3.
Insert a needle in Cingulate Gyrus point on the opposite ear from step 2. Ask the patient to walk or move the painful part for 30 seconds. If there is no significant pain relief (at least 20%) move on to step 4.
Insert a needle in Thalamus point on the same ear as step 2. Ask the patient to walk or move the painful part for 30 seconds. If there is no significant pain relief (at least 20%) continue with Thalamus point in the opposite ear.
Continue as above, in the correct order, until significant pain relief is achieved. As soon as one of the points produces significant pain relief, treat the remaining points, in order, on the same ear that produced the pain relief, and do not treat any further points on the opposite ear.
Point Information
Cingulate Gyrus
The Cingulate Gyrus is part of the limbic lobe of the brain and is involved in processing emotion, learning and memory.
Omega 2
Used for musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the limbs.
Point Zero
Brings the whole body to homeostatic balance; balances energy, hormones, and brain activity; supports the actions of other points; controls visceral organs through the peripheral nerve ganglia. Promotes willpower.
Shen Men
Tranquilizes the mind, allows a connection to one’s spirit; alleviates stress, pain, convulsions, tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, excessive sensitivity; reduces coughs, fevers, inflammatory diseases, epilepsy, high blood pressure. Helps all other auricular points work better. Key point for alleviating pain.
Thalamus Point
Regulates over excitement: anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia; restores tranquility; reduces chronic pain; tonifies the brain and calms the mind; used for drug detoxification; water metabolism; internal organ functions.
Ben offers acupuncture treatment in his Hull clinic.
