04/02/2026
Battlefield acupuncture to treat low back pain in the emergency department
Battlefield Acupuncture
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:
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.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”
– An old Buddhist saying by Haruki Murakami