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May 23, 2010 by Eric Smith, L.Ac.
Battlefield Acupuncture is a limited form of Auricular Acupuncture developed by Richard Niemtzow MD in 2001 while working on pain management research. The technique involves stimulating five points in the ear; similar to the technique commonly used to manage withdraw symptoms. The military is currently employing this technique on the frontline and in some VA settings. Their procedure in the field is to use ASP semi-permanent needles. These needles are much like very small darts contained in a plastic applicator: they come in a variety of materials and are meant to stay in place for several days. However; Doctor Niemtzow’s research articles speak about a range of types of stimulation: needles, electro-stim and laser. In his updated work Doctor Niemtzow is recommending the use of two needles of a dissimilar nature; ie gold and silver. These metals create a reaction in which a weak electrical current provides the area with increased stimulation. There is also a group of Military Surgeons who are advocating the use of Traditional Acupuncture treatments for various complaints including Combat Fatigue, Heat Stroke, and Hyperandrogenic states.
The procedure involves needling a single point in the lower ear of either the left or right side and waiting several minute to let the treatment work. If no effect has been felt the opposite side is stimulated to determine which has more attenuation of symptoms. The practitioner them moves on through the sequence slowly to determine which side is the most effective before placing all the needles. Basically the procedure is designed to affect the Limbic System.
This first point of stimulation is the Cingulate Gyrus: a section of the Mid Brain responsible for coordinating sensory input with emotional response and regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. Simply put the emotional and physical response to pain via the autonomic nervous system. The second point of stimulation is the Thalamus; essentially the communications portal for signals to the cerebral cortex, the seat of consciousness. The third area of stimulation is the Omega2; an area on the anterior superior helix identified in Dr. Nogiers extensive work on Auricular Acupuncture. In his text Dr. Nogier states that this point reflects the perceptual and emotional state of an individual’s relation to their surroundings and their own personal space. He speaks of its implications in claustrophobia, paranoia, sexuality and aggression. Next is the Point Zero area; a point Dr Nogier considered one of the most important points; the Master Point of the Ear. Lastly the Shen Men area is stimulated. This area is one the most well known auricular points; its name means gate of consciousness in Chinese; and it is equally well known for its strongly relaxing quality.
This procedure works extremely well at reducing or eliminating pain. Used in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Acupuncture there is great potential to help effectively manage pain without medication.
Online Bibliography
http://www.n5ev.com/
http://www.arapmi.org/maraa-book-project/Chapt32.pdf
http://thetension.blogspot.com/2008/03/battlefield-acupuncture-introduced-at.htm
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acu.2009.0666
http://acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31917
http://insidesurgery.com/2010/01/battlefield-acupuncture-niemtzow-technique-needle-battlefield-acupressure-marcucci-technique-pain-control-acute-traumatic-injury-haiti/
http://insidesurgery.com/tag/battlefield-acupuncture/
Bibliography
Auricular Therapy: A Comprehensive Text Color Edition:
Auricular Phases ...
By Bryan L. Frank, Nader E. Soliman
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