Battlefield Acupuncture: A Modern Tool for Natural Pain Relief
At my podiatry practice in Jacksonville, I’m always looking for innovative, drug-free ways to help patients relieve pain and get back on their feet—literally. One of the lesser-known, but highly effective, techniques I offer is Battlefield Acupuncture.
What Is Battlefield Acupuncture?
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is a specialized form of auricular (ear) acupuncture developed by Air Force physician Dr. Richard Niemtzow in 2001. It was originally designed for quick and effective pain relief in military settings—like on the battlefield—where medications or full medical facilities may not be available. Since then, it’s been adopted in both military and civilian medical practices as a powerful adjunct for treating pain.
My Background With BFA
I first learned and began using Battlefield Acupuncture while serving as an active duty podiatrist in the U.S. Navy. Working closely with Marines and Sailors experiencing musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain, I saw firsthand how effective this technique could be in delivering fast, drug-free relief—even in demanding, high-performance environments.
That experience has carried over into my civilian practice, where I continue to offer this therapy to patients looking for natural, minimally invasive solutions.
How Does It Work?
Battlefield Acupuncture targets specific points on the ear that correspond with different areas of the body. These points are stimulated using tiny, semi-permanent needles called ASP needles, which stay in place for a few days to provide ongoing benefit.
The ear is a microsystem of the body—meaning it reflects and influences the entire body through its nerve supply. Stimulating these precise points sends signals through the nervous system that help modulate pain, inflammation, and even mood.
What Is It Used For?
At my practice, I use Battlefield Acupuncture for a variety of podiatric conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Neuropathy
- Post-operative discomfort
- Chronic soft tissue pain
- Ankle sprains and overuse injuries
It’s especially useful for patients who want to avoid or reduce the use of pain medications like NSAIDs or opioids.
What to Expect During Treatment
The procedure is quick and well tolerated. Patients typically sit comfortably while I place the small, sterile needles in up to 10 specific points on the ears (five per ear). You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during insertion, but most patients find it very tolerable. The needles remain in place for several days, gently stimulating the nervous system and promoting pain relief.
Some patients feel immediate improvement, while others notice gradual reduction in pain over the next 24–48 hours.
Why I Use It
As a provider who focuses on regenerative medicine, I value treatments that are minimally invasive, drug-free, and aimed at restoring function. Battlefield Acupuncture fits beautifully into this approach. It doesn’t just “mask” the pain—it works by helping the body rebalance itself.
Many patients appreciate that it’s:
- Fast and simple
- Safe and low risk
- Complementary to other treatments (like shockwave or laser therapy)
- Effective for both acute and chronic pain
Could Battlefield Acupuncture Help You?
If you’re looking for a natural way to manage foot or ankle pain—especially if you’ve tried other treatments without success—Battlefield Acupuncture may be a great addition to your care plan. It’s just one of the many tools I use to help my patients avoid surgery, minimize medication, and get back to doing what they love.
