What Is Battlefield AcupunctureSM (BFA)?

Battlefield AcupunctureSM (BFA) is a groundbreaking auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol created in 2001 by my dear late husband, Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Radiation Oncologist, and the first full-time physician-acupuncturist in the U.S. Armed Forces. He developed this method to deliver rapid, drug-free pain relief in combat zones and other settings where rapid, effective pain relief might be needed. Since then, BFA has grown into an internationally recognized technique and is used in military and veteran hospitals and clinics, in disaster relief situations, and in an ever-increasing number of civilian hospitals and clinics.

This innovative protocol involves the application of up to five, tiny semi-permanent ASP® needles that are placed in specific points on the outer ear, that influence how the central nervous system processes pain. For many patients, relief from a single treatment begins within minutes with results that can last for days, and sometimes even weeks. Even more importantly, BFA works equally well in alleviating both acute (new or recent) pain or chronic (longstanding) pain. Finally, BFA may also help ease stress, anxiety, and insomnia, making it a versatile, non-addicting form of pain relief that fits seamlessly into modern integrative medicine.

A Legacy of Innovation and Compassion

Dr. Niemtzow’s pioneering work led to the establishment of the first medical acupuncture clinic in the U.S. military health system. His vision and dedication inspired thousands of practitioners worldwide and elevated the practice of medical acupuncture to new levels of credibility, recognition, and global reach.

As his spouse, colleague, and professional partner, I am profoundly honored to continue the mission we shared: offering compassionate, evidence-based acupuncture care that helps patients renew their vitality by restoring their inner balance and relieving pain—quickly, easily, and safely. Today, Battlefield AcupunctureSM remains a powerful, safe, and accessible tool that reflects my husband’s lifelong commitment to improving human health and healing.

Why Patients and Clinicians Trust BFA

  • Immediate Action: Many patients feel better within minutes.
  • Non-Opioid Approach: A valuable alternative to addictive or sedating medications.
  • Versatile & Portable: Can be administered almost anywhere—from clinics to disaster relief settings.
  • Evidence-Supported: Used by the U.S. military, VA hospitals, and in a growing number of healthcare systems worldwide.
  • Secondary Benefits: Improves sleep, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.
  • High Success Rate: Up to 80% of patients experience noticeable pain relief from use of this technique alone. Results from a single treatment typically last for several days and sometimes several weeks.
  • Non-Addicting: Patients whose conditions respond to use of the BFA protocol can be re-treated as often as needed without fear of addiction or dependency.

What Happens After a BFA Treatment?

Patients often report feeling so much better after a single BFA treatment that they immediately want to initiate a robust range of physical activities—sometimes a bit too enthusiastically! So, for best results, we encourage patients who receive a Battlefield AcupunctureSM treatment to allow themselves to rest, relax, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion for the rest of the day and to gradually resume their usual routines the next day. While the needles are in place, patients can continue to perform their regular activities, to include showering, swimming, shopping, etc, with these tiny needles in their outer ears. The needles fall out on their own, typically within 2-4 days, and do not require any special handling.

Learn More About Battlefield AcupunctureSM: