Research

1. (2024) – Geriatric Patients in the Emergency Department (ED)

• Sperry, J. A., Haskin, G., Head, E. M., et al. (2024). Effect of Battlefield Acupuncture on Pain in Older Adults in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6), e2416395.
• Summary: A randomized clinical trial conducted in an emergency department evaluating the effect of BFA on acute pain in older adult patients.
• Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838793

2. (2023) – Practical Applications and Safety (China)

• Zhang, J., Zhang, S. P., Ma, C., et al. (2023). Practical Applications and Safety of Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Management: A Narrative Review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 16, 1681–1694.
• Summary: A narrative review detailing the practical application, techniques, and safety profile of BFA for pain management.
• Link: https://www.dovepress.com/practical-applications-and-safety-of-battlefield-acupuncture-for-pain–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JMDH

3. (2022) – Musculoskeletal Pain in Internal Medicine Residents

• Schofield, M. B., Lo, W. C., & Foster, C. (2022). Battlefield acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain in internal medicine residents. Acupuncture in Medicine, 40(2), 177-182.
• Summary: This study assesses the effectiveness of BFA for treating work-related musculoskeletal pain among internal medicine residents.
• Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09645284211050648

4. (2022) – Perioperative (Surgical) Setting

• Crawford, P., & Crawford, M. (2022). Battlefield acupuncture in the perioperative setting: a scoping review. Acupuncture in Medicine, 40(4), 361-370.
• Summary: A scoping review that systematically maps the existing evidence on the use of BFA in the perioperative period (before, during, and after surgery).
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35527689/

5. (2020) – Chronic Pain in U.S. Veterans (VA Data)

• Juberg, M., Deering, M. M., Rhon, D. I., et al. (2020). Auricular Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in U.S. Veterans: A Randomized Trial and Mixed-Methods Study. Pain Medicine, 21(Suppl 1), S39–S48.
• Summary: A randomized trial and mixed-methods study exploring the effects of auricular acupuncture (including the BFA protocol) on chronic pain in U.S. veterans.
• Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7497594/

6. (2019) – Acute Pain in Ambulatory Patients (Portuguese Study)

• Pinto, A. M., Fonseca, I., & Nogueira, B. (2019). Battlefield Acupuncture for Adult Ambulatory Patients With Acute Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Medicine, 20(12), 2496-2504.
• Summary: An RCT from Portugal assessing the efficacy of BFA for acute pain management in adult ambulatory (outpatient) settings.
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31433010/

7. (2019) – Group BFA in the Emergency Department

• Fedakar, R., Akcil, M., Olgun, M. E., et al. (2019). Group battlefield acupuncture in the emergency department for acute pain: A pilot study. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 37(3), 548-550.
• Summary: A pilot study exploring the feasibility and effects of administering BFA in a group setting for acute pain in the emergency department.
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30285269/

8. (2018) – Chronic Pain Management

• Kwon, Y. B., & Kim, J. H. (2018). Battlefield Acupuncture: An Emerging Method for the Management of Chronic Pain. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 2363–2368.
• Summary: A review article discussing BFA as an emerging modality for managing chronic pain, exploring its mechanisms and applications.
• Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6205765/

9. (2018) – Large-Scale MHS & VHA Training Program

• Niemtzow, R., Baxter, J., Gallagher, R. M., et al. (2018). Building Capacity for Complementary and Integrative Medicine Through a Large, Cross-Agency, Acupuncture Training Program: Lessons Learned from a Military Health System and Veterans Health Administration Joint Initiative Project. Military Medicine, 183(11-12), e486–e493.

   

• Summary: This paper describes a large-scale, joint initiative between the Military Health System (MHS) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to train providers in acupuncture, sharing key lessons learned about implementation.
• Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usy028

10. (2016) – Post-Tonsillectomy Sore Throat

• Hunter, C. W., & Cashen, M. A. (2016). Battlefield acupuncture for post-tonsillectomy pain in adults: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Military Medicine, 181(3), 251-7.
• Summary: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of BFA on pain relief following tonsillectomy surgery in adults.
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26546644/

11. (2007) – Foundational Paper

• Niemtzow, R.C. (2007). Battlefield Acupuncture. Medical Acupuncture, 19(4), 225-228.
• Summary: The foundational paper introducing the concept, specific points, and initial applications of Battlefield Acupuncture within the military setting.
• Link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acu.2007.0603

12. (2006) – Application for Blast Injuries

• Niemtzow, R., Gambel, J., Helms, J., Pock, A., Burns, S., & Baxter, J. (2006). Integrating Ear and Scalp Acupuncture Techniques into the Care of Blast-Injured United States Military Service Members with Limb Loss. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(7), 596-599.
• Summary: This article discusses the combined use of ear (auricular) and scalp acupuncture techniques in the treatment of U.S. service members who sustained limb loss from blast injuries.
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16978184/