[6] | 2025 - Q2
BFA actual size is less than 4 mm in total length Battlefield Acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is an innovative and increasingly popular method of pain management used among Veterans and military personnel. Developed in 2001 by Dr. Richard Niemtzow, a former Air Force colonel and physician, BFA is a form of acupuncture that involves placing small, sterile needles at specific points on the ear. The ear is used as a microsystem reflecting the entire body, and by targeting specific points, practitioners can stimulate the central nervous system and modulate pain signals. Its primary goal is to rapidly reduce acute or chronic pain without the need for traditional pharmaceuticals. One of the most compelling aspects of BFA is its simplicity and effectiveness. The procedure takes only a few minutes, can be administered virtually anywhere — even in combat zones — and typically provides fast-acting relief. For Veterans, BFA offers a critical alternative to opioids, which have been a source of concern due to their high potential for addiction and side effects. Many Veterans suffer from chronic pain conditions due to injuries sustained during service. BFA provides a non-
invasive, drug-free option that can help manage pain while minimizing reliance on prescription medications. Registered Nurse Chandra Bilhimer is the Whole Health Program Manager and a BFA practitioner. She said positive results from acupuncture have been confirmed with evidence-based VA research. “Many of our Veterans come to BFA as a last resort after trying many different ways of managing their pain,” Bilhimer said. “We've gotten them off opioids through acupuncture, so it’s definitely something to add to the toolbox.” Army Veteran Conrad Pierce said he initially was skeptical – jokingly dismissing the procedure as voodoo magic – but when he challenged himself to give the treatment a try for migraines caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), his opinions changed. “Once all the pins were in my ears, I almost immediately could tell a difference,” said the aptly named Pierce. “I was fighting a low-level migraine the first time I tried it, and it got rid of it within a few minutes. It was amazing!”
Pierce felt a slight pinch as each needle was placed into his earlobe, adding that he has had IV lines administered that hurt more. “It was a very small sting, if you can even call it that,” he said. “I found in the next few days that it not only helped with my migraines from my TBIs, but the treatment also lowered all my pain levels.” BFA may help those dealing with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Many Veterans report a calming effect and improved overall well-being. For more information about BFA, contact Chandra Bilhimer , RN, at 316-685-2221, ext. 58020.
[6] | 2025 - Q2
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