What Is Battlefield Acupuncture

We’ve heard of acupuncture. But battlefield acupuncture? Acupuncture is a method of healing known in Oriental Medicine. It aims to promote health and relieve suffering and pain. An acupuncturist (someone who practices acupuncture) evaluates the course and circulation of the vital energy within its passageway, called meridians and channels. The turning point in acupuncture is that health and sickness is seen on the concept of vital energy. They believe that by encouraging definite regions with the use of fine and slender needles, these meridians or acupoints will help the body to heal itself.

The term battlefield acupuncture was coined by Colonel Niemtzow in 2001. He stated that he became conscious of its benefits to the military workforce after the World Trade Center was bombed in September 11, 2001. In other words, battlefield acupuncture pertains to acupuncture given to those who have been wounded in battlefields. Its effectiveness was attested by a lot of military people.

A few years back, battlefield acupuncture was taught to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center located in Germany. The LMRC doctors tried this limited form of acupuncture (battlefield acupuncture) to military members who got wounded during an encounter as well as to their other non-military patients to relieve pain and got considerable results. A certain Major Conner Nguyen, a military physician, got to experience acupuncture when he himself became a patient, and as a doctor, and was completely overwhelmed. As experienced by Major Nguyen, he got a 50% reduction for his chronic shoulder and upper back pains for which he has suffered for several years. His range of motion was increased by 25%. He tried the therapy to some of his patients and they reported that their pain was lessened by 75%. Amazing though it was, battlefield acupuncture brought relief to wounded servicemen.

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