How Battlefield Acupuncture helps those in pain

Battlefield Acupuncture

What is acupuncture? 针灸是一种提供保健的方法，起源于5000多年前的中国. 世界各地的研究人员开始揭示针灸疗效的机制. 随着对慢性疼痛及其与大脑和身体中化学物质的关系以及先进的扫描技术的深入了解, 这些研究人员正在研究针灸如何起作用的基于证据的图景. 针灸治疗在针被放置的地方和远离治疗的地方都有效果. 有证据表明，针灸针会导致体内化学物质的释放，促进针刺部位的组织愈合. The treatment also reduces pain by two mechanisms. First, pain transmissions at the level of the spinal cord are suppressed. Second, chemical transmitters (including endorphins) are released in the brain; also suppressing the sensation of pain. 

Where does Battlefield Acupuncture fit in with traditional acupuncture? 传统针灸通常被认为是在身体躯干和/或四肢的不同位置使用数十根针. Through time, various schools of acupuncture in China, France, Korea, 和日本已经形成了一种实践风格，强调更有限和集中的针位. Examples include scalp acupuncture, hand acupuncture, and ear acupuncture. 战场针灸是一种针灸方法，将针只放在耳朵表面. 耳针背后的理论是，整个身体及其所有功能都体现在耳朵上的各个点上. 这种表示允许使用只在耳朵上使用针来治疗范围广泛的疾病. 有科学证据证实，耳朵的各个部位和远处的身体之间有联系unctions, 研究证实，当针插入与疾病或疼痛区域相对应的耳朵区域时，会有治疗效果.

Where did Battlefield Acupuncture come from? Battlefield Acupuncture was created by Dr. 2001年，理查德·尼姆佐夫在美国空军服役. Dr. 涅姆佐夫发现，将一种非常特殊的针序插入耳朵，可以快速有效地缓解多种类型的疼痛. 

Tell me about the needles… do they hurt? 战地针灸使用非常小的半永久性的针，在耳朵外表面的五个不同的点插入皮肤. Most patients experience minor discomfort when these needles are placed, and the discomfort will go away in a short amount of time. The needles remain 放置两到四天，这段时间它们会自己脱落. 偶尔，当睡觉或有东西擦过耳朵(如电话)时，针会感到不舒服。. If the needles are causing discomfort or distress. they may be easily removed with fingernails or with tweezers.

Is there anyone who should avoid Battlefield Acupuncture? Over many years, 战地针灸技术已被证明对各种各样的病人和疼痛状况是安全有效的. However, if you are pregnant (or might be pregnant), 或者如果你害怕针(或者过去用针治疗时晕倒过)-你不应该接受战地针灸治疗. If you have a bleeding disorder (or take medications which thin the blood), your risk of bleeding or bruising is increased. You may still undergo Battlefield Acupuncture, but you should discuss this increased risk with your provider. 对于处于飞行状态或有其他特殊职责的患者，也有具体的限制. If you are a rated pilot, 你的战地针灸治疗需要与你的飞行外科医生协调. 

What are the possible side effects of Battlefield Acupuncture? All medical procedures carry the risk of side effects. Acupuncture has a long history of safety, and side effects are very rare. The risks of acupuncture (all uncommon), include: discomfort or pain at the needled sites, bleeding or bruising, inflammation, infection, broken needles, feeling dizzy or nauseated, fainting, and feeling euphoric or lightheaded. Drowsiness can also occur. 如果你接受了多次治疗，治疗区域的耳朵可能会出现暂时性的变色. 在战地针灸之后，已有的症状可能会变得更糟, 这几乎总是暂时的，被认为是你对治疗有反应的积极迹象. 记住，我们仍在学习针灸工作的所有机制, 由此可见，我们可能还没有完全确定针灸治疗的额外风险. All the same, 记住，数千年的治疗证明了针灸的安全性!

Will Battlefield Acupuncture help me? 在过去的十年中，我治疗了成千上万的病人 空军针灸中心建议，大约80%的人将通过战地针灸减轻疼痛症状. 一小部分人对战地针灸疗法没有反应. 在开始治疗之前，没有办法确定谁会有反应，谁不会. Some patients obtain permanent relief of pain with a single treatment, some patients receive only brief relief. 大多数患者可以期待在第一次治疗后有几天的缓解, and subsequent treatments often extend the period of symptom reduction.

What can I do to optimize my treatment? On the day of your treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy house work, or yard work. 在治疗前后至少6小时内避免酒精和性行为. 在接受治疗之前，每天都要吃一顿健康、适度的饮食. Unless instructed otherwise by your regular doctor, continue all of your medications during acupuncture treatment. 记录下你对治疗的反应——疼痛的状态, changes in sleep, energy levels, and feelings of well being. 带上这些笔记，这样你的战地针灸医生就可以使用它们来个性化你的治疗.

  Dr. Juan M. Martinez-Ross, MD

Where can I get more information?  

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org

Acupuncture Today: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com 

The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: http://www.pacificcollege.edu 

要了解更多信息，您可以访问上面列出的网站之一，或致电Dr. Martinez-Ross’ office at 801.262.1771询问战地针灸咨询或病人转诊.

Adapted from training material provided by the Air Force Acupuncture Center.