Battlefield Acupuncture BFA for Pain Relief Sioux Falls

Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) for Pain Relief Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Healthcare System Marie Boetel, RN Integrative Health Coach

To educate Veteran Service Officers in the state of South Dakota regarding BFA treatment: • What is Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, BFA? Objectives • Why try BFA for pain management? • Contraindications and Possible Side Effects • Procedure • Aftercare • Availability to Veterans To increase the use of BFA treatment by Veterans for pain management. To present BFA as an effective alternative or additional treatment to opioids or other more invasive treatments.

What is Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, BFA? Acupuncture was developed in Asia thousands of years ago and has been used to treat many different health problems, including pain. Acupuncture uses sterile needles gently inserted into the skin and left for brief periods of time. Research has shown that acupuncture helps to reduce pain not only on the area where the needles are placed, but all over the body. Acupuncture helps the nervous system reduce pain signals and releases chemicals to reduce the feeling of pain. It has been proven a safe and effective way to treat pain over thousands of years.

What is Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, BFA? Auricular Acupuncture The clinician places small sterile needles just in the ear. The entire body is represented in the ear and by placing small needles in the surface of the ear, you can affect the whole body.

What is Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, BFA? Battlefield Acupuncture Auricular acupuncture, invented by Dr. Richard Niemtzow, MD, that can be used on the battlefield when it is not advisable to use Western pain medicine. Evidence Based information has shown that acupuncture helps to reduce pain. The entire body is represented in the ear and by using Battlefield acupuncture needles, tacks, or seeds on specific points of the ear can reduce pain affecting the whole body.

Why try BFA? • Effective in reducing pain • Minimal side effects • Quick treatment (15 -30 minutes in length) • Cost effective compared to other pain treatments • Can be done by registered nurse following orders • Reduces prescribing and use of opioids • Increases well-being of patients

Contraindications Who should NOT use BFA? Your provider will screen you to see if BFA is safe for you. You should NOT use Battlefield Acupuncture: • If you are (or think you might be) pregnant • If you are afraid of needles to the point of passing out • If you have a bleeding disorder or take certain medicines • If you have a valvular prosthesis (artificial heart valve)

Possible Side Effects • Bleeding, bruising or fainting. Feelings of dizziness, nausea, euphoria drowsiness or lightheadedness. • Symptoms may get worse after your treatment, but this usually stops after 24 -48 hours. • Be alert for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, increased pain at the needle site. See your provider if this occurs.

What to expect • Your provider will place up to 5 sterile needles, tacks, or seeds in the surface of the ear. • You may have some mild pain or soreness where they have been inserted. • In between insertions you will be asked to perform mindful movement(s) and your response to each treatment will be noted. • The needles, tacks, or seeds will stay on the ear for three days, then must be removed. Most patients will have an immediate decrease in pain that lasts.

Aftercare • Relax for 24 hours: No heavy exercise, house work or yard work • No alcohol for 6 hours • You may bathe or shower with the needles in place (Be careful with the needles when cleaning or drying the ears) • Give attention to how you feel, sleep, and your pain level • After three days you may either return to your provider or remove the needles yourself at home. • All needles must be disposed in FDA cleared sharps container or heavy-duty plastic household container.

Availability to Veterans Sioux Falls availability through: • Pain Team • Integrative Health • Primary Care • Inpatient • Home Based Primary Care Contact your primary care provider’s office to ask about availability at your hospital/community based center

Questions?