How Battlefield Acupuncture helps those in pain
Battlefield Acupuncture
What is acupuncture? 针灸是五千多年前起源于中国的一种提供保健的方法. 世界各地的研究人员开始揭示针灸有效的机制. 随着对慢性疼痛及其与大脑和身体中的化学物质的关系以及先进的扫描技术的日益了解, 这些研究人员正在开发一种基于证据的针灸是如何起作用的. 针灸治疗在针头放置的地方和远离治疗的地方都有效果. 有证据表明，针灸针会释放体内的化学物质，促进插入部位的组织愈合. 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? 传统的针灸通常被认为是在身体躯干和/或四肢的不同点上应用几十根针. Through time, various schools of acupuncture in China, France, Korea, 和日本已经发展出一种实践风格，强调更有限和集中的针头放置. Examples include scalp acupuncture, hand acupuncture, and ear acupuncture. 战场针灸是一种将针只放在耳朵表面的针灸方法. 耳针背后的理论是，整个身体及其所有功能都表现在耳朵上的各个点上. 这种表现方式允许使用仅应用于耳朵的针来治疗范围广泛的疾病. 有科学证据证实了耳朵的各个部位和远处的身体之间的联系
unctions, 研究证实，将针插入耳朵患病或疼痛的相应部位会有治疗效果.
Where did Battlefield Acupuncture come from? Battlefield Acupuncture was created by Dr. 2001年，理查德·尼克松在美国空军服役. Dr. 尼姆佐发现，在耳朵里插入一种非常特殊的针，可以快速有效地缓解多种疼痛.
Tell me about the needles… do they hurt? 战地针灸使用非常小的半永久性针，将其插入耳朵外表面皮肤的五个不同的点. 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
在那里呆上两到四天，然后它们就会自己掉出来. 有时，当睡觉或有东西擦过耳朵(如电话)时，耳针会感到不舒服。. 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, 战场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. 对飞行状态或其他特殊职责的患者进行战地针灸也有具体限制. 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. 如果你接受了几次治疗，耳朵的治疗区域可能会出现暂时的变色. 已有的症状有可能在战场针灸后加重, 这几乎总是暂时的，被认为是一个积极的迹象，表明你对治疗有反应. 记住，我们仍在学习针灸的所有工作机制, 因此，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，几千年来的治疗都证明了针灸的安全性!
Will Battlefield Acupuncture help me? 在过去十年治疗成千上万的病人的过程中，经验在 空军针灸中心表示，大约80%的人会因“战场针灸”而减轻疼痛症状. 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. 大多数患者在第一次治疗后可以预期有几天的缓解, 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小时内避免饮酒和性行为. 吃一个健康的，适度的饮食，包括在接受治疗之前的一顿清淡的饭. 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，这样你的战地针灸提供者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
欲了解更多信息，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.