Battlefield Acupuncture: Helping Veterans Manage Pain and Improve Wellbeing
For many veterans, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) go hand in hand, affecting sleep, mobility, mood, and quality of life. Finding effective ways to manage these symptoms without relying exclusively on medication is an important part of supporting our military community.
For many veterans, chronic pain affects much more than physical comfort. It can interfere with sleep, mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Finding effective ways to manage pain without relying exclusively on medication is an important part of supporting our military community.
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is a specialized form of ear acupuncture developed to provide rapid, convenient pain relief. Originally designed for military settings, it is now offered at VA medical facilities and civilian acupuncture clinics.
Interestingly, it was my own VA Community Care patients who told me about the benefits they were receiving from BFA treatments. They reported reductions in pain, feeling calmer, and experiencing relief from some PTSD-related symptoms.
Their experiences inspired me to start recommending Battlefield Acupuncture to my Community Care patients between our sessions or after their Community Care acupuncture authorization has ended.
What Is Battlefield Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Developed in 2001 by U.S. Air Force physician Dr. Richard Niemtzow, Battlefield Acupuncture uses five specific points on each ear rather than traditional acupuncture points throughout the body.
The outer ear contains sensory nerves that communicate with the brain and central nervous system. Researchers believe stimulating these pathways may influence pain processing and autonomic nervous system activity.
Although BFA has primarily been studied for pain management, some patients also report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and experiencing less stress. Research has not established it as a stand-alone treatment for PTSD, but it may complement other medical and mental health treatments.
What Is a Treatment Like?
Battlefield Acupuncture is quick and relatively simple, typically taking 5–15 minutes.
The practitioner first assesses the patient's pain level, then places tiny needles into specific ear points, often alternating between ears and reassessing symptoms throughout treatment. Unlike conventional acupuncture needles, which are removed before the patient leaves, BFA uses tiny semi-permanent needles called ASP needles.
The five points used are: Cingulate Gyrus, Thalamus, Omega 2, Point Zero, and Shen Men. Together they create an analgesic effect.
Not every patient requires all ten needles. Some experience pain reduction during treatment, while others notice gradual improvement or no significant change.
How Long Do the Needles Stay In?
The VA recommends leaving these needles in place for no longer than three days, following the practitioner's removal instructions.
Note: Patients should contact their practitioner if they experience persistent discomfort, redness, or swelling. The needles may fall out naturally before then. The needles must also be removed before an MRI.
Benefits of Battlefield Acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture offers several potential advantages for veterans:
Pain relief: May help reduce certain types of acute and chronic pain.
Medication-free option: Can complement other pain-management treatments without adding medication.
Quick and convenient: Treatments require little time and can often be performed while seated.
Flexible care: Can be incorporated into comprehensive acupuncture sessions or provided separately.
Relaxation: Some patients report improvements in stress, sleep, and overall comfort.
Research suggests BFA may provide short-term pain relief for some patients, although results vary and additional studies are needed.
Battlefield Acupuncture Clinics for Veterans in San Diego
VA San Diego offers walk-in Battlefield Acupuncture clinics for eligible veterans.
Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center, La Jolla
Tuesday, 1:00–2:30 PM
Chapel Spiritual Wellness Center
Kearny Mesa VA Clinic
Wednesday, 10:00–11:30 AM
2nd Floor, Conference Room 2019B
Oceanside VA Clinic
Thursday, 1:30–3:30 PM
2nd Floor, Conference Room B
Chula Vista VA Clinic
Friday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
1st Floor, Conference Room 1501
Clinic schedules may change. Veterans should confirm availability and eligibility before visiting. VA San Diego Whole Health: 858-552-7475
How Veterans Can Receive Acupuncture Through VA Community Care
In addition to Battlefield Acupuncture at VA facilities, eligible veterans may receive comprehensive acupuncture treatments from licensed acupuncturists in their communities through the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
As a participating Community Care provider, I've treated many veterans who benefit from receiving regular acupuncture close to home.
How to Get a Referral
1. Ask your VA primary care provider. Discuss your symptoms and interest in acupuncture. Your VA healthcare team can determine whether acupuncture is appropriate and whether you qualify for Community Care.
2. Choose a participating acupuncturist. The VA can help locate in-network providers near your home. Veterans may also request a specific provider who participates in the Community Care Network.
3. Receive authorization. Before treatment begins, the VA must authorize the referral. Your authorization specifies the approved services, number of visits, and treatment period.
4. Begin treatment. Once authorized, you can schedule appointments with your approved community acupuncturist.
What if You Need More Treatments?
If additional acupuncture is medically necessary, your acupuncturist can submit a Request for Service (RFS), VA Form 10-10172, with clinical documentation supporting continued treatment.
The VA reviews these requests and determines whether additional visits can be authorized.
Veterans may also discuss a new referral with their VA healthcare team if symptoms persist or return.
During gaps in Community Care treatment, VA walk-in Battlefield Acupuncture clinics may provide another option for pain management.
Acupuncture for Active-Duty Military Personnel
Active-duty service members generally receive healthcare through military medical facilities rather than the VA.
In San Diego, Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa Naval Hospital) offers acupuncture through its Pain Medicine Clinic for selected patients.
Service members interested in acupuncture should speak with their primary care manager about a referral and ask whether Battlefield or auricular acupuncture is available.
Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134
Pain Medicine Clinic: 619-532-8937
Acupuncture Options Outside VA Community Care
Even if you are not eligible for acupuncture through VA Community Care, there are still treatment options available.
Licensed acupuncturists in private practice offer individualized treatments, and many provide discounted rates for veterans. Community acupuncture clinics are another option, offering treatments in a shared group setting at a lower cost than most private sessions.
Some community acupuncture clinics also offer sliding-scale fees, making regular treatments more accessible.
Whether you receive acupuncture through the VA, a private practice, or a community acupuncture clinic, there are options to help you manage pain, reduce stress, and support your overall well-being.
Supporting Veterans Through Collaborative Care
After more than 20 years practicing acupuncture, I continue to learn from my patients. Their experiences with Battlefield Acupuncture reminded me that even a relatively simple treatment can play a meaningful role in managing chronic pain.
At Life Spark Acupuncture, I combine traditional acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and other supportive therapies to address pain, stress, sleep difficulties, and nervous system regulation.
I encourage veterans to take advantage of the resources available through both VA Community Care and VA medical facilities. Whether they receive Battlefield Acupuncture between our sessions or continue treatment at the VA after their referral ends, my goal is to help them maintain access to supportive care.
For me, treating veterans is about more than reducing a pain score. It's about helping people regain mobility, improve sleep, and participate more fully in their lives.
If you're a veteran receiving VA healthcare, ask your medical provider about acupuncture and Battlefield Acupuncture options available to you. Even without VA coverage, affordable acupuncture options may be available in your community.
Sandra McKay-Billion, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., is a California-licensed acupuncturist and owner of Life Spark Acupuncture in San Diego. Practicing since 2005, she provides acupuncture through the VA Community Care Network, specializing in pain management, stress reduction, and whole-person care.
