Battlefield Pain Protocol
In our treatments for pain we will often use the battlefield pain protocol to help reduce the level of pain as quickly as possible
So, what is the battlefield protocol?
It is a specific type of ear acupuncture using tiny ASP needles that stay in place for up to 3 days. They are semi-permanent needles that are placed in five specific points in the ear, although you may not need all five points. We will check on your level of pain after each needle is inserted. It was developed by Dr Richard Niemtzow for the US military to provide quick pain relief in battlefield settings.
The exact mechanism of how it works is not really known, but it’s thought it activates the vegas nerve pathway.
It has been described as a simple, safe, fast-acting, and cost-effective alternative to opioid medications for managing chronic pain.
It uses the following five points:
Cingulate Gyrus
The Cingulate Gyrus is part of the limbic lobe of the brain and is involved in processing emotion, learning and memory.
Omega 2
Used for musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the limbs.
Point Zero
Brings the whole body to homeostatic balance; balances energy, hormones, and brain activity; supports the actions of other points; controls visceral organs through the peripheral nerve ganglia. Promotes willpower.
Shen Men
Tranquilizes the mind, allows a connection to one’s spirit; alleviates stress, pain, convulsions, tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, excessive sensitivity; reduces coughs, fevers, inflammatory diseases, epilepsy, high blood pressure. Helps all other auricular points work better. Key point for alleviating pain.
Thalamus Point
Regulates over excitement: anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia; restores tranquility; reduces chronic pain; tonifies the brain and calms the mind; used for drug detoxification; water metabolism; internal organ functions.
In my fertility clinic I use this for helping to reduce pain during labour, although I have found that you need to be in the very early stages of labour for it to work, It doesn’t seem to work if there is no sign of pain before labour.
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