Pins in Your Ears: How Acupuncture Can Help Relieve Your Pain
How Does It Work?
The BFA protocol involves placing a single, tiny, gold, needle into one or more of five key points on the external ear, Leggit said.
Providers insert the needles one at a time. "Patients are typically asked to take a short walk after the insertion of each needle," said Pock. "This activity seems to activate the neural pathways associated with the alleviation of pain."
After inserting a needle, the acupuncturist assesses the patient's pain level. If the patient is satisfied or their pain has decreased to a level of zero or one on a 10-point scale, the provider pauses the treatment. The needles remain in place for three to four days before falling out on their own, said Pock.
The acupuncturists can continue treatments for as long as needed.
"In some situations, depending on the underlying condition, one or two treatments may be all that's needed," said Leggit. "Other patients with more chronic conditions may require long-term treatment on a regular or recurring basis. Some may only need periodic maintenance treatments, say, one to two times a month."
Benefits
BFA can treat almost any type of acute or chronic pain. It works very quickly – usually within seconds or minutes, said Pock.
"The one caveat is that a conventional diagnosis must be made first, so that the attending clinician understands the underlying source of the pain," said Leggit. "In other words, it's important to treat the underlying cause as well as manage symptoms such as pain."
According to these experts, BFA can be particularly valuable for providing care in austere environments.
Demand for BFA has been steadily increasing, Pock added.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
