14 DAY TRIAL // The American Air Force is currently instructing its own physicians into the ancient art of acupuncture, the traditional Chinese method of treatment, estimated to be more than 5,000 years old. Although no one can say for sure how this technique works while still remaining faithful to the Western way of thinking, no one can deny that it does, as proved by the numerous cases the army itself was confronted with. On the battle field, emergency care is paramount, and while acupuncture cannot cure open wounds, it can alleviate pain and make it more bearable.
Currently, combat doctors are learning about the energy meridians of the human body, a concept that acupuncture uses. Very thin needles need to be inserted in specific positions in the body, where they release accumulated energy blockages, and allow the vital life force to flow. However, coming to terms with the fact that all the knowledge they have doesn't fit with the philosophy of acupuncture is pretty difficult for doctors, trained to think that there's nothing more to the human body than nerves, flesh and bones.
The specific technique used by the Air Force involves only 5 needles, shorter than those used in regular practices. These are thus designed in order to fit under combat helmets, and allow soldiers to continue their missions, or their escape, by keeping their pain in check. The drills doctors are currently conducting are all about speed and accuracy, because acupuncture only works if the correct spot is tapped. If other points are touched, the effects could be reversed, and the soldier could collapse in pain.
Doctor Col. Richard Niemtzow devised this method in 2001 and is currently instructing some 44 Air Force, Navy and Army doctors into the art of working with needles, preparing them for tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. The training takes place at the Andrews Air Force Base, where Niemtzow is currently in charge of the acupuncture program.
"In some instances it doesn't work. But it can be another tool in one's toolbox to be used in addition to painkillers to reduce the level of pain even further. The history of military medicine is rich in development," he said, "and a lot of people say that if the military is using it, then it must be good for the civilian world."