Acu-what?

The U.S. Air Force is taking a huge initiative in a means by which to reduce the pain of injured soldiers. "Battlefield acupuncture" is becoming very popular with the military medical community, having been proven throughout ancient Chinese history. Acupuncture is a method by which tiny, hair-thin needles are inserted about one millimeter into the skin in strategic anatomical locations in order to dull a patients pain. Col. Richard Niemtzow has been developing his technique of acupuncture over the past several years, and has even trained Army Rangers this method of pain relief. In the field, this can prove to be a very valuable skill when other resources are not available. According to Niemtzow, this procedure can alleviate a patients pain for up to days at a time. Aside from the simplicity, other advantages exist such as no risk of drug addiction and allergic reactions as well.

The Air Force has arranged a training program beginning early next year for medical personnel to learn battlefield acupuncture. It is made clear this method of pain control is not meant to replace fast-acting drugs such as morphine, but offers an easy alternative for those who will benefit most from it.