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15th MDG set to open Battlefield Acupuncture Clinic

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  An acupuncture clinic is set to open at the 15th Medical Group in March 2015.

In preparation for the opening of the clinic, Battlefield Acupuncture training classes have begun at the MDG.

Maj. Katie Crowder, 15th MDG Family Health Clinic medical director and training instructor, said the new clinic will offer patients a low-cost alternative to pain management.

"Acupuncture is such a valuable way to treat pain," she said. "It's quick, easy and effective."

Crowder said the treatment works much the same as traditional acupuncture by stimulating the flow of energy to promote healing and the release of endorphins though the procedures are noticeably different.

For battlefield acupuncture, up to five gold semi-permanent needles are placed into each ear. The needles remain in the ear until they naturally dislodge, which takes approximately four to five days.

During wear of the needles, patients can continue with regular activities including rigorous exercising and swimming. The gold needles are also suitable for wear in uniform.

Crowder said the procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete with most patients experiencing near immediate pain relief.

"There is mild discomfort when the needles are placed, but patients love how quickly and well it works with very limited, if any, side effects," she said.

The clinic will be open to anyone enrolled to the Hickam Clinic with pain that's already been diagnosed. At approximately $5 a treatment, Crowder said the clinic will also help save the 15th MDG money that might otherwise be spent on other treatment methods.

"This particular form of acupuncture has a high success rate in treating migraines and musculoskeletal pains, and is a great alternative or adjunct for pain medication, physical therapy and surgery," she said.

To prepare for the opening of the new clinic, Crowder is actively training providers on the procedure.

During the class, participants were educated on the history and purpose of the procedure, as well as the proper application of the needles. The participants were also able to get hands-on training, and witness first-hand the immediate effects of the procedure.

Maj. Samantha Chuplis, a 535th Airlift Squadron flight surgeon, volunteered as a test subject during the class and credits the procedure with instant pain relief for chronic pain in her feet.

"This is the least amount of pain I've been in, in two years," she said after having Crowder demonstrate the application on her during the training.

Chuplis recommends patients who may be unsure or disbelieving of the effectiveness of the procedure to be open minded.

"I'd say if anyone has any doubts, and if they are willing, to try and see how it works for them," she said.

Capt. Susan Berganio, a 15th MDG family nurse practitioner, was also in attendance, and said she also believes in the benefits of acupuncture.

"The day I attended my first acupuncture training class I showed up to the class nauseated," she said. "During the demonstration, as soon as one needle was placed, my nausea instantly went away and I felt better so that's been my experience with acupuncture."

Berganio said as a provider, she'd recommend acupuncture to her patients.

"We're trying not to have people be so medication dependent and this is one of those ways, and it's simple, easy and the benefits are sometimes instant with minimal side effects," she said.

The BFA will be open two days a month on a referral only basis. For more information or a referral to the Battlefield Acupuncture Clinic contact your medical provider.