Practical Applications and Safety of Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Management: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Pain is complex and subjective, causing physical and psychological damage. Western medical treatments are prone to dependence, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage. Battlefield acupuncture (BFA) integrates traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary military medicine, achieving a rapid analgesic effect. In the domain of pain management, it is effective. Despite controversy, it is recommended as an analgesic for pain populations.

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of BFA, with a view to informing pain management strategies and validating its credibility.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from 2015-2025. Randomized controlled studies(RCTs) on BFA for pain were included. Outcome measurements were pain scores and adverse event rates. Two authors independently assessed studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials(RoB-1). Heterogeneity was addressed via narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Of 800 articles screened, 11 RCTs (n=1,232; BFA: 530 patients) matched criteria. BFA was compared with opioids, non-opioids, exercise or physical therapies for various types of pain. Four studies reported lower BFA pain scores, and four found no difference. No severe adverse event rates were noted, but mild reactions were recorded. RoB grades: two A, eight B, one C.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the efficacy and safety of BFA for acute pain. The utilisation of BFA in the context of alleviating mild to moderate pain is recommended, particularly in conjunction with electroacupuncture therapies.However, limitations include small sample sizes, blinding issues, and inconsistent protocols. Research into specific pain types and long-term efficacy should be focused on.

REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420251011281.