BFA requires appropriate training through the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Center at Joint Base Andrews or other approved training organization. An exception would be physicians without formal training but the requisite skills that easily translate to this procedure (i.e. surgeons, anesthesia, ER, critical care).

Supplies Needed: 10 Auricular Semi-Permanent (ASP) needles and alcohol pads.

Patients should NOT receive BFA if:

Steps to apply BFA needles:

Read ALL steps before proceeding.

  1. Patient Education and Consent – explain the procedure and expected course of having the ASP needle in place for 2-4 days while continuing regular activities.
  2. Cleanse area – use alcohol swabs to disinfect both ears.
  3. Place ASP needles