An American military research team has undertaken a feasibility study to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of acupuncture for pain control in injured personnel. Ear acupuncture was given to patients experiencing pain during evacuation by air from Germany to a base in Maryland, USA. Patients reported statistically significant reductions in pain following treatment: average pain scores fell from 4.07 prior to treatment, to 2.17 one hour after treatment, and 2.76 one hour after the flight.
(Moving Acupuncture to the Frontline of Military Medical Care: A Feasibility Study. Medical Acupuncture, February 2013.)