In November, NFAM completed the year one grant activities to screen clinical practices and evaluate therapies that have direct relevance for U.S. military readiness (ie, easily administered, portable treatments for acute and chronic pain, wound healing). Over the past year, NFAM screened 11 clinical practices (that used electromagnetic, acupuncture, and other approaches), and completed three field investigation/ retrospective studies. From these studies, NFAM found two electromagnetic devices that appear to offer immediate and long-term pain relief: Electro Pressure Regeneration Therapy (EPRT) and the PAP Ion Magnetic Inductor (PAPIMI). These energy devices deliver a pulsed electromagnetic field to the cells and increase circulation and the flow of nutrients, among other hypothesized actions, to accelerate healing. The third field study examined the use of direct microcurrent plus silver plated nylon dressing for wound healing for patients suffering from severe burns. 

“The MILCAM program allows NFAM to be the eyes and ears of the CAM field and to collect reliable data on low-cost complementary and alternative therapies for a range of health concerns”

Finally, in collaboration with the Samueli Institute, NFAM managed a clinical study evaluating auricular acupuncture for patients presenting with acute pain in the emergency room setting at a military hospital. The study was based on scientific data showing that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (endogenous opioids) for an analgesic effect. The study findings will be published soon. 

For year 2, NFAM has proposed several outcome studies to evaluate the therapies identified in year 1. Since military personnel spend limited time on the battlefield, our site visits and field investigations will be expanded to include therapies for non-battlefield health concerns that confront soldiers and veterans. The MILCAM program allows NFAM to be the eyes and ears of the CAM field and to collect reliable data on lowcost CAM therapies for a range of health concerns.