Remembering a Pioneer in Medical Acupuncture

Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, a pioneering figure in medical acupuncture and a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, passed away on Feb.2, 2025, at the age of 82. His life was a testament to the power of innovation, compassion, and dedication to healing.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 18, 1942, Richard’s journey in medicine began conventionally as a radiation oncologist in the U.S. Air Force. However, his curiosity and open-mindedness led him to explore alternative healing methods, particularly acupuncture. In 1994, he attended one of the first UCLA Medical Acupuncture for Physicians courses, a decision that would shape the rest of his career and impact countless lives.

Dr. Niemtzow’s most renowned contribution to medicine was the development of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) in 2001. This technique offered a rapid and effective method for pain relief. BFA is an auricular protocol providing quick pain alleviation without the need for pharmaceuticals. This innovation has since been adopted widely not only in military settings, but also in civilian health care, transforming pain management practices globally.

Beyond his groundbreaking work in BFA, Dr. Niemtzow was a prolific researcher and innovator. He pioneered acupuncture techniques for treating various conditions, including post-radiation therapy xerostomia, macular degeneration, post-traumatic stress, tinnitus, and even post-COVID anosmia. His work exemplified a bridge between traditional Eastern practices and Western medicine, always seeking to improve patient care.

As founding editor-in-chief of the journal Medical Acupuncture for over 25 years, Dr. Niemtzow played a crucial role in advancing the field of medical acupuncture with more than 50 publications to his name. I had the pleasure of meeting him more than a decade ago, and have served on editorial board of Medical Acupuncture along with Dr. Lixing Lao (associate editor), Jennifer Stone, MSOM, LAc (senior editor), Yael Ben-Porat, DAOM, MPH, LAc (managing editor), Misha Cohen, OMD, LAc, Arthur Yin Fan, MD, PhD, LAc, Richard Harris, PhD, Juli Olson, DC, DACM, FAIHM, and others.

Dr. Niemtzow’s leadership extended to serving as president of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture from 2009 to 2011, and spending 13 years as a council member for the National Institutes of Health National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Dr. Niemtzow’s influence reached far beyond American borders. He coordinated and led four military-medical acupuncture exchanges with members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, fostering international collaboration in the field. His contributions were recognized globally, earning him the title of Honorary Professor of the People’s Liberation Army Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2015.

Colleagues remember Dr. Niemtzow not just for his professional achievements, but also for his warmth, mentorship, and friendship. He was known for his ability to inspire and guide others, always eager to share his knowledge and passion for healing. His innovative spirit was matched by his compassion for patients and his dedication to improving healthcare practices.

Dr. Niemtzow’s legacy lives on through the countless practitioners he trained, the patients he healed, and the techniques he developed. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of integrating diverse medical traditions and the importance of continual innovation in health care. Thousands of health care professionals in the VA and DoD are carrying his torch, and others outside of the VA/DoD are teaching BFA to the next generation of acupuncturists.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Songxuan Zhou Niemtzow, three children, three grandchildren, and a sister. As the medical community mourns the loss of this visionary healer, we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to impact medicine for generations to come.