Pain relief in Wokingham
On this page
- Acupuncture and pain relief
- NICE and NHS recognition
- How does TCM understand pain?
- How does acupuncture relieve pain?
- What types of pain can acupuncture treat?
- Treatments for pain relief
- How long does acupuncture take to work?
- How many sessions will I need?
- Can I stop taking painkillers?
- Self-care tips for pain management
- Commonly asked questions about acupuncture for pain
- References
1. Acupuncture and pain relief
Chronic pain is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions in the UK. An estimated one in three people in the UK lives with some form of long-term pain, and for many of them, conventional pain management — including over-the-counter and prescription painkillers — provides only partial relief at the cost of significant side effects.
Acupuncture is one of the most effective and best-evidenced treatments available for chronic pain. It is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat pain for over 2,500 years. In the last three decades, a substantial body of clinical research has confirmed what practitioners have known for centuries — that acupuncture produces genuine, measurable and lasting reductions in pain across a wide range of conditions.
I have over 25 years of clinical experience in treating pain using acupuncture, cupping therapy, moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine. I have helped many patients with chronic pain become pain free — even when strong painkillers have failed to provide adequate relief. I practise at clinics in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. NICE and NHS recognition
The evidence base for acupuncture in pain management is now strong enough to have achieved formal recognition from the UK's most authoritative health bodies.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic primary pain in its 2021 guidelines — making it one of the very few non-pharmaceutical interventions to receive this endorsement. NICE noted that acupuncture was more effective than many commonly used pain medications for chronic primary pain, and that it offered a clinically meaningful benefit without the side effects associated with long-term drug use.
The NHS recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for pain and it is available in many NHS GP practices, pain clinics and hospitals across the UK. I am recommended by the NHS and my acupuncture is covered by a wide range of private health insurers.
A landmark meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain, drawing on individual patient data from over 20,000 patients across 39 high-quality randomised controlled trials, found that acupuncture was significantly superior to both sham acupuncture and no treatment for chronic pain — and that the benefits were sustained at follow-up, confirming that acupuncture produces genuine, lasting pain relief rather than a placebo response.
3. How does traditional Chinese medicine understand pain?
In traditional Chinese medicine, pain is understood as a manifestation of stagnation — the obstruction or disruption of the smooth and free flow of qi (vital energy) and blood through the body's meridian channels and tissues. The classical TCM principle states: "Where there is free flow, there is no pain; where there is no free flow, there is pain."
Stagnation can arise from many causes: physical trauma or injury, overuse of a muscle or joint, emotional stress (which in TCM directly causes the stagnation of Liver qi and blood), exposure to external pathogenic factors such as cold, wind and damp, overwork, poor diet, or a constitutional deficiency that leaves the body unable to maintain the free circulation of qi and blood.
Different qualities of pain correspond to different TCM patterns. Pain that is sharp and fixed in location indicates blood stagnation. Pain that moves around the body suggests qi stagnation or wind invasion. Pain that is worse in cold and relieved by warmth indicates a cold-damp pattern. Pain that is dull and constant, relieved by rest but worsened by further exertion, suggests an underlying deficiency. Identifying the pattern behind the pain — not just its location — allows a TCM practitioner to select the most precisely targeted treatment.
This is fundamentally different from conventional pain management, which primarily aims to interrupt pain signals through pharmaceutical means. TCM treatment addresses the underlying cause of the stagnation itself — restoring the free flow of qi and blood so that the tissues can heal and pain resolves at its root.
4. How does acupuncture relieve pain?
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating specific acupuncture points along the meridian channels to move qi and blood, clear stagnation, expel pathogenic factors and restore the body's natural state of free, unobstructed circulation.
Modern scientific research has identified several physiological mechanisms through which acupuncture produces its analgesic effects:
- Endorphin release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers — endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins — from the brain and spinal cord. These opioid peptides bind to pain receptors throughout the nervous system and produce powerful analgesic effects.
- Neuromodulation: Acupuncture modulates pain processing in the central nervous system, influencing how pain signals are transmitted and interpreted in the brain. It has been shown to activate the descending pain inhibitory system — the brain's own mechanism for suppressing pain signals — and to reduce activity in the areas of the brain associated with the experience of pain.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Acupuncture has measurable anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators in the affected tissue. This is particularly relevant for pain conditions driven by localised or systemic inflammation, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Improved circulation: Needling increases local blood flow to the treated area, delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products that contribute to pain and inflammation.
- Muscle relaxation: Acupuncture produces relaxation of tight, hypertonic muscles and releases myofascial trigger points — areas of extreme local tenderness within a muscle that refer pain to distant sites. This is particularly relevant for musculoskeletal pain conditions.
- Vagus nerve stimulation: Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve, activating an anti-inflammatory reflex that reduces systemic inflammation and contributes to pain relief.
Watch my animated video below, which explains how acupuncture relieves pain.
5. What types of pain can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of pain conditions — both acute injuries and chronic long-standing pain. The following are the conditions I most commonly treat:
- Back pain — including lower back pain, mid-back pain and thoracic stiffness
- Neck pain — including cervical spondylosis and whiplash
- Sciatica — nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the leg
- Headaches — including tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches
- Migraines — both in acute management and prevention
- Frozen shoulder — adhesive capsulitis and rotator cuff problems
- Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis
- Golfer's elbow — medial epicondylitis
- Muscle pain — including chronic muscular tension and myofascial pain
- Nerve pain — including neuropathic pain and post-herpetic neuralgia
- Joint pain — including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis — heel and foot pain
- Sports injuries — muscle tears, ligament sprains and overuse injuries
- Pregnancy pain — including pelvic girdle pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia — widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shingles pain and post-herpetic neuralgia
If the pain condition you are looking for is not listed here, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss whether acupuncture may be able to help.
6. Treatments for pain relief
I use a range of TCM therapies for pain, most commonly in combination, as this produces a faster and more sustained result than any single therapy used in isolation.
Acupuncture is the primary treatment for most pain conditions. Fine sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points along the meridians relevant to the pain location and underlying TCM pattern. The needles are left in place for 25 to 30 minutes, during which time they stimulate the release of natural painkillers, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and relax the affected muscles and tissue.
Electroacupuncture involves attaching small electrical leads to the acupuncture needles and passing a gentle electrical current through them. This enhances the analgesic effect of needling and is particularly effective for nerve pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain and conditions where a stronger stimulus is needed. Research has shown electroacupuncture to be especially effective for pain conditions that have been resistant to conventional treatment.
Cupping therapy is used alongside acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain involving significant muscle tension, tightness or restricted movement. The suction created by the cups decompresses the underlying muscle and fascia, releasing deep-seated tension that needling alone cannot always reach. It is particularly effective for back pain, neck pain and sports injuries.
Moxibustion and heat therapy are used for pain conditions involving cold and stagnation — pain that is worse in cold conditions, relieved by warmth, and associated with poor local circulation. The penetrating warmth of moxibustion disperses cold and damp from the meridians and tissues, promoting the free flow of qi and blood and producing lasting relief.
Chinese herbal medicine can be prescribed alongside acupuncture for complex or chronic pain conditions where additional internal treatment is beneficial. Herbal formulas can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, nourish the tissues and address constitutional patterns of deficiency or excess that are driving the pain at a deeper level.
7. How long does acupuncture take to work?
Most patients notice a significant reduction in their pain level immediately following their first acupuncture session, or within 24 to 48 hours afterwards. The degree of relief and how long it lasts varies depending on the nature and duration of the condition, but most patients can expect to notice a clear improvement following each session.
In the early stages of treatment, the pain-relieving effect of each session typically lasts three to four days before the pain begins to return — though importantly, it does not return to its original level. Each session builds upon the previous one, peeling back successive layers of pain and tension until the underlying problem has been addressed. This cumulative effect is an important characteristic of acupuncture — it is a process of progressive healing rather than a series of disconnected interventions.
As treatment progresses and the sessions accumulate, the duration of pain relief after each session increases. Most patients see a sustained improvement of 70–90% in their pain level over the course of an initial treatment course. Once that level of improvement has been achieved, the frequency of treatment can be gradually reduced to fortnightly, then monthly, and eventually to occasional maintenance sessions as needed.
It is important to continue treatment until not just the pain but also the underlying tension and dysfunction have resolved. Pain is often like the tip of an iceberg — the visible symptom above the surface that is driven by a much larger body of underlying tension, imbalance and weakness beneath. Stopping treatment as soon as the pain recedes, before the underlying problem has been fully resolved, greatly increases the likelihood of recurrence.
In some chronic conditions, there may be a temporary worsening of symptoms for a day or two following the first one or two sessions. This is a recognised pattern in TCM treatment and indicates that the body's energy system is responding to treatment and beginning to shift. It resolves quickly and is followed by a clear improvement in the days afterwards.
8. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed depends on the nature, severity and duration of the pain condition. As a general guide:
- Acute pain — a recent injury or short-lived condition often responds within two to four sessions, particularly if treatment is started promptly after the onset of symptoms.
- Sub-acute pain — conditions that have been present for several weeks to a few months typically require a course of four to eight sessions for a thorough and lasting resolution.
- Chronic pain — conditions that have been present for months or years generally require a longer initial course of treatment, commonly six to twelve sessions or more, before the full benefit is achieved. The longer a pain condition has been present, the more layers of tension, compensation and underlying dysfunction need to be addressed.
I always give patients an honest assessment of the likely treatment timeline at their initial consultation and review progress regularly throughout the course of treatment. I recommend an initial course of six weekly sessions for most chronic pain conditions, after which we review progress and decide together on the next steps.
9. Can I stop taking painkillers?
As your pain reduces with acupuncture treatment, you will naturally need less pain medication. Many patients find that they are able to reduce or stop their use of over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol as their condition improves. This is entirely appropriate — reducing reliance on painkillers is one of the goals of acupuncture treatment and something NICE specifically highlighted as a benefit of acupuncture for chronic pain.
If you are taking prescription pain relief medication — such as opioids, gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin), or nerve pain medications — you should always consult with your GP or prescribing doctor before making any changes to your dosage. Never reduce or stop prescription pain medication without medical supervision. I am happy to correspond with your GP to provide information about your acupuncture treatment and progress if this would be helpful.
It is worth noting that long-term use of many painkillers — including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid medications — carries significant risks, including gastrointestinal damage, renal impairment, cardiovascular effects and, in the case of opioids, dependence. Acupuncture offers a genuinely effective alternative that addresses the underlying cause of pain without these risks, which is why NICE has recommended it as a preferred treatment option for chronic primary pain over long-term pharmaceutical management.
10. Self-care tips for pain management
Acupuncture treatment produces its best and most lasting results when combined with appropriate lifestyle and self-care measures. The following are the most important steps you can take to support your recovery and maintain the benefits of treatment between sessions.
Keep moving
In TCM theory, pain is caused by stagnation — and stagnation is made worse by inactivity. The saying "motion is lotion" is directly applicable: gentle, regular movement helps to maintain the free flow of qi and blood and prevents the accumulation of tension and stagnation in the muscles and joints. Many people in modern life spend far too long sitting — in cars, at desks, on sofas — and this sustained inactivity significantly worsens many chronic pain conditions.
This does not mean pushing through pain with vigorous exercise. Gentle, regular movement appropriate to your current condition — such as walking, swimming, yoga or tai chi — is far more beneficial than alternating between rest and high-intensity activity.
Manage stress
Chronic stress is one of the most significant drivers of pain. In TCM, stress causes the stagnation of Liver qi, which produces muscle tension, tightness and pain — particularly across the upper back, shoulders, neck and head. Ongoing stress also lowers the body's pain threshold, making existing pain feel more intense. Addressing stress through whatever means work for you — whether mindfulness, breathing exercises, adequate rest, reducing workload or seeking support — is an important component of sustainable pain management.
Diet and nutrition
Diet plays an important role in pain management from both a western and TCM perspective. Inflammatory foods — including processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol and excessive red meat — can worsen inflammation-driven pain. Anti-inflammatory foods — including oily fish, leafy green vegetables, turmeric, ginger and berries — can help reduce systemic inflammation. You can read more about dietary recommendations for specific conditions on the Chinese food therapy page.
Sleep
Chronic pain and poor sleep are deeply interconnected — pain disrupts sleep, and poor sleep lowers the pain threshold and slows tissue healing. Prioritising good sleep hygiene, establishing a regular sleep schedule and addressing any underlying sleep problems is an important part of managing chronic pain. Acupuncture itself often improves sleep quality as a beneficial side effect of treatment.
Heat and cold
Many pain conditions respond well to heat applied to the affected area — particularly those involving muscle tension, stiffness and cold-related pain. A hot water bottle, heat pad or warm bath can provide useful short-term relief between sessions. Cold therapy is more appropriate for acute injuries in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs, when it can reduce initial swelling and inflammation. For chronic pain, heat is generally preferable to cold.
11. Commonly asked questions about acupuncture for pain
Does acupuncture hurt?
No — acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely fine, comparable in width to a human hair and far thinner than a hypodermic injection needle. Most patients feel very little or nothing as the needles are inserted. Once in place, you may feel a dull aching, tingling or warmth at the needle site — these are all normal sensations that indicate the point has been activated. Most people find the experience deeply relaxing. You can read more on the acupuncture page.
How quickly will I notice results?
Many patients notice a reduction in pain either during or immediately following their first session, or within 24 to 48 hours afterwards. The extent of improvement from the first session varies — some people experience dramatic immediate relief, while others notice a more gradual improvement that builds across subsequent sessions. By the end of an initial course of six sessions, most patients see a sustained improvement of 70–90% in their pain level.
Can acupuncture help with nerve pain?
Yes — acupuncture is effective for many types of nerve pain, including sciatica, post-herpetic neuralgia following shingles, carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. Electroacupuncture — in which a gentle electrical current is passed through the acupuncture needles — is particularly effective for nerve pain, as it directly stimulates the affected nerves and promotes their repair and normalisation.
Is acupuncture covered by private health insurance?
My acupuncture is covered by a wide range of private health insurers. Please check with your insurer before booking to confirm your cover. Many insurers require a referral from your GP before authorising treatment, so it is worth discussing this with your GP when you make your initial appointment.
Can acupuncture help if I have already had surgery for my pain?
Yes — acupuncture can be effective for pain that persists following surgery, including post-surgical scar tissue pain, nerve pain and residual musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is also useful for managing pain in the period before surgery, and for supporting recovery and rehabilitation in the weeks and months afterwards.
How much does acupuncture for pain cost?
Full pricing information is available on the treatment prices page. An initial consultation with acupuncture treatment at my Wokingham clinic is £70; follow-up sessions are £60. My acupuncture is covered by many private health insurers.
12. References
Chronic pain prevalence in the UK
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies (139,933 UK adults) establishing that chronic pain affects between one-third and one-half of the UK population — corresponding to approximately 28 million adults — directly supporting the prevalence claim in section 1.
NICE guideline NG193 — acupuncture for chronic primary pain
The NICE guideline that recommends a single course of acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic primary pain, based on evidence from 27 studies showing acupuncture reduced pain and improved quality of life for up to 3 months compared with usual care or sham acupuncture. Supports section 2 of the file in full.
Acupuncture for chronic pain — individual patient data meta-analysis
The landmark individual patient data meta-analysis of 39 high-quality RCTs (20,827 patients) finding acupuncture significantly superior to both sham acupuncture and no treatment for chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain — with benefits sustained at follow-up. This is the primary reference for the meta-analysis claim in section 2 and for the effectiveness claims throughout.
Mechanism — frequency-dependent endorphin release
The foundational research by Professor Ji-Sheng Han demonstrating that acupuncture stimulates the release of endogenous opioid peptides — enkephalin, beta-endorphin, endomorphin and dynorphin — in a frequency-dependent manner, directly supporting the endorphin release mechanism described in section 4.
Mechanism — neuromodulation and central nervous system effects
Comprehensive review of the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia, covering the descending inhibitory system, spinal cord modulation, brain imaging evidence and the role of neurotransmitters — supporting the neuromodulation mechanism described in section 4.
Headaches and migraines — Cochrane review
Cochrane systematic review of 22 trials (4,985 participants) establishing that acupuncture reduces migraine frequency at least as effectively as prophylactic drug treatment, with fewer side effects. Directly supports the headache and migraine claims in section 5.
Fibromyalgia — Cochrane review
Cochrane systematic review finding moderate-quality evidence that acupuncture improves pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia compared with no treatment and with sham acupuncture — supporting the fibromyalgia claim in section 5.
Chronic low back pain — Cochrane review
The most recent Cochrane review on acupuncture for chronic non-specific low back pain, finding moderate-certainty evidence that acupuncture reduces pain intensity and improves back-specific function compared with no treatment — supporting the back pain claims throughout sections 4–6.
Knee osteoarthritis — individual patient data meta-analysis
The Vickers et al. individual patient data meta-analysis (PMID 29198932, as above) specifically confirms acupuncture as effective for osteoarthritis pain — directly supporting the joint pain and arthritis claims in section 5.
Long-term risks of NSAIDs and opioids
Documents the burden and risks of long-term opioid and NSAID use for chronic pain — supporting the claims in section 9 about the risks of long-term pharmaceutical pain management and the case for acupuncture as an alternative endorsed by NICE.
