Acupuncture (Medical Western)

Medical western acupuncture is recommended by NICE guidelines for chronic pain, tension-type headaches, and migraines. For those seeking acupuncture in Basingstoke, this approach stimulates sensory nerves to release natural pain inhibitors, offering short-term relief as part of a supportive therapy.

Acupuncture in Basingstoke (Dry Needling)

This therapeutic technique is used by healthcare professionals to treat musculoskeletal pain. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points within the muscles. While often compared to traditional Chinese acupuncture, this method is rooted in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. Both acupuncture and dry needling are offered as part of a targeted, evidence-based approach to care, from our basingstoke clinic.

Accepted Claims for Acupuncture Treatment

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has reviewed clinical evidence and determined that the following claims are acceptable based on current research:

Short-term improvement in symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (electro-acupuncture at the SP6 point)
Short-term relief of tension-type headaches
Short-term relief of migraine headache
Short-term relief of chronic low back pain
Short-term relief of neck pain or chronic neck pain
Short-term relief from temporomandibular (TMD/TMJ) pain
Temporary adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain

Additional Conditions and Ethical Practice

Some practitioners may claim that acupuncture can treat a wider range of conditions. However, these claims are not supported by robust evidence and fall outside the guidelines set by the ASA. In line with ethical practice, I only provide dry needling and acupuncture in Basingstoke for conditions that are supported by credible research.

Book an Appointment

If you're considering acupuncture in Basingstoke or would like to explore whether dry needling is right for your condition, get in touch to arrange a consultation. Treatments are tailored to your needs and always grounded in current clinical evidence.

At Overton and North Waltham Osteopathy, we provide a variety of services designed to support your health and well-being. Don’t forget to check out our other offerings, we’re here to help.

The Mechanism of Acupuncture

Several physiological changes can occur, including:

Neurohormonal Pathways: Needling specific points may stimulate nerves that send signals to the brain. This can lead to the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and other neurochemicals (like serotonin and norepinephrine), which modulate pain perception and mood.
Local Tissue Effects: The insertion of needles can lead to the release of vasodilators. This may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Central Nervous System Modulation: Scans have shown that acupuncture can affect activity in various brain regions involved in pain, emotion, and sensory processing. This suggests a systemic effect on the central nervous system, helping to regulate the body’s response to stress and pain.

Clinical Evidence for Acupuncture

Acupuncture is most widely recognised and studied for its role in chronic pain relief.

Chronic Low Back Pain: Strong evidence for effectiveness. Key findings show clinically significant improvement in pain and function compared to sham or no acupuncture.

Osteoarthritis (Knee Pain): Moderate to strong evidence. Key findings show it reduces pain and improves physical function in the short-term.

Chronic Headaches/Migraines: Strong evidence for Acupuncture in prevention. Key findings show it reduces the frequency and intensity of migraine and tension-type headaches.

Neck Pain: Strong evidence. Key findings show it is effective for chronic neck pain, comparable to some physical therapies.

Overton and North Waltham Osteopathy Osteopath Basingstoke

Book your appointment today to visit our Basingstoke clinic or give me a call
to discuss how acupuncture or dry needling can help you manage your pain.

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