How Does Acupuncture Work? An Evidence-Based Guide to Medical Acupuncture in Dorchester

Medical Review: Dr Mehrdad Bordbar BMBS MMedSc MRCGP AFMCP | Last Updated: 15 May 2026

The Bottom Line: Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and within muscles. This process triggers the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin, effectively altering how the brain processes pain signals. While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explains acupuncture as the balancing of the body's vital energy ("Qi"), Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) relies entirely on modern anatomical and neurophysiological science. It is officially recommended by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing chronic primary pain, tension-type headaches, and preventing migraines.  

If you have been suffering from chronic pain, debilitating migraines, or persistent muscular tension, you have likely explored numerous avenues for relief. Perhaps you are currently relying on painkillers but wish to reduce your medication, or maybe standard treatments simply haven't provided the relief you need. In these scenarios, medical acupuncture often emerges as a highly effective, safe, and evidence-based option.  

However, the word "acupuncture" often brings to mind ancient philosophies and mystical concepts that can leave scientifically minded patients feeling sceptical. At the Olivine Clinic, a premium Private GP practice located in Poundbury, Dorchester, West Dorset, we believe in complete transparency. We want our patients to understand the exact mechanisms behind their treatments.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how acupuncture works, outline the crucial differences between traditional and modern medical approaches, and explain why integrating Western Medical Acupuncture into a holistic care plan can be transformative for your health.

What is Acupuncture? Understanding the Two Main Philosophies

To truly answer the question of how acupuncture works, we first have to understand the two distinct lenses through which this therapy is viewed and practised today: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA). While both involve the insertion of very fine needles into the skin, the diagnostic principles and scientific reasoning behind them are entirely different.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient medical system that dates back thousands of years. The core philosophy of TCM revolves around the concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), which translates to the body's vital energy or life force.  

According to traditional texts, Qi flows through the body along specific, interconnected pathways known as meridians. When a person is healthy, their Qi flows freely, maintaining a balance between the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. However, if the flow of Qi becomes blocked, deficient, or stagnant due to stress, poor diet, injury, or environmental factors, illness and pain are said to result.

In the TCM framework, an acupuncturist will diagnose a patient based on a holistic assessment of their constitution—often examining the tongue, feeling the pulse, and assessing the balance of the organ systems. The needles are then inserted into specific "acupoints" along the meridians to unblock the stagnation and restore the natural, harmonious flow of Qi. While this philosophical framework has survived for millennia and provided relief to millions, it does not easily align with modern Western biological sciences, as anatomical dissections and modern imaging have never identified the existence of physical meridians or the energy of Qi.

Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA)

Western Medical Acupuncture is an adaptation of traditional acupuncture based strictly on current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Instead of relying on the concepts of Yin, Yang, and Qi, WMA interprets the effects of acupuncture through the lens of modern neuroscience.

In WMA, doctors and regulated healthcare professionals use acupuncture as a therapeutic modality following a standard Western medical diagnosis. A practitioner of WMA does not assess your tongue or pulse to determine energy blockages. Instead, they examine your medical history, assess your musculoskeletal system, evaluate nerve function, and review your clinical symptoms.

The points chosen for needle insertion in WMA often overlap with traditional acupoints, but the reasoning is entirely different. In WMA, needles are placed in areas where nerve endings are highly concentrated, or directly into myofascial trigger points (commonly known as muscle knots) to stimulate the nervous system. This evidence-based approach makes WMA highly acceptable within modern healthcare frameworks, providing a bridge between ancient technique and contemporary clinical science.

The Science: How Does Western Medical Acupuncture Actually Work?

If we discard the concept of "Qi", what is actually happening inside the body when an acupuncture needle is inserted? Over the past few decades, rigorous scientific research, including functional MRI (fMRI) scans and biochemical analyses, has shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture.

Here are the primary ways in which Western Medical Acupuncture exerts its clinical effects:

1. The Release of Natural Painkillers (Endorphins)

The most well-documented mechanism of acupuncture is its ability to stimulate the body’s natural pharmacy. When a fine needle is inserted into the muscle, it stimulates A-delta nerve fibres. These sensory nerves send rapid signals to the spinal cord and the brain. In response to this mild stimulation, the brain releases endorphins and enkephalins—powerful, naturally occurring opioids. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively reducing the perception of pain. This is why many patients feel a deep sense of relaxation or even mild euphoria following a session.

2. The Gate Control Theory of Pain

Proposed in the 1960s, the "Gate Control Theory" suggests that non-painful sensory inputs close the "nerve gates" to painful input, preventing pain sensations from travelling to the central nervous system. When acupuncture needles are manipulated (gently rotated or stimulated), they activate mechanoreceptors. The signals from these mechanoreceptors travel along fast nerve fibres and effectively "block" the slower pain signals from reaching the brain. This mechanism provides immediate, localised pain relief during and after the treatment.

3. Deactivating Myofascial Trigger Points

Chronic pain is often caused by tight, hyper-irritable bands of muscle fibres known as trigger points. When an acupuncture needle is inserted directly into these taut bands, it can elicit a "local twitch response." This involuntary spinal reflex essentially resets the muscle, breaking the cycle of spasm, relieving tension, and allowing the muscle fibres to relax and elongate. This specific technique is sometimes referred to as "dry needling," which falls under the broader umbrella of Western Medical Acupuncture.

4. Improving Local Blood Flow and Healing

The insertion of a foreign object (the needle) causes a localised micro-trauma. The body’s immune and circulatory systems respond instantly by increasing blood flow to the targeted area. This process, known as vasodilation, delivers fresh oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the site of the injury or chronic inflammation, accelerating tissue repair and reducing localised swelling.

5. Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System

Acupuncture has been shown to have a profound effect on the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. Chronic pain and stress often leave patients stuck in a "sympathetic" state (fight-or-flight). Acupuncture helps to down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system and stimulate the "parasympathetic" state (rest-and-digest). This shift not only aids in pain modulation but also explains why acupuncture is beneficial for stress-related conditions, sleep disturbances, and overall wellbeing.

Why Dr Mehrdad Bordbar Offers Western Medical Acupuncture

At the Olivine Clinic in Dorchester, our ethos is built upon providing premium, patient-centred care that is strictly rooted in clinical evidence. This is why Dr Mehrdad Bordbar (BMBS MMedSc MRCGP AFMCP) exclusively practises Western Medical Acupuncture.

As an experienced Private GP with a deep commitment to integrative and functional medicine, Dr Bordbar utilises WMA as a powerful tool to manage chronic pain, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal issues without the automatic reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Certified by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)

Patient safety and clinical excellence are our highest priorities. Dr Bordbar is not only fully certified by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS), but he also proudly serves as a Trustee of the organisation.

What is BMAS?

The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) is a registered charity established to promote the use and scientific understanding of acupuncture within conventional medicine. It is the leading regulatory and educational body for medical acupuncture in the UK. BMAS ensures that acupuncture is delivered by regulated healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists) who have undergone rigorous, standardised training.  

By choosing a practitioner who is certified by and intimately involved with BMAS, patients at the Olivine Clinic can rest assured that their treatment meets the highest possible standards of medical safety, hygiene, and clinical efficacy.

What Do the Medical Guidelines Say?

You do not just have to take our word for it. Medical acupuncture is heavily supported by national and international clinical guidelines due to the robust body of clinical trial data supporting its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.  

NICE Guidelines (UK)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care in the UK. NICE explicitly recommends acupuncture for the following conditions:  

• Chronic Primary Pain: In the landmark 2021 update (NICE Guideline NG193), NICE recommends considering a single course of acupuncture or dry needling (within a Western or traditional system) for people aged 16 and over to manage chronic primary pain. This was a paradigm shift, recognising acupuncture as a safer, more effective alternative to prescribing dependency-forming opioids or gabapentinoids for chronic pain.  

  
  

• Tension-Type Headaches: Under NICE Guideline CG150, a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture is recommended for the prophylactic (preventative) treatment of chronic tension-type headaches.  

  
  

• Migraines: Within the same guideline (CG150), acupuncture is recommended as a frontline preventative option for migraines, particularly when standard medications (like topiramate or propranolol) are unsuitable, ineffective, or cause intolerable side effects.  

  
  

European Guidelines (EFIC)

Beyond the UK, the European Pain Federation (EFIC)—a multidisciplinary professional organisation in the field of pain research and medicine—also advocates for multimodal pain management strategies. EFIC guidelines frequently highlight the importance of non-pharmacological interventions, and clinical practice recommendations across European medical bodies increasingly integrate medical acupuncture into the gold-standard treatment pathways for chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and pelvic pain, recognising its high safety profile and low risk of adverse effects compared to long-term NSAID or opioid use.  

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Acupuncture FAQ

Is medical acupuncture painful?

This is the most common concern for new patients. Unlike the hypodermic needles used for taking blood or giving vaccines (which are hollow and relatively thick), acupuncture needles are solid and incredibly fine—often no thicker than a human hair. Most patients feel only a tiny pinprick or no pain at all when the needle is inserted. Once the needle is in place, you may feel a deep, dull ache, a slight tingling, or a feeling of heaviness. In WMA, this sensation is known as "de qi" and indicates that the nerve endings have been successfully stimulated. The process is generally highly relaxing.  

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified medical professional. It can be highly effective for managing pregnancy-related conditions such as pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, and morning sickness. However, there are specific anatomical points on the body that must be avoided during pregnancy, as stimulating them can theoretically induce uterine contractions. Because Dr Bordbar is a fully qualified GP and BMAS-certified acupuncturist, he possesses the anatomical knowledge required to ensure absolute safety for both mother and baby.

Does acupuncture work for migraines and headaches?

Absolutely. The clinical evidence supporting acupuncture for headaches is incredibly strong. As mentioned above, NICE officially recommends acupuncture for the prevention of both migraines and chronic tension-type headaches. By regulating blood flow to the brain, reducing tension in the cervical (neck) muscles, and boosting serotonin levels, acupuncture can significantly reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks, often allowing patients to reduce their reliance on acute pain medications.  

Does acupuncture work for back pain?

Yes. Medical acupuncture is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for chronic lower back pain. By targeting hyperactive trigger points in the lumbar spine and gluteal muscles, acupuncture relieves muscle spasms and reduces local inflammation. Furthermore, the central release of endorphins provides a systemic analgesic (pain-relieving) effect, helping patients break the cycle of chronic back pain and regain their mobility.

Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Life

Living with chronic pain or recurrent migraines can severely impact your quality of life. If you are looking for a scientifically backed, holistic approach to pain management that addresses the root cause of your discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms, Western Medical Acupuncture may be the solution you have been searching for.  

Ready to explore your options? Experience the highest standard of integrative healthcare in West Dorset. Book a consultation with Dr Mehrdad Bordbar at the Olivine Clinic today to discuss how a bespoke Western Medical Acupuncture treatment plan can help you reclaim your health.

[Contact Olivine Clinic to Book Your Consultation] - Poundbury, Dorchester.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While medical acupuncture is highly safe, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe bleeding disorders or localized skin infections. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a Private GP, before beginning any new treatment programme.