Battlefield Acupuncture · MiddlesbroughRapid Drug-Free Pain Relief with Battlefield Acupuncture
Five ear points. No undressing. Many people feel a difference within minutes of their first session.
Book a Session From £45 · No pressure · Book in your own time ⭐800+ Five-Star ReviewsGoogle & Fresha verified
🎓Qualified AcupuncturistFHT-registered · Fully insured
🏆Three Best Rated 2026Fresha Highly Recommended
📍Acklam Road, MiddlesbroughTS5 7BP
What is it?A Military-Developed Protocol Now Available in Middlesbrough
Battlefield acupuncture is a standardised five-point ear acupuncture protocol developed by US Air Force physician Dr Richard Niemtzow in the early 2000s. Originally designed for rapid pain relief in military settings where equipment was limited, it has since been adopted in hospitals, emergency departments, pain clinics, and community settings worldwide.
At our Middlesbrough clinic, battlefield acupuncture sessions are delivered by Anthony, a qualified and licensed acupuncturist, FHT-registered, fully insured, and licensed to practice by Middlesbrough Council. Anthony holds specific certification in battlefield acupuncture and NADA auricular acupuncture: two distinct protocols, each with their own evidence base and clinical application. Anthony uses two types of needle for battlefield acupuncture, depending on your presentation:
ASP semi-permanent needles are tiny conical darts that sit just beneath the surface of the outer ear skin. They stay in place for three to four days after your appointment, continuing to stimulate the points while you go about your normal life. They fall out on their own or are removed at your next session. These are particularly well suited to chronic or recurring pain where sustained stimulation between sessions adds cumulative benefit.
Standard auricular needles are placed during the session and removed before you leave. These suit clients who prefer not to keep needles in between appointments, or where the presentation calls for a shorter activation period. Anthony will advise which approach is most appropriate for you at your first consultation.
For a full breakdown of the research, see our battlefield acupuncture blog post.
"
Thanks for today Anthony. Amazing sports massage and battlefield acupuncture. Went in feeling all anxious and came out feeling calm and collected. Also the pain in my body feels so much less.
Dominique Farley · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dec 2025The ProtocolThe Five Battlefield Acupuncture Points
Five specific ear points, placed sequentially on one or both ears, each targeting a different aspect of how the brain processes and regulates pain.
1
Cingulate Gyrus
Targets the brain region most directly involved in the emotional and cognitive processing of pain.
2
Thalamus
The brain's pain relay station. Helps regulate the intensity of incoming pain signals.
3
Omega 2
Nervous system regulation and reduction of stress-related amplification of pain.
4
Shen Men
Anxiety reduction, nervous system calming, and pain relief. One of the most widely studied auricular points.
5
Point Zero
A homeostatic point that helps restore balance across the whole system.
ApplicationsWhat Battlefield Acupuncture Can Help With
Used in emergency departments, surgical wards, pain clinics, and community settings for acute and chronic pain presentations.
🔙Back & Neck Pain
💪Musculoskeletal Pain
🔥Chronic Pain
🤕Headaches & Migraines
🏥Post-Surgical Recovery
🧠Stress-Related Pain
⚡Joint & Limb Pain
💊Reducing Medication Reliance
ASP semi-permanent needles (left) stay in place for three to four days between sessions
Needle Options: At a Glance
ASP Semi-Permanent Needles
Stay in place for three to four days. Continue working between sessions. Best for chronic or recurring pain where cumulative effect matters. Fall out naturally or removed at next appointment.
Standard Auricular Needles
Placed and removed during the session. No needles left in place afterwards. Suited to clients who prefer this, or where a shorter activation period is appropriate. Anthony will advise at your first appointment.
EvidenceWhat the Research Shows
Battlefield acupuncture has a growing evidence base. Strongest for short-term acute pain. More variable for chronic presentations.
A randomised controlled trial in the Journal of Emergency Medicine compared battlefield acupuncture directly against standard medication for acute low back pain in 52 adults. Mean pain reduction at 30 to 40 minutes was 33.4mm in the BFA group versus 21.5mm in the medication group. No adverse events were reported.
Johnston et al., 2021. J Emerg Med. doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.07.017 · PubMed
A 2024 adaptive pragmatic RCT in Annals of Emergency Medicine tested auricular acupuncture for acute musculoskeletal pain in 236 patients. Both acupuncture groups had significantly greater pain reductions at one hour than usual care alone: 1.6 points greater on a 0 to 10 scale. High patient satisfaction. No serious adverse events.
Eucker et al., 2024. Ann Emerg Med. doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.03.014 · PubMed
What this means in plain termsThe strongest evidence is for short-term acute pain relief, where trial results are consistently promising. For chronic pain, results are more variable across studies and BFA works best as part of a wider treatment plan. Many people experience a noticeable reduction in pain within minutes of their first session. For longer-standing pain, a course of four to six sessions is where results tend to become consistent and lasting. We'll be straightforward with you at your first appointment about what's realistic for your presentation.
Ready to try battlefield acupuncture?
Sessions with Anthony from £45.
Book a SessionNo pressure. Book in your own time.
Your SessionWhat to Expect From Your Appointment
Appointments start with a brief conversation about your pain, what's already been tried, and what would be most useful. Anthony will advise whether ASP semi-permanent needles or standard auricular needles suit your presentation best.
You then sit or recline comfortably while the five needle points are placed sequentially on one or both ears. Most people feel minimal discomfort. The appointment typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes including the consultation.
If ASP needles are used, they remain in place for three to four days after you leave, continuing to work between sessions. Many people notice a change in pain before leaving the clinic. Others find the effect builds over the first 24 to 48 hours.
Session Steps
How a Session Unfolds
1
Brief consultation
Anthony discusses your pain history, what you've tried, and what would be most helpful. He advises on needle type and whether the full five-point protocol or a modified version is most appropriate.
2
Needles placed
Five tiny needles are placed at the BFA points, usually starting with one ear. Each insertion takes a few seconds. Most people feel a brief pressure or warmth as each point is activated.
3
Rest for 20 to 45 minutes
You relax on the treatment couch while the points work. No undressing required. Many people feel a noticeable shift in pain levels before the session ends.
4
Aftercare and treatment plan
Anthony explains how to care for your needles if ASP needles are used. He will also discuss a realistic course of treatment with you, including how many sessions are likely to be needed for your specific presentation and how to space them for best results.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?For acute pain, many people notice meaningful relief within one to three sessions. For chronic or recurring pain, a course of four to six sessions spaced one to two weeks apart is where results become consistent and lasting. The strongest positive acute pain trials used a single session in emergency settings, which reflects why many people feel something immediately. Four to six sessions is a realistic and honest starting recommendation for most chronic presentations.
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Anthony
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Relaxing and pain free. Would highly recommend.
John Bates · Oct 2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Anthony is professional and knowledgeable. A great treatment that if I need again I'll be sure to return.
Rachel Scott · May 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Would recommend acupuncture here as it's been a real positive experience.
Stephanie Jones · Dec 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I've tried various treatments for my migraines, but nothing worked as well as battlefield acupuncture. Anthony's expertise and care have made a huge difference.
Sharon · Verified Patient Choosing Your TreatmentBattlefield Acupuncture, Body Acupuncture, or Sports Massage?
Anthony offers all three at our Middlesbrough clinic. Here's a guide to which tends to suit which presentations best.
| Treatment | Best suited for | Session format |
|---|
| Battlefield Acupuncture | Acute or sudden-onset pain, rapid relief without undressing, pain with stress or anxiety component | 30 to 45 mins, ear only, needles may stay in 3 to 4 days |
| Body Acupuncture for Chronic Pain | Complex, long-standing, or multi-system pain patterns requiring a full TCM case history and personalised treatment plan | 45 to 60 mins, personalised point selection across body |
| Sports Massage | Primarily muscular tension or sports injury with restricted tissue needing direct hands-on release | 45 to 60 mins, hands-on soft tissue release |
Note on NADA acupuncture: NADA and battlefield acupuncture are two separate auricular protocols. NADA uses a different five-point ear protocol and is primarily used for stress, anxiety, sleep, and nervous system regulation rather than pain. If you are looking for NADA specifically, see our NADA acupuncture page. Anthony is certified in both.
Many patients book a combined sports massage and battlefield acupuncture appointment with Anthony. If your pain is long-standing or complex, our chronic pain acupuncture page explains the fuller treatment approach.
InvestmentSession Pricing
Anthony asks clients to commit to a course of treatment rather than individual one-off sessions. This is how lasting results are built. He will discuss a realistic treatment plan with you at your first appointment.
£45 Battlefield Acupuncture Session A 30 to 45 minute one-to-one session with Anthony. Includes consultation, five-point ear protocol, and aftercare guidance. ASP semi-permanent or standard auricular needles as appropriate. Book a Session Your PractitionerAnthony, Qualified & Licensed Acupuncturist
Anthony is a qualified acupuncturist specialising in auricular and ear acupuncture. He holds specific training and certification in both battlefield acupuncture and the NADA protocol: two distinct auricular therapies used for different clinical purposes. His calm, methodical approach suits patients dealing with chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and stress-related pain, including those who have not found lasting results elsewhere.
In addition to battlefield acupuncture, Anthony delivers NADA auricular acupuncture and sports massage at the clinic.
- Qualified acupuncturist, FHT-registered
- Level 3 Battlefield Acupuncture certified
- NADA GB certified, renewed annually
- Licensed to practice by Middlesbrough Council
- Fully insured
SuitabilityIs Battlefield Acupuncture Right for You?
Tends to work particularly well for the following presentations.
✅Acute pain that came on suddenly: back, neck, joint, or limb
✅Chronic pain that hasn't fully responded to other approaches
✅Post-surgical pain or recovery support
✅Wanting to reduce reliance on painkillers or anti-inflammatories
✅Headaches or migraines with a stress or tension component
✅Someone who wants a quick, non-invasive option without undressing
Not sure if it's right for your situation? Just get in touch. We'll give you an honest steer before you book.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is battlefield acupuncture?
Battlefield acupuncture is a standardised five-point ear acupuncture protocol developed by US Air Force physician Dr Richard Niemtzow. It uses either ASP semi-permanent needles that stay in place for three to four days, or standard auricular needles removed at the end of the session. Both approaches target five specific points on the outer ear to help regulate pain signals and calm the nervous system. It is now used in military, VA, emergency, and community clinical settings worldwide.
How quickly does it work?
Many people experience a noticeable reduction in pain within minutes of treatment. A 2021 RCT found BFA produced significantly greater pain reduction than standard medication at 30 to 40 minutes for acute low back pain. For chronic pain, results build over a course of sessions.
How long do the needles stay in?
ASP semi-permanent needles stay in for three to four days, continuing to work between appointments. Standard auricular needles are removed during the session. Anthony will advise which approach suits your presentation best.
How many sessions will I need?
For acute pain, one to three sessions often produces meaningful relief. For chronic or recurring pain, a course of four to six sessions spaced one to two weeks apart is where results become consistent. Anthony will give you a realistic assessment at your first appointment.
Is battlefield acupuncture safe?
Yes. No serious adverse events have been reported across randomised trials or large-scale VA implementation studies. Minor side effects such as brief insertion-site discomfort can occur but are self-limiting. Single-use sterile needles are used throughout.
Where can I get battlefield acupuncture in Middlesbrough?
At Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing, The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. Sessions with Anthony from £45. Book here or call 0800 593 2023.
"Wellness grows where energy flows."
Ready to Try Battlefield Acupuncture?
Book your first session with Anthony at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough. From £45. Anthony will discuss your treatment plan and realistic outcomes at your first appointment.
Book a Battlefield Acupuncture Session Or call us: 0800 593 2023 Serving Middlesbrough, Teesside, Stockton, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, and Darlington