A question that continuously comes up in my practice - especially as needle-based therapies have gained immense popularity in recent years for their potential to alleviate pain, improve wellness, and enhance overall health - what is the difference between acupuncture and dry-needling? Two prominent practices that involve the insertion of thin needles into the body are acupuncture and dry-needling and it makes sense that people want to understand how to differentiate between the two. While these therapies may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in their origins, principles, techniques, and applications.
First, it is important to understand what dry-needling actually is. The term “dry-needling” was first used by Janet Travell, MD to differentiate between “wet needling” or hypodermic injections and “dry needling” which is either insertion of a needle into muscle without injection or with the use of a filiform - or solid - needle. So by this definition, acupuncture is dry-needling. However, while the distinction between acupuncture and dry-needling can be complex, there are significant differences in the two practices. To better understand these differences, let's delve deeper into the key distinctions.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back over 2,500 years. Acupuncture has a rich history deeply intertwined with Chinese philosophy and culture. It was initially used to balance the body's vital energy, known as Qi, and has evolved over centuries to treat a wide range of health issues. Whereas, dry-needling is a relatively modern therapy that has its roots in Western medicine. It emerged in the late 1970s with Czech physician, Karel Lewit, when he published his landmark paper ‘‘The Needle Effect in the Relief of Myofascial Pain'’ where he concluded that the insertion of needles into muscles to elicit a trigger effect had a remarkable ability to treat pain in musculoskeletal conditions.
Acupuncture is rooted in the principles of TCM, focusing on the flow of Qi (or energy) through meridians or channels in the body. Acupuncture aims to balance Qi by inserting needles at specific acupoints along meridians, promoting the body's natural healing processes. Dry-needling is grounded in neuroanatomy and the understanding of trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and dysfunction. The primary goal of dry-needling is to release muscle knots and reduce pain by targeting specific trigger points.
Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles, often made of stainless steel.Needles are placed at various acupoints, which may or may not coincide with trigger points, and are typically left in place for a longer duration to balance energy flow. In dry needling, solid, filament needles are used, typically without the addition of substances (hence "dry"). The needles are inserted directly into trigger points or tight muscle bands to elicit a twitch response, which helps release tension and relieve pain.
Acupuncture is employed for a broader range of health issues, including pain, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, and more. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance in the body's energy flow, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Dry-needling is commonly employed to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle pain, tension, and myofascial pain syndrome. The primary objective is to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and enhance mobility.
The biggest difference, however, may be in the training. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training in TCM theories, meridian systems, and needle techniques, typically completing formal programs and obtaining licensure. Acupuncture is regulated in many countries, ensuring practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards. Whereas, practitioners of dry needling, who often include physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors, have varying degrees of education in needling technique. Regulations regarding dry needling vary by region, and it may not be regulated in some places.
In summary, while acupuncture is highly regulated and dry-needling is mostly regulated, they are distinct practices with different practitioners, training requirements, and scopes of practice. Acupuncture is practiced by licensed acupuncturists, with a broader range of applications based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles - which means they are able to treat musculoskeletal pain in addition to things such as women’s health, digestive health, autoimmune issues, etc. Dry-needling is primarily performed by physical therapists and focuses on musculoskeletal issues. Patients in Tennessee - or any other state in the US - seeking these therapies should ensure they receive treatment from qualified and licensed practitioners in their respective fields.