Dry Needling is *Not* Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Aren’t they the same thing?
The answer is that you would be forgiven for thinking they might be the same, because the same thin, sterile, single-use, stainless steel needles are used in both practices.
However, dry needling and acupuncture are really quite different.
Dry needling is used by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and medical doctors, and focuses on alleviating muscle pain and restoring optimal function by stimulating trigger points or affected tight muscles. Dry needling can be helpful in relieving symptoms of headache, low back pain, shoulder pain and various sports injuries.
In acupuncture we have points called “ahshi” points which translates to tender points on the body in the proximity of musculoskeletal injury or pain. Needling ahshi points is thought to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood in the local area to help healing and relieve pain. Other acupuncture approaches can also be used for musculoskeletal pain.
In a way, dry needling is quite similar to using ahshi points (but through the modern science lens of using myofascial trigger points).
This is pretty much where the similarities stop though.
Acupuncture is about stimulating specific points along energetic channels in the body (also know as meridians). There are 14 main or primary channels on the body, plus complimentary channels and extra points, and different frameworks of acupuncture which include additional points. There are numerous acupuncture techniques and ancillary techniques that accompany the points and channels (too much to learn in a lifetime).
Rather than seeking to have an effect on injured or painful muscle tissue alone, acupuncture allows communication with the Qi (vital energy of our body) of the point/channel where the needle is inserted.
Given the channels run throughout the body, this means needles might be inserted away from the local site of the issue (e.g. there is an acupuncture point on the lower leg that is a key point for supporting eye health).
The needle invites the Qi to move throughout the channel (where there may have been a blockage) or promotes the specific functions of the point.
Therefore, acupuncture can be used to support many different health conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, but also sleep, fertility, menstrual irregularities, digestive health, cold and flu symptoms, and stress.
In summary, dry needling and acupuncture are absolutely different practices, both with their own framework and strengths.
If you’re keen to explore acupuncture and how it can support your health and wellbeing, feel free to get in touch or book here.