More Than Dry Needling: Understanding the Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
This is a question I hear a lot! While both dry needling and acupuncture use the same fine, single-use needles, their effectiveness for health conditions, treatment approaches, education, professional regulations, and practitioner titles vary significantly. Let's take a closer look at each practice.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is used to treat pain and muscular issues by stimulating trigger and non-trigger points. However, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Research into dry needling is ongoing, and for those interested, you can explore a snapshot of research evidence here: Dry Needling Research. If you don't typically follow research, the abstract provides a good summary.
To practice dry needling, a minimum professional background in manual therapy is required, followed by a short course.
Who Can Perform Dry Needling?
Chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists are required to adhere to professional standards set by the Australian Health Regulation Agency (AHPRA). However, beauty therapists, naturopaths, and massage therapists do not fall under the same regulatory framework. This means that health assessments, professional standards, and indemnity insurance may vary significantly depending on the practitioner’s background.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has a well-established history and a broader scope of practice compared to dry needling. If you're new to acupuncture, Zhen Zheng at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University provides an excellent explanation in this YouTube video: How Acupuncture Works.
Unlike dry needling, acupuncture has been extensively researched, and clinical evidence supports its effectiveness in stimulating bodily processes that enhance analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory effects.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wider range of health conditions, including:
Allergic rhinitis
Knee osteoarthritis
Migraine prophylaxis
Chronic low back pain
Postoperative pain
Nausea and vomiting
For a comprehensive list of health conditions that acupuncture can support, check out this research-backed resource: Acupuncture Evidence.
The Acupuncture Process
An acupuncture session is based on a comprehensive health assessment, where the practitioner evaluates the main concern and other body functions such as sweat, diet, appetite, and bowel movements. The acupuncturist may also examine the tongue and pulse for further diagnostic insights.
Acupuncture Goes Beyond Needling
Acupuncturists use a variety of techniques beyond needling, including:
Electro-acupuncture
Laser acupuncture
Herbal medicine
Cupping therapy
Guasha (scraping therapy)
Moxibustion (heat therapy)
Chinese remedial massage
Qigong (therapeutic exercise)
Dietetics (nutrition therapy)
Who Can Call Themselves an Acupuncturist?
The title ‘Acupuncturist’ is legally protected in Australia. This means that only practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) at AHPRA can use the title.
To become an acupuncturist, practitioners must complete three to four years of university training. Registration with CMBA at AHPRA ensures that practitioners maintain professional standards, hold appropriate indemnity insurance, and engage in continuous professional development.
Final Thoughts
While dry needling and acupuncture may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in training, regulation, approach, and effectiveness. Dry needling primarily focuses on muscular pain relief, whereas acupuncture is a holistic practice backed by extensive research and regulatory oversight.
If you're considering either treatment, it's important to understand your practitioner’s qualifications and the scope of their practice. Always seek care from a qualified professional to ensure your safety and the best possible results.