Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: What’s the Difference?
While they might look similar at first glance, the two practices differ greatly in their history, purpose, and training. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your health and wellness.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used for thousands of years to restore balance in the body and support overall wellness.
Philosophy: Acupuncture works with the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians, to encourage the smooth flow of qi (vital energy). When qi is blocked or out of balance, illness or pain can occur.
Treatment goals: Acupuncture can address a wide range of health concerns—chronic pain, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, and more.
Training: Licensed acupuncturists complete extensive education (typically a master’s or doctoral degree program) and national board exams to ensure safety, depth of knowledge, and clinical experience.
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, it treats the person as a whole—body, mind, and spirit.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a relatively modern technique, commonly practiced by physical therapists and some other healthcare providers. It focuses on musculoskeletal pain.
Philosophy: Dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurological principles. It targets “trigger points” or tight bands of muscle that can cause pain and restricted movement.
Treatment goals: The main goal is to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Training: Training in dry needling can vary widely. Some practitioners receive only weekend workshops or short certification programs, compared to the years of study required for acupuncture.
Dry needling is best understood as a technique for symptom management—especially for sports injuries, tight muscles, and localized pain.
How Dry Needling Has Affected Acupuncture in the U.S.
In a previous blog post, I discussed the current acupuncture landscape—including the closure of long-standing acupuncture schools, the financial struggles practitioners face, and the challenges of sustaining this beautiful profession in the U.S.
One factor that ties into this decline is the rise of dry needling. Because it is often practiced after only minimal training, yet marketed as similar to acupuncture, it creates confusion for patients while undervaluing the years of rigorous education required to become a licensed acupuncturist. This overlap has made it harder for acupuncture schools to attract students, contributing to what some are calling an “acu-pocalypse”—a future where fewer and fewer new acupuncturists enter the field.
Another barrier is insurance coverage. In many states (such as Kentucky), acupuncture receives little or no coverage from insurance companies, leaving patients to pay out of pocket. Dry needling, however, is often billed under physical therapy codes and, therefore, is more easily reimbursed. This creates an uneven playing field: patients may be more likely to try dry needling because insurance offsets the cost, even though it lacks the holistic scope and extensive training behind acupuncture.
None of this is to discredit the knowledge and quality of care from physical therapists and other providers who may practice dry needling. However, understanding and educating around these key differences is crucial for ensuring acupuncture remains available and respected for generations to come.
Which is Right for You?
Both acupuncture and dry needling use very fine needles, but their intention and scope are quite different.
If you’re seeking relief from muscle knots or a specific sports injury, dry needling may be helpful.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach—addressing not only pain but also underlying imbalances, stress, or overall health—acupuncture offers a deeper, and ancient path to healing.
It is important to note that any acupuncturist can do dry needling, as we have received the same training in trigger point work that is taught in dry needling certification. So it is not necessary to seek out someone trained in dry needling if you are looking for pain management. A skilled acupuncturist can manage your pain and so much more.
Our Approach
At our Common Ground Wellness, we practice acupuncture with the care, knowledge, and training of licensed professionals. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or other health concerns, our treatments are designed to support your body’s natural ability to heal—gently and holistically.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture can help you, we’d love to talk with you.
Book a consultation today and discover the difference that compassionate, holistic care can make.
