Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, traditionally focuses on points along the body’s meridian lines. However, there’s flexibility in this approach—acupuncturists often use "Ashi" points, which are tender areas on the body that can be treated to release muscle tension and promote healing.

“Dry needling” is a modern term for a practice that overlaps significantly with acupuncture. It involves inserting thin needles into tight muscle areas, known as trigger points, to create a therapeutic response that relaxes tension and alleviates pain.

With extensive training and experience in both dry needling and acupuncture, Sophia blends these techniques to deliver whole-body results that address pain, tension, and overall balance.

• Both use filiform (acupuncture) needles, which are thin and flexible.

• Both address musculoskeletal and myofascial pain effectively.

• Both require a detailed understanding of human anatomy to ensure safe and effective treatment.

• Both aim to restore physiological function and balance to the body.

What's the Difference?

• Training Requirements:

  • Acupuncturists undergo rigorous training, including at least 650 hours of hands-on practice, as part of a 3-4 year graduate program that includes anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

  • Dry needling by physical therapists often involves shorter courses ranging from 30-50 hours, though some advanced programs offer over 200 hours.

• Needle Retention:

  • In acupuncture, needles are typically retained for 15-30 minutes to stimulate therapeutic effects.

  • In dry needling, needles are often inserted and removed quickly, though retention is sometimes used.

• Scope of Treatment:

  • Acupuncture addresses pain both locally (at the site of discomfort) and distally (targeting points away from the pain site to influence the body holistically).

  • Acupuncture also treats a wide range of conditions beyond pain, including digestive, endocrine, gynecological, and psycho-emotional issues, reflecting its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Differences

Similarities