Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No, acupuncture is not the same as dry needling. While similar needles are used, there is a world of difference between acupuncture, which is performed by an acupuncturist, and dry needling, which may be performed by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or other health professional.
Those practicing dry needling place acupuncture needles in myofascial trigger points. According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, trigger points are localised hypersensitive spots in a palpable and taut band of muscle. Releasing a trigger points, either by physical manipulation or by inserting a needle, can reduce muscle pain and stiffness and improve range of motion.
Acupuncturists have been utilising this method for thousands of years, and it’s referred to as ‘ah shi’. Acupuncturists will look for areas of tenderness on the body, and place an acupuncture needle there using an appropriate needle insertion technique and depth. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), areas of the body that are tender and/or stiff indicate where Qi (our basic life force) is stuck. Placing a needle at that point releases the flow of Qi, and relieves pain and stiffness.
Another way in which an acupuncturist will select an area of the body to inert a needle is by identifying an acupuncture point and its associated channel. There are 12 main channels, as well as divergent channels, extraordinary vessels, luo-connecting channels and sinew channels. These channels are pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. They connect organs and tissues, and allow us to correct imbalances within the body, and encourage the body to return to homeostasis. We can treat a variety of disorders that relate to pain, digestion, sleep, energy, gynaecology, fertility and emotional health.
Another difference between acupuncture and dry needling is that acupuncturists can use local or distal points to treat pain. For example, to treat shoulder pain we can place needles in the painful shoulder, the opposite shoulder, and even the hands, wrists and feet. Distal points, or points that are generally below the elbows and knees, are often the most effective way to treat pain.
The level of training required is also important to consider. TCM practitioners are required to obtain registration under the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA). The CMBA’s mandate is to ensure that Australia's TCM practitioners are suitably trained, qualified and safe to practise. The CMBA is supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
CMBA registered acupuncturists complete four years of theoretical training, including 650-1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
There are many non-registered therapists who perform dry needling and myofascial/trigger point therapy with as little training as a 20-hour online course or weekend course. As long as therapists don’t claim to be an acupuncturist, national laws do not protect you from these therapists.
Sadly, in July 2025, it was reported that two Bendigo women were hospitalised with collapsed lungs after receiving dry needling at a local massage clinic.
TCM has been practiced for thousands of years. It is safe, effective and authentic.