Have you ever wondered how acupuncture and dry needling work? Or wondered what the difference between the two therapies is? Well, wonder no longer! In this blog, we’ll be discussing the differences and similarities between acupuncture and dry needling, as well as the purposes and benefits of each therapy.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses tiny stainless steel needles to stimulate certain points on the body. It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body in order to treat various illnesses, painful conditions, injuries, and for therapeutic purposes.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in China and other parts of Asia to treat a variety of illnesses, including pain, infertility, and allergies. There is some scientific evidence that acupuncture may be effective for treating certain conditions, such as chronic pain and arthritis. These points are known to work on the body’s energy system, and as a result, the therapy is often effective in treating pain, inflammation, and other conditions. A recent study found that acupuncture was more effective at reducing pain and inflammation than conventional care (i.e., medications and physical therapy).

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is essentially the name for Western acupuncture that uses fine needles to stimulate points on the body. The kind of needle used is similar or the same as the acupuncture needle. “Dry needling” is a technique used by physical therapists and other

medical professionals to treat muscle pain and tension. A thin needle is inserted into the muscle tissue and then manipulated in order to release the tension or trigger points that are causing the pain.

In order to perform dry needling, therapists must complete a certification process. The process typically involves completing a course on dry needling technique and passing an exam. After becoming certified, therapists may also receive additional training in how to properly insert needles and identify trigger points. As dry needling becomes more popular as a treatment option, it is likely that more certification programs will become available.

Dry needling is often effective in treating conditions like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain. It can be painful, but many people find that it provides relief from chronic muscle pain. It’s used to treat a variety of issues, including pain relief and inflammation reduction.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves sticking thin needles into the body to relieve pain. It’s based on the idea that chi, or energy, flows through the body and can be blocked by things like illness, injury, or emotional stress. Acupuncture seeks to bring back full energy flow after a blockage. Acupuncture seeks to bring the body’s energy flow back into a state of balance.

There are a lot of different theories about how acupuncture works, but most experts believe that it helps relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain killers. Some people also believe that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

Acupuncture vs. dry needling: What’s the difference?

There is a lot of confusion around the terms “acupuncture” and “dry needling.” Some people use them interchangeably, while

others think they are two completely different procedures. The truth is that they are both forms of dry needling, but acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while dry needling is a form of Western medicine.

They are both essentially the same procedure-the only difference is the underlying philosophy behind them. Acupuncture is based on TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, principles, while dry needling is based on modern scientific principles. They both use sterile needles to produce stimulation of nerves to create healing and to relieve discomfort.

Both acupuncture and dry needling are considered complementary and even parallel therapies, which means they can be used together to provide even more relief.

Acupuncture is considered the gold standard of Chinese medicine and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain.

Dry needling is a newer therapy and a new practice based on Western thought and practices that is becoming more popular due to it being available and recommended through more Western Medicine channels, and due to its effectiveness in treating pain and inflammation. Both therapies are effective in treating and often solving the underlying cause of the pain.

Both therapies are effective in treating these types of issues and medical conditions.

• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• muscle tangle
• stiffness
• spasm
• General muscular tension
• Sports injuries
• tightness
• Nervous system issues
• sciatica
• Lower back pain
• general soreness
• migraines
• fibromyalgia
• Pain management

If you would like acupuncture and dry needling type of treatment in between sessions at home, you can relieve pain and stress at home by using an acupuncture mat like this one, and the other products below will be of great benefit.

ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set for Back/Neck Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation

Why we love it:

• Reduces pain naturally
• Simply lay on the mat for 10-30 minutes
• Provides relaxation and stress relief
• Creates increased energy and circulation
• 6,210 acupuressure points
• Neck pillow included with 1,782 acupressure points
• You will quickly become accustomed to the sensation, and make it a daily habit for overall health!

Multi-Condition Ear Seeds Acupuncture Kit, Facial Reflexology Tools

Why we love it:

• Stimulate parts of the ear to relieve pain and stress
• Easy to use
• Guide on where to place the seeds is included
• Tools needed to place the seeds included
• Effective therapy for pain
• Easily portable kit
• Safe 
• Regulate the whole body

Risks

There are a few risks or side effects associated with the use of acupuncture and dry needling. With acupuncture, some people may experience minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site. Additionally, if the needles are not sterilized properly, there is a risk of infection. However, this risk of infection is very low because most clinics use disposable needles.

Dry needling may also cause minor bleeding and bruising, as well as infection if the needles are not sterilized properly. Additionally, there is a risk of injuring surrounding tissues if the needles are inserted too deep. However, when performed by a trained professional, these risks are minimal.

What does research say about acupuncture and dry needling?

Though acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, there is still some debate about how exactly it works. Some believe that acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and releasing feel-good chemicals like endorphins. Others believe that it helps to unblock energy flow within the body.

However, there is increasing evidence that acupuncture may be effective in treating pain, particularly chronic pain. This is why Western medicine adopted many of its practices through dry needling.

A 2016 review of research found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain levels in people with chronic pain conditions like migraines, back pain, and osteoarthritis. In addition, a 2017 study found that dry needling, a form of acupuncture that uses needles without medication, was effective in treating tension headaches. Though more research is needed to understand how exactly acupuncture works, there is increasing evidence that it can be an effective treatment for pain.

Concluding Thoughts

If you are curious to try alternative health and healing methods, acupuncture and dry needling is a great place to start. You will wonder why you didn’t start using it ages ago!

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