What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Often confused, acupuncture and dry needling seem like two sides of the same coin. Despite this, they present very marked differences, and knowing which one is best to treat an ailment or pathology is essential to guarantee an optimal experience for the patient. In this article, we will delve into the definition of each of them, explore the most common tools in each technique, and review the differences between them.

Acupuncture: millennial knowledge at the service of well-being

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique whose origin goes back to traditional Chinese medicine. It works by inserting exceptionally thin needles into strategic areas of the body in order to channel the flow of vital energy, known as chi or qi, through key points called meridians. By puncturing these areas, the body's natural channels are unblocked so that the chi can flow again, balancing the patient and promoting their health.

According to the philosophy of classical acupuncture, this technique can treat a wide range of ailments and pathologies, including psychological and neurological conditions. Therefore, its use is not limited only to physiotherapy or sports medicine, but can be used in a multitude of medical disciplines, including dentistry, osteopathy, gynecology, pneumology, allergy, traumatology, and obstetrics.

What needles and equipment are used in acupuncture?

It will depend on the pathology that we need to treat or the methodology that we need to use. There are multiple options in the job market, although the most common are Chinese and Korean type acupuncture needles.  

Chinese type acupuncture needles

Traditional acupuncture needles, otherwise known as Chinese type acupuncture needles. They are characterized by an extremely thin body and do not have a hollow interior. They are inserted into the tissues very smoothly thanks to the design of their tip, which penetrates the skin with less resistance. They are usually made of stainless steel, although it is believed that using other metals in their handle, such as silver or copper, facilitates the transmission of energy during treatment, obtaining more precise and faster results compared to other acupuncture needles.

Korean type acupuncture needles

Korean type acupuncture needles differ from the first group due to their extreme thinness and flexibility. They guarantee greater precision and are generally more comfortable for patients, making them ideal for people with pain sensitivity. In addition, they have a grooved handle that allows them to be held more firmly and manipulated with superior control. They are preferred for superficial acupuncture treatments.

Electroacupuncture equipment

Although not an indispensable tool, electroacupuncture equipment has been gaining popularity in recent years. When used along with traditional needles, they deliver a therapeutic electrical current focused on key points, combining the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine and advances in electrostimulation today. The result is pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and more efficient, rapid, and lasting tissue recovery.

Dry needling: scientific evidence combined with tradition

On the other hand, dry needling is an invasive physiotherapy technique born in the West in the 20th century and aims to treat muscular ailments exclusively. It can be used in a wide range of muscle-originated pains, although it is usually used in the treatment of contractures and myofascial trigger points. In any case, dry needling never replaces physiotherapy treatment, but rather reinforces it; although it is an effective technique for pain, the underlying pathology must be treated to prevent it from resurfacing.

It is called dry needling because its principle of action is not based on the infiltration of any drug, but rather the therapeutic effect of the treatment lies in the insertion of the needle itself. As with acupuncture, specific areas of the body are punctured to stimulate the area in order to alleviate muscular ailments. The difference between the two mainly lies in the latter having scientific evidence based on the observation and empirical study of its effectiveness.

The scientific explanation for its functioning is in the micro-tears of tissue that it produces when inserting the needle into the muscle. The body reacts with a slight and imperceptible spasm that increases blood flow in the area and produces controlled inflammation, resulting in a reduction of pain and an improvement in muscle elasticity.

What instruments are used in dry needling?

The main tools used in this technique are dry needling needles. In appearance, they are similar to acupuncture needles, although in reality, they present many differences. First, they have a triple bevel at the tip to ensure more precise insertion; second, they have superior rigidity to guarantee better manipulation and deeper penetration. In addition, they may be coated with silicone for smoother insertion and may be supplied with a guide tube for more precise procedures.

Conclusions

As we have seen, the main difference between acupuncture and dry needling lies in their principles of action and the techniques and beliefs on which they are based. Acupuncture operates on the energy level, undoing bodily blockages related to vital energy to treat all kinds of conditions; dry needling, on the other hand, is used in the treatment of muscular ailments and is backed by scientific evidence. In addition, each of them uses instruments that, despite resembling in shape and material, are unique and specifically designed for each technique.

At DH Medical Material, we have been supplying health professionals for over 30 years. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are thinking of acquiring dry needling needles for your physiotherapy center or acupuncture needles for your alternative medicine business.