09/23/2025
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
People often ask us if dry needling and acupuncture are the same — while they both use thin needles, the training, approach, and purpose are different.
🪡 Acupuncture
• Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Focuses on the whole body and restoring balance
• Used for pain, stress, digestion, sleep, fertility, and overall wellness
• Requires years of training in medicine, anatomy, and TCM theory (requires 3 years, M.S. degree)
💪 Dry Needling
• Western technique used mainly by physical therapists, MD’s, DO’s, ND’s DC’s.
• Targets tight muscle “trigger points” to release tension
• Primarily for short-term pain or mobility issues
• Usually taught in shorter certification programs (a weekend class)
✨ The main difference:
Acupuncture treats the whole person, while dry needling is a technique focused on local muscle pain. Both can help with pain, but acupuncture goes beyond — supporting energy, immunity, stress relief, hormones, and long-term balance.
📞 Book your acupuncture session at Mending Roots Naturopathy and experience the difference for yourself.
