The debate over the differences between acupuncture and dry needling often leads to confusion, especially in the West. This confusion largely stems from misunderstandings of Chinese medical texts that date back 2,500 years. Misinterpretations of these texts, translated from Classical Chinese into contemporary Indo-European languages, have created a false dichotomy between the two practices. These mistranslations have perpetuated the belief that acupuncture is based on “mysterious energies” disconnected from modern scientific understanding.
However, recent advancements in the translation and study of these ancient texts by experts like Donald Kendall and Poney Chiang are shedding new light. Combining expertise in both neuroanatomy and Classical Chinese, these scholars and clinicians have demonstrated that Chinese classics, such as the Nei Jing, describe with remarkable precision the neurovascular pathways (Jing-luo) of the human body. They also reference motor points (xue) of the peripheral nervous system and techniques like palpation and inspection to identify and needle trigger points (Ah shi) along myofascial tracts, which were referred to as Jing jin, previously mistranslated as “sinew meridians.”
Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Two Sides of the Same Coin
When understood in this context, modern dry needling appears as a subset of techniques that were already documented in Chinese medical practices over two millennia ago. For instance, the method of needling tender areas to relieve pain aligns closely with descriptions in classical texts. The historical record further suggests that these methods were introduced to Europe as early as the 1600s, following the return of Jesuit missionaries from China with Chinese medical texts.
Yet, due to the lack of understanding of these historical roots and the reliance on mistranslations, acupuncture and dry needling have often been taught in the West as entirely separate modalities. This division is further complicated by the different professional communities that practice them—acupuncturists and physical therapists—each often emphasizing distinct aspects of needling techniques without acknowledging their shared origins.
A Practitioner’s Perspective: Integrating Acupuncture and Dry Needling
As someone trained in both acupuncture and dry needling, I frequently integrate these methods in my daily practice, tailoring treatments to the needs of individual patients.
Classical acupuncture points (xue) are particularly effective for addressing neurovascular and psycho-emotional contributors to pain and dysfunction. These points work by engaging the body’s nervous system and vascular pathways to promote healing and balance. On the other hand, techniques akin to dry needling, which target tender points along myofascial tracts (Jing jin), are incredibly useful for treating muscle and tendon pain and dysfunction.
In practice, a well-rounded treatment approach incorporates both acupuncture and dry needling techniques. This integration respects the historical and practical overlap between the two, using them without prejudice and applying the most appropriate method for each patient’s unique condition.