What is dry needling & What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is simply a contemporary style of acupuncture. The needles and techniques are the same; however, dry needling is an intramuscular, manual therapy that is based on the trigger point theory, whereas acupuncture uses the Traditional Chinese Meridian Theory. Dry needling is a technique employed by both acupuncturists and many physical therapists. Many physical therapists turn to dry needling as a pain management technique and to broaden their therapeutic scope of treatment. Dry needling certification requires 50 hours of training.
Dry needling is simply a contemporary style of acupuncture. The needles and techniques are the same; however, dry needling is an intramuscular, manual therapy that is based on the trigger point theory, whereas acupuncture uses the Traditional Chinese Meridian Theory. Dry needling is a technique employed by both acupuncturists and many physical therapists. Many physical therapists turn to dry needling as a pain management technique and to broaden their therapeutic scope of treatment. Dry needling certification requires 50 hours of training.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is both and art and a science, requiring practitioners to acquire 3500 hours of training and a vast medical knowledge including physiology, pathology, holistic diagnostics, therapeutics, and needling techniques. Acupuncture is a term used to describe a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin by a variety of techniques, mainly through penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is both and art and a science, requiring practitioners to acquire 3500 hours of training and a vast medical knowledge including physiology, pathology, holistic diagnostics, therapeutics, and needling techniques. Acupuncture is a term used to describe a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin by a variety of techniques, mainly through penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
What is the Meridian Theory?
The meridian theory is based on the concept that there is a distribution network for the body's fundamental substances like energy, blood, and bodily fluids. Albeit invisible, the channels that distribute energy to the body are much like the vessels that distribute blood throughout the body. This complex network of energy channels is called the meridian system. This system links all areas of the body to one another in very specific ways and is much like a modern road map or highway system fundamentally linking all locations in a specific place together. Just like a major highway, if it that channel gets blocked by congestion or other causes, no traffic can pass through until that block is cleared. This is exactly what happens in our energy channels. If a channel gets blocked, it must be cleared to restore a natural flow of energy, thereby restoring balance and health.
The meridian theory is based on the concept that there is a distribution network for the body's fundamental substances like energy, blood, and bodily fluids. Albeit invisible, the channels that distribute energy to the body are much like the vessels that distribute blood throughout the body. This complex network of energy channels is called the meridian system. This system links all areas of the body to one another in very specific ways and is much like a modern road map or highway system fundamentally linking all locations in a specific place together. Just like a major highway, if it that channel gets blocked by congestion or other causes, no traffic can pass through until that block is cleared. This is exactly what happens in our energy channels. If a channel gets blocked, it must be cleared to restore a natural flow of energy, thereby restoring balance and health.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscles located within larger muscle groups. They are usually tender to touch and can refer to pain. Trigger points are acupuncture points. The stimulation of trigger points as is done in dry needling can create intense sensations throughout the musculoskeletal system, central nervous systems and can even create intense emotional sensations. Trigger points are often associated with spontaneous pain or discomfort in response to movement, stretching or compression.
A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscles located within larger muscle groups. They are usually tender to touch and can refer to pain. Trigger points are acupuncture points. The stimulation of trigger points as is done in dry needling can create intense sensations throughout the musculoskeletal system, central nervous systems and can even create intense emotional sensations. Trigger points are often associated with spontaneous pain or discomfort in response to movement, stretching or compression.
In many states, dry needling certifications often bypass acupuncture regulations, so it is important to be aware that although
dry needling is a safe a effective acupuncture technique, it is imperative that you educate yourself on the matter and do not take risks by seeking treatment from anyone without proper acupuncture licensing requirements.
