Dry needling has hit the news a lot lately and is reported to be a new technique to reduce muscle (myofacial) pain. In fact, the same technique is one of many that have been used by acupuncturists for thousands of years to reduce pain. In the language of the acupuncturist, this technique is called needling of Ah Shi (tender) points; different names, same purpose and technique.
The Long History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced in China since the Shang Dynasty of 1600 BCE. Originating with the use of bone and stone needles, and then graduating to metal needles in the 2nd century BCE, acupuncture has long been a trusted treatment methodology in Asian countries for a host of ailments.
Portuguese missionaries were the first Westerners to witness the practice of acupuncture in the 16th century, and it began gaining interest in Europe in the 17th century and in the US in the 18th century.
Today, more and more modern medical treatments incorporate Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tuina (Chinese medical massage). The benefits of these therapies have been proven time and again for a host of ailments, both chronic and acute.
The Introduction of Dry Needling
Dry needling was introduced by Janet Travell, MD, in her 1999 book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Trigger Point Manual. Rather than using tiny acupuncture needles, Dr. Travell started using hypodermic needles, which are bigger and, she surmised, more effective. The needles Dr. Travell used were empty, hence the term dry needling. Today, physicians who practice dry needling often do use traditional acupuncture, or solid filiform, needles, as well as hypodermic needles. This method focuses on muscle (myofacial) pain, as needles are placed into trigger points in the muscles.
Training Requirements
In the state of Arizona, an acupuncturist is required to have 3,000 hours of training, which includes 1,000 hours of clinic work. That is in addition to the other education a licensed acupuncturist (L. Ac.) receives in Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as herbs and cupping.
On the other hand, a medical professional who practices dry needling is not required to complete any training. In the US, most practitioners of dry needling are physical therapists, who have a working knowledge of the musculoskeletal system but have not been trained on where to insert the needles.
Efficacy
Thousands of years of treatment can’t be wrong. Although acupuncture has been slow to catch on in mainstream allopathic medicine in the US, it is steadily gaining traction and being added to many treatment plans. Acupuncture is approved by leading institutions, including the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health, for treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
Which Will You Choose?
Naturally, we at Harmony and Health Acupuncture support the practice of approved acupuncture techniques administered by licensed and trained acupuncturists. We do not guess on where to put the needles because we have centuries of knowledge to back up the charts we use. We are also fully trained in using clean needles and safe needling techniques. If you’re ready to get the “real deal,” we invite you to call us at 602-955-5444 to schedule your appointment. The only thing you have to lose is your pain.
