Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but they come from different traditions, use different methods, and aim for different outcomes. Here's how to tell them apart and decide which is right for you.
Training and philosophy
- Acupuncture: A complete medical system with national registration, extensive study of channels, points, and whole-body diagnosis. Japanese styles (what we use at Free the Qi) focus on the nervous system and subtle palpation to find the root pattern.
- Dry needling: A short-course musculoskeletal technique often used by physios and trainers to release trigger points. It is not a standalone medical system and usually targets local muscle knots.
Technique and sensation
- Japanese acupuncture: Very fine needles, shallow insertion, and gentle stimulation to calm the nervous system. Many people feel a light tap or warmth and often relax deeply on the table.
- Dry needling: Deeper insertion into trigger points to provoke a twitch response. Sensation can be sharp or achy, and post-treatment soreness is common for a day or two.
Goals and results
- Acupuncture: Looks at whole-body balance—pain, hormones, sleep, digestion, and stress. Helps regulate inflammatory and autonomic responses so pain reduces and recovery speeds up.
- Dry needling: Primarily aims to release tight muscle bands to improve range of motion and reduce local pain.
Safety and side effects
Both use single-use, sterile needles. With acupuncture, after-effects are usually relaxation or lightness. With dry needling, temporary soreness or bruising is more common. Always tell your practitioner about pregnancy, medications, and medical history.
Which should you choose?
If you want a nervous-system-led approach that addresses root patterns (pain plus sleep, stress, hormones, or fertility), acupuncture is likely the better fit. If you need a quick muscle release in a specific area, dry needling can help—but it may not address why tension keeps returning.
How we approach it at Free the Qi
We use gentle Japanese acupuncture to calm the nervous system, ease pain, and support broader health goals. If you want to experience the difference, book a session in West End or Samford: Book now. Related reading: Why Acupuncture Helps Migraines.