Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture. Are they the same?

The difference between dry needling and acupuncture is a question I get asked often in my Cape Town chiropractic practice. Many people assume they are receiving acupuncture when, in fact, they are having dry needling, especially when it is performed by me.

The distinction lies in the systems each practice addresses. Acupuncture is a metaphysical practice. It treats the body’s energy system, specifically chi (sometimes referred to as prana or life force). The principle is that acupuncture unblocks energy pathways or meridians, allowing this energy to flow freely and smoothly. When this happens, the body can self-organize from a metaphysical perspective.

Dry needling, on the other hand, has its roots in Western medicine. It was developed by pain scientists with a background in anesthesiology. Depending on the school of thought, dry needling primarily works by regulating the nervous system. Some research suggests it can also alter muscle biochemistry and structure at the insertion site, but the most widely accepted explanation is neurological. This is why the effects are often immediate and noticeable.

The key difference is that dry needling alters how the nervous system interprets signals from the area being treated, and then signals change both at the spinal cord and the brain. Acupuncture deals with an entirely different system, a metaphysical one. Outcome measures for acupuncture are based on Chinese medicine. Interestingly, acupuncture has also been studied for its physiological effects, showing measurable changes in the body.

I believe acupuncture is a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system and promoting balance. This is one of the reasons it is often used to support fertility and IVF. It is an age-old practice that still carries great value today.

However, when it comes to physical complaints such as pain, stiffness, and tightness, dry needling is, in my experience, a more effective option. For many of my patients in Cape Town—whether runners, office workers, or those recovering from injury—dry needling provides fast and effective relief.