Acupuncture is a type of alternative treatment that has been very popular in China and the Asian continent for hundreds or maybe thousands of years.
It is used for the purpose of treating various types of health conditions and symptoms, by focusing on the nerve points as well as muscles of the human body.
There is another alternative treatment that may look similar to acupuncture which is dry needle whereas it is a different type of treatment.
The question is, which one is the best option for you? Let’s keep reading to find out!
Dry needle treatment vs acupuncture is…
If just looking at the photos and videos, you probably won’t even notice that it’s actually 2 different types of treatments.
This is because both will use the same treatment tool which is a very fine and pointed stainless steel needle.
For both of these practices as well, the way the procedure works is also similar i.e. by poking it at the right point on the human skin .
Even so, that’s where the similarity stops because there are very significant differences!
To your knowledge, acupuncture treatments have been used for hundreds or thousands of years while dry needle treatments are new for decades.
In the meantime, acupuncture treatment has been proven effective with the support of scientific studies while dry needle treatment is still in the research stage.
Are there any benefits of dry needles for us?
Dry needle treatment is a type of modern alternative treatment created specifically to treat muscle and tissue problems that are becoming popular nowadays.
It is referred to as dry needle due to its treatment technique which uses a needle that will not inject fluid into the body.
Instead, the needle will be pricked at an ideal point on a muscle or tissue (intramuscular stimulation) for the purpose of relieving tension on it.
This treatment is often used by physiotherapy practitioners and the performer may not require a license, certificate, training or recognition.
What does the latest study say?
To date, there is still a lack of scientific studies on this treatment procedure that have successfully proven its level of effectiveness.
There is one study that says that this procedure is just as beneficial as light exercise or stretching activities .
In 2012, a study said platelet plasma injections were much more effective than this dry needle treatment.
What are the side effects?
As we have always said, Chinese medicine has many side effect problems.
More worryingly, it is believed that this treatment may cause some other side effects as follows:
- Body bruises
- Body ache
- Bleeding
- Infections and diseases occur if the needles are not sterilized properly
What about the benefits of acupuncture? Is it the same or much more effective than this other treatment?
What are the benefits of acupuncture for us?
Acupuncture treatment is a type of traditional alternative treatment created specifically to treat muscle and tissue problems that have been used since time immemorial.
The way this treatment works is also the same, which is to use a needle to prick the ideal point on the body to relieve certain pain .
What is different is that acupuncture practitioners need to obtain a license, certificate, training or recognition before they can start operating.
In Malaysia, they need to be registered with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division under the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
What does the latest study say?
To date, there have been many scientific studies on this treatment procedure that have successfully proven its level of effectiveness.
#1. Lower back pain
A study in 2015 proved that it is able to relieve lower back pain if only done acupuncture or in conjunction with other medical methods.
#2. Knee pain
A study in 2010 stated that it is able to relieve knee pain which is one of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis .
#3. Neck pain
A study in 2015 stated that it is able to relieve neck pain due to stress or pull that commonly occurs when the wrong way to sleep .
Benefits of Acupuncture #4. Migraine
A study in 2012 found that acupuncture can reduce migraine symptoms and prevent them from recurring.
#5 The benefits of acupuncture are the treatment of depression
There is one study that looked at the use of acupuncture as an antidepressant medicine and it has been proven to be as effective as possible from a placebo aspect.
What are the side effects?
Despite the effectiveness of this treatment, there are still some side effects on the body if it is done in the wrong way including:
- Bleeding
- Body bruises
- Body ache
- Pain at the injection site
Which treatment is best for you?
Whenever experiencing any type of pain no matter in muscles, tissues, nerves, bones or any part of the body, see a doctor immediately.
This is for you to seek treatment or medication suitable for your condition before deciding to try other alternative treatments.
If you want to try a ‘needle prick’ treatment at the ideal point of the body, between these 2 types of treatment, acupuncture is a better option .
Not only has it been proven effective through various scientific studies, but it is also recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trusted Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
- https://www.mainlinehealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/treatments/dry-needling
- https://www.lifeclinics.us/blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture-which-is-better/
- https://www.rivereastphysiotherapy.ca/blog/Acupuncture-vs.-Dry-Needling-What-s-the-Difference
- https://www.acupuncturecanada.org/blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/
