Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine. Acupuncture originated in China approximately 3,000 years ago. For thousands of years acupuncture has been successfully and safely assisting patients with various ailments and disorders in a gentle, non-invasive fashion. The side effects of acupuncture are low when treatment is performed by a nationally and board certified acupuncturist. Through the use of sterile, single-use, thin needles, acupuncturists balance the vital flow of energy (Qi - pronounced chee) of the body by utilizing specific points on meridians in a pain free and relaxing manner.
What is Acupuncture?
Scientific research suggests that acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to release chemicals into the nervous system and into the bloodstream. The release of chemicals changes the experience of pain. The experience triggers the release of other substances that influence the body's innate ability to heal.
Brain scans show that acupuncture normalizes the signals that reach your limbic system, which is the system that controls the "fight or flight" response. Almost every patient we see is transformed from being on edge to calm, relaxed and zen-like. And the reason is acupuncture works to reset the autonomic nervous system, and once reset, the body can restore to homeostasis or normal functioning.
Dry Needling:
Dry needling is typically performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers and can also be called myofascial trigger point dry needling. Dry needling focuses only on knotted areas of muscle and connective tissue. Needles are used to stimulate the muscles and surrounding tissues to relieve painful knotted areas.
Acupuncture in Massachusetts
Acupuncture is a Masters and Doctorate level education. In Massachusetts acupuncturists are required to pass 3 acupuncture board exams which are regulated by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Acupuncturists who practice Chinese herbal medicine are required to pass an additional NCCAOM board in oriental medicine. Additionally, to be a licensed acupuncturist in Massachusetts, the acupuncturist must have their credentials reviewed by the Massachusetts board of Medicine. Lastly, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years, maintain continuing education hours, clean needle technique, CPR and first aid certifications. Acupuncturists are required to take specific course work in Needle Technique, materials and methods of Chinese medicine which offer extensive supervised education of needle insertion, anatomy around acupuncture points, muscles, organs, and tissues. With lengthy clinical hours and countless hours supervised practicing needling acupuncture points, the occurrence of pneumothorax (lung puncture causing lung collapse) is virtually no-existent.
Dry Needling in Massachusetts
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the term "Dry-Needling" is neither in, nor out of, the scope of practice for allied health professionals (physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, etc). This means that there are no rules preventing allied health professionals from performing dry needling and also no rule giving them permission to do so. Allied health professionals are only required to attend 24 hours of classroom time to receive a certification in dry needling. Additionally, they are not required to obtain license by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or Massachusetts board of medicine. Nor, is do they have to obtain a clean needle technique certification (CNT) A certification in CNT focuses on prevention of blood born pathogens such as HIV, as well as proper sterile techniques and disposal of used needles.
Acupuncture or Dry Needling as part of your health care?
Acupuncture is highly praised throughout the medical community for its effectiveness and lack of negative side effects. The main difference between dry needling and acupuncture, is that dry needling focuses only on the problem areas. In the case of dry needling, problem areas are displayed as painful conditions or muscle knots. On the other hand, acupuncture looks to identify the root cause of the painful condition or disharmony that is occurring. During the first acupuncture treatment at North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, an acupuncture clinic in Beverly, MA, we will review the patient's health history, including medications, diet and daily habits. Additionally, we will access meridians, acupuncture points, and obtain pulse and abdominal diagnosis. Through observation and diagnosis tools, we are able to gather extensive information relating to your health, and determine what treatment plan is best for your individual health. As a result, an individualized health care plan is created to restore balance and harmony within the body and mind. It is our goal to restore each patient back to a state of inherent health and vitality regardless of how acute or chronic a symptom or disease may be. Acupuncture is rooted in concept of total vitality. Patients with presenting symptoms such as chronic low back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, fertility issues, anxiety, insomnia, digestive discomfort or any other issues that affect their daily living, are considered warning signs that their health is out of balance. Acupuncture works as the ultimate form of preventative and restorative medicine. Acupuncture works to re-establish harmony by stimulating acupuncture points with specific needle insertion techniques to restore total vitality. The effects of acupuncture tend to last longer than that of dry needling because acupuncture is addressing the causes of symptoms of illness or pain. Additionally, your acupuncturist is able to provide vitamins and supplements, and Chinese herbal medicine to further assist in the management of your health care.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
No - Through the use of refined needle insertion, acupuncture points can be stimulated with comfort and ease. This traditional Chinese medicine is a extremely powerful form of medicine has shown positive results within the mind, body and spirit of millions of patients.
What can I expect after an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine affects each patient differently. While it is common to experience immediate relief from your symptoms, acupuncture works best with a number of treatments. This is especially true for chronic conditions, as chronic conditions are more deeply rooted and a greater number of treatments are necessary to completely resolve the health condition.
Whether you are looking for pain management, to improve your digestive health, enhance your fertility, support your pregnancy, or lower your stress, acupuncture has been safely and effectively treating patients for thousands of years. Experience what acupuncture can do for your health and wellness!
About Our Acupuncture Clinic:
North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine is an acupuncture clinic in Beverly, MA. We utilize acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and natural medicine restore optimal health and wellness. Employing traditional and modern approaches to enhance your health and longevity.
