If you have been researching pain treatment options, you have likely come across both acupuncture and dry needling. These two therapies both use thin needles, and on the surface they can look quite similar. However, the difference between acupuncture and dry needling is significant in terms of philosophy, training, scope of practice, and what each can treat. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right therapy for your needs.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a complete medical system rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints. These points lie along meridians, which are pathways through which energy flows according to TCM theory.
Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. A Registered Acupuncturist considers your overall health, including pain, digestion, sleep, stress, hormonal balance, and emotional well-being. Treatment plans are personalized and may address multiple conditions simultaneously. In British Columbia, acupuncturists must complete extensive education and are regulated by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC.
Learn more about our Traditional Chinese Medicine services at Artemis Wellness Clinic.
What Is Dry Needling (IMS)?
Dry needling, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), is a modern technique used primarily by physiotherapists and some other practitioners to treat myofascial trigger points. A trigger point is a tight, irritable knot within a muscle that causes local pain and often refers pain to other areas of the body.
During dry needling, a thin needle is inserted directly into the trigger point. This causes the muscle to twitch and then release, reducing tension and pain. IMS vs acupuncture differs fundamentally in that dry needling targets only specific muscular trigger points and does not follow the meridian system or TCM diagnostic framework.
Key Differences: Philosophy, Training and Scope
The most important distinction between acupuncture vs dry needling is the underlying philosophy and scope of treatment. Acupuncture is a comprehensive medical system that treats pain, internal conditions, mental health, hormonal imbalances, fertility, digestive issues, and much more. Dry needling is a targeted technique focused exclusively on musculoskeletal trigger points.
Training requirements also differ significantly. In BC, Registered Acupuncturists complete multi-year programs that include extensive study of TCM theory, diagnosis, needling techniques, herbal medicine, and clinical practice. Dry needling training for physiotherapists is typically a short continuing education course added to their existing physiotherapy education.
This means that a Registered Acupuncturist can treat conditions far beyond muscular pain, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia, fertility support, digestive issues, headaches, and post-injury recovery. Dry needling, by contrast, is limited to releasing specific muscle trigger points.
Which One Is Right for You?
If your primary concern is a specific muscle knot or trigger point causing localized pain, dry needling may provide quick relief. However, if you are dealing with broader pain patterns, chronic conditions, stress-related symptoms, hormonal imbalances, or multiple health concerns, acupuncture offers a far more comprehensive approach.
Many patients who start with dry needling for a specific pain issue eventually discover that acupuncture addresses not only their pain but also sleep problems, anxiety, or digestive issues they had not connected to their original complaint. This whole-body approach is one of the greatest strengths of acupuncture as a complete medical system.
Acupuncture at Artemis Wellness Clinic
At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, our Registered Acupuncturist Mandy Tam provides comprehensive acupuncture treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Whether you are seeking pain relief, fertility support, stress management, or treatment for a specific health condition, Mandy creates individualized treatment plans that address your complete health picture.
Artemis is the only clinic near Richmond Centre offering Acupuncture and TCM alongside RMT, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Kinesiology under one roof. This means you can combine acupuncture with other therapies for a truly integrated approach to your health. We offer direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and other major insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Acupuncture vs Dry Needling
Do acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles?
Both use thin, sterile, single-use needles. However, the placement, depth, and purpose of needle insertion differ. Acupuncture follows the meridian system and acupoint map, while dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points based on anatomical assessment.
Is acupuncture more painful than dry needling?
Neither treatment is typically described as painful. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and most patients feel little to no discomfort. Dry needling may cause a brief muscle twitch response that can feel like a cramp, but this is usually momentary.
Can I get both acupuncture and dry needling?
Yes. Some patients benefit from both approaches. At Artemis, you can receive acupuncture from our Registered Acupuncturist and also access physiotherapy services that may include trigger point treatment. Your practitioners can coordinate to ensure the best outcome.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance in BC?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover acupuncture performed by a Registered Acupuncturist. Artemis offers direct billing to major insurers. ICBC also covers acupuncture for motor vehicle accident injuries with 12 pre-authorized sessions.
Refer a Friend, Both Get $15
Know someone exploring acupuncture or dry needling? Refer a friend to Artemis Wellness Clinic and both of you will receive a $15 gift card after completing your appointments. This promotion is valid until April 30, 2026.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment
If you are ready to experience the comprehensive benefits of acupuncture at Artemis Wellness Clinic, our team is here to help. Whether you are dealing with pain, stress, fertility concerns, or any other health challenge, acupuncture offers a time-tested, evidence-based path to better health.
Book your acupuncture appointment online or call us at 604-242-2233.
Artemis Wellness Clinic is located at 130-5911 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC, V6X 0K9, just steps from Richmond Centre. We are open seven days a week.