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 looks at 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 Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC).
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 part of a whole-body system of care and is used for pain as well as concerns such as stress, sleep, digestion, menstrual health, and fertility support. 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, and clinical practice. Dry needling training for physiotherapists is typically a short continuing education course added to their existing physiotherapy education.
This means that people also see a Registered Acupuncturist for concerns 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 be a good option. If you are dealing with broader pain patterns, chronic conditions, stress-related symptoms, or several health concerns at once, acupuncture, which takes a whole-body approach, may be worth considering.
Because an acupuncture assessment looks at your overall health, your acupuncturist may also ask about sleep, stress, or digestion, which some patients had not connected to their original complaint. Individual results vary.
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, near Richmond Centre, offers TCM-based acupuncture alongside RMT, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and kinesiology under one roof, so you can combine acupuncture with other therapies in one coordinated plan. 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 use both approaches. At Artemis, you can receive acupuncture from our Registered Acupuncturist. In BC, physiotherapists who provide dry needling hold a certification from the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC), which you can check on the CHCPBC public registry. If you have both treatments, let each practitioner know so your care can be coordinated.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance in BC?
In many cases, yes. Many extended health plans cover acupuncture performed by a Registered Acupuncturist, up to the plan’s limits. We can bill many insurers directly; you pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum). ICBC also covers acupuncture for motor vehicle accident injuries, with up to 12 pre-authorized treatments.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment
If you would like to try acupuncture at Artemis Wellness Clinic, our team is here to help. Whether you are dealing with pain, stress, fertility concerns, or another health concern, we can talk through whether acupuncture is a good fit for you.
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.
