Acupuncture vs Dry Needling

Acupuncture IS NOT Dry Needling. Dry Needling IS Acupuncture.
We believe in the power of knowledge and choice. Puncturing the body with needles is a highly developed skill and should be completed only by a trusted and qualified practitioner. Read the differences in training/clinical hours below.

Acupuncture is ancient medicine.
It is a complex system developed over thousands of years which results in a comprehensive treatment. Acupuncture is an artform. It requires many years of training and a lifetime to Master.

In order to offer Acupuncture in the State of Colorado, a "LAc" practitioner must be NCCAOM Certified.
The Acupuncturist must pass three board exams, complete Clean Needle Technique Certification, CPR/First Aide Certification every 2 years, and 60 Hours of CE Requirements every 5 years.
Detailed below are the current educational requirements and training hours required to apply for a NCCAOM Certification and be a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) in the State of Colorado.

Reference: https://www.nccaom.org/

Dry needling is a limited form of Acupuncture offered by Physical Therapists and Chiropractors in which a needle is inserted into a "Trigger Point" to stimulate and release a muscle.
In Chinese medicine, these are called "Ashi" (pr. 'Au-sher') Points.

Although it is legal for a PT or Chiropractor to practice Dry Needling in many states, it is often provided with minimal training. Dry Needling is utilized as a Continuing Education class with the following requirements.

Reference: https://www.kinetacore.com/

Jennifer Davies has earned a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with over 3,000 training hours, including 1,000 clinical hours. She has also completed thousands of hours in professional practice with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine since 2014. She has been in the healthcare field practicing Massage Therapy, Biology and Body Science since 2004.