Acupuncture & Dry Needling

Western acupuncture is a version of Chinese acupuncture and uses similar points. However, Western acupuncture uses current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and the principles of evidence-based medicine. Acupuncture has its effects by altering the peripheral and central nervous system. It acts on local axon reflexes, segmental and extra-segmental neuromodulation, and other central nervous system effects of the brain and spinal cord. Dry needling is more focused on tight regions within a muscle, called the ‘motor unit’. In Dry needling the therapist is trying to elicit a twitch response in the muscle. This response has been shown to reduce motor unit activity and overall muscles tension.  Acupuncture and Dry Needling is an alternative to other therapies such as massage.