For those who are seeking acupuncture treatment, it can be hard to know what type of treatment is best. There are two main types of acupuncture – dry needling and traditional acupuncture – but they both have different benefits. Let’s explore the differences between these two treatments and the advantages associated with each.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture that uses thicker needles into the muscular areas to stimulate the body’s meridian points to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This type of treatment is often used to treat conditions such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also be used to treat chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key part of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been practiced for centuries and involves using fine needles inserted into specific points along the body’s energy meridians to stimulate healing energy flow throughout the body. This type of acupuncture helps regulate our qi (pronounced ‘chee’), which is our vital life energy that flows through us all. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe this will help balance our physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. As part of a holistic approach to overall well-being, acupuncture may help some people manage symptoms and complaints associated with conditions such as anxiety or depression, as well as manage pain from chronic issues such as headaches or joint issues.
Benefits of Dry Needling vs Traditional Acupuncture
Both types of treatments offer many health benefits, but each offers its own unique advantages. Dry needling works quickly due to its focus on stimulating specific areas directly affected by injury or illness; this means it can provide instant relief from acute pain issues such as muscle spasms or cramping muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on improving overall wellness by balancing qi throughout your entire body; this means it may take longer to see results if the issues are chronic, but long-term physical and emotional health benefits are a possibility with regular treatments over time. Ultimately, both treatments can offer great benefits depending on your individual needs. Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses dry needling so you can have both treatments applied as long as your condition requires it.
The bottom line
Each type of acupuncture has its own unique set of potential benefits depending on your individual needs and desired outcome from treatment. Whether you suffer from an acute issue like muscle spasms or cramping muscles or want to improve your overall wellbeing with traditional Chinese medicine treatments – there’s something for everyone.
Eastern Therapies offers qualified and friendly acupuncture services
If you’re interested in exploring further how either dry needling or traditional acupuncture could work for you, get in touch with us now to book a consultation in Bondi Sydney. If you want to book an acupuncture treatment for a friend, we also offer gift vouchers.
