1,   So called "dry needling" is part of practice of acupuncture.  Dry needling is a violation of scope of Acupuncture practice. 

Acupuncture means to insert acupuncture needles into one or more points which locate on or near the Meridians or Channels. Acupuncture Meridians or Channels include 4 systems: the Primary Channel, the Divergent Channels, the Luo Collaterals and the Sinews or Tendiomuscular Channels.  

The Sinews or Tendiomuscular Channels are used to treat muscular and skeletal complaints, such as sprain , strain and pain management, etc. The dry needling spot is either on the acupuncture point or next  to it (which is called Ashi points in Acupuncture). 

Dry needling is practicing acupuncture without acupuncture license.

2. Safety concern about dry needling 

 Acupuncture has been developed and improved over thousands of years practice. Numerous research works have proved that acupuncture has profound impact in our mental and physical well-being. We all understand that it requires years (thousands hours) of intensive study to understand its theory and clinical practice. With minimum of training less than 50 hours will put public health in a very unsafe situation. We have the responsibilities to ensure that patients receive credible and safe treatments from the qualified practitioners. 

3. Acupuncture is a time tested ancient medical art and treasure. It is the heritage our whole society and belongs to every individual. . Everyone including PT is welcome to study and practice acupuncture after proper training and pass national and/or state requirements. We have the responsibility not to allow non- qualified people or organization to damage the reputation and quality of acupuncture profession.