Dry needling is one type of acupuncture because it uses acupuncture needles, acupoints(trigger points or Ashi points), shares mechanism of action and therapeutic effects. See my publication Dry needling is One Type of Acupuncture. Medical Acupuncture. 2016, 28(4):184-193.

There is no legislative intent for Physical therapists to insert needles into the skin in the scope of their practice. However they now insert needles into the skin. Due to insufficient training of dry needling, public safety is concerned. Dry needling practice by non-acupuncture practitioners has to be regulated by laws and regulations of acupuncture as requested AMA, AAMA and ASA. Two questions for physical therapists who have no acupuncture liscence: are you willing to be safer? Are you willing to be regulated by existing laws and regulations of needling?

Heming Zhu, PhD, CMD, MD(China), MAc, LicAc

Professor of Integrative Health Sciences,

Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel MD