I learned the technique of "trigger-point dry needling," AKA "dry needling," over a three-year period of time at Tri-State College of Acupuncture.  It is a specialized acupuncture technique that must be taken in context of a complete and balanced treatment.  Needling one or two muscles and ignoring the rest of the body is like "spot cleaning" a dirty rug. There are no shortcuts. It makes no sense within the context of acupuncture, which is what needling a human is.  Yes, needling is acupuncture. "Dry Needling" is semantics.  There is a reason for a three-to-four year post-graduate education: that is how long it takes to learn this modality.  As students, we practiced this particular technique on each other one muscle group per week. We were supervised, guided and tested all along the way.  Each muscle has it's own method of palpation, referall pattern, safe depth and angle of needle insertion, precautions and safety issues, etc.  It is absolutely impossible to learn and become adept in this INVASIVE procedure in a weekend or two!  Health care practitioners must work within their scope of practice.  Scopes of practice were defined to protect the health and safety of the public, and a full acupuncture curriculum, both didactic and clinical, is essential to become safe and proficient in the practice of acupuncture.  It is hubris to assume otherwise.