Acupuncture is a regulated profession in the majority of the states in the U.S. As such, specific training is needed in order for the practitioner to become licensed and a practicing professional of acupuncture. Some states require that practitioner's attain a Master's Degree in Acupuncture and a certain number of hours in a clinic setting before they can apply for their license; while others require clinical hours as well as a series of hour-long tests in order for a practitioner to apply for a license to practice acupuncture. Those that practice "dry needling" are not regulated by an academic board and do not need to meet certain, rigorous requirements in order to practice "dry needling." Any professional should be knowledgeable, trained and licensed in the therapy that they are practicing. Right now, those that practice "dry needling" do not have a license in acupuncture - which is dry needling. Therefore, they should be required to become licensed in acupuncture (and go through all of the requisite training and hours) before they should be able to practice.