Main points: Acupuncturists are required to do at least 400 hours practical training using different types of needles and different needle techniques. Acupuncture is not only used for pain. Each point has many uses including getting rid of pain.

Allied health care professionals do 50 or less hours theory and practical using needles as an add on to their own training. There is no competency requirement. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturists do regular exams and assessments i.e. monthly, each trimester and end of year each year then final exams.

Dry needling only treats musculoskeletal pain using myofascial trigger points. it is not a holistic approach for pain which is a multilayered health issue.

Dry needling is one needling technique that acupuncturists use. A TCM acupuncturist also uses moxa (heat treatment), nutrition, tuna alongside some needling techniques. I practice using distal needling with the addition of scalp acupuncture for treating pain. Relief is instant. A consultation involves assessment of cause of chronic pain, lifestyle recommendations, addition of herbs where necessary.

TCM Acupuncture is not limited. For example, where certain areas of the body are not suitable for needles, there are many other choices for an acupuncture treatment. Dry needling in these cases is an unsafe practice. The practitioner needs to have training and know all the red flags.