Medical Acupuncture | Dry needling - What is it?
What is it?
Widely based on western medicine, Medical Acupuncture or Dry Needling is typically used for pain management and sports rehabilitation. Fine needles are inserted through the skin into areas of tension or pain (trigger points) and briefly left in position. The number of needles used is different for each client (depending on their individual case) but sometimes is as few as two.
Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, dry needling is not aimed at treating issues with Qi or release toxins from the body through natural cleansing of the lymphatic system, but this may occur.
How does it work?
Once inserted, the acupuncture needle stimulates the nerves in the skin and muscle. The nerves send signals to the brain which releases our natural painkillers - endorphin and serotonin- modifying the way pain signals are received, releasing the pain and tension in the affected area and restoring it back to normal function.
The history of dry needling
Dry needling as a technique was developed in the 1940’s when doctors identified most of the trigger points within the body that can cause pain. However, it’s still based on traditional acupuncture where techniques similar to this have been used for over 5,000 years and were developed in the far east around 2,000 years ago.
The science behind the technique
With increasing public interest over the past thirty years, considerable scientific research on acupuncture has been carried out (although much remains to be done). A much greater understanding on how it works has been achieved and it is scientifically proven to have an effect on the body.
Acupuncture is already available in most hospital pain clinics and it is provided by an ever-increasing number of GPs and hospital doctors.
Medical acupuncture is a great tool that I incorporate into any massage treatment (providing the client is happy for it to be used).