Transformational Acupuncture has been made aware of recent media coverage about Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Mr. Watt experienced a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) following a dry needling procedure. Pneumothoraxes are extremely rare within the acupuncture community, and these events are frightening to patients – especially when they make national headlines. Local and national professional associations representing acupuncturists have noted an increase in the number of incidents from dry needling performed by providers who are not licensed acupuncturists.
Our profession sees this as an opportunity to educate the public about the similarities and differences between acupuncture and dry needling.
Dry Needling is Acupuncture – By Law and Science
Dry needling is not a new or separate modality. Rather, it grew out of one specific theory and technique (trigger point therapy/ashi points) that falls under the larger umbrella of acupuncture and East Asian Medicine. Dry needling involves the insertion of solid filiform needles into the body for therapeutic effect – the exact definition of acupuncture for the District of Columbia. The physiological mechanisms, anatomical targets, and needles for dry needling are exactly the same as those utilized for acupuncture.
The framework for acupuncture licensure exists for one primary reason – public safety. Dry needling as a modality remains unmonitored and unregulated in the District of Columbia even though this modality has been added to the scope of practice to physical therapists.
Education and Training Standards Matter
The National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) – formerly National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) – requires more than 1245 hours of didactic instruction (classroom) and 660 hours clinical practice and supervision for national certification. These standards are the same educational standards required for licensure in the District of Columbia. Acupuncture education includes a foundational understanding for the multiple theories, modalities, and treatments as well as detailed instruction in depth and angle of needle insertion, anatomy, physiology, contraindications, risk management, and emergency response. National certification and licensure to practice acupuncture in the District of Columbia also require passage of three exams that determine foundational knowledge for practice.
On the other hand, dry needling certifications for other healthcare professionals require as little as 30 hours of coursework and training. This training often comes without clinical supervision requirements or standardized oversight.
We believe in the value and importance of every healthcare provider. However, while healthcare professionals are skilled within their own scopes of practice, brief training courses do not provide the necessary training and experience for performing invasive needle procedures. These procedures can be performed across all areas of the body including near vital organs such as the lungs.
The FDA classifies acupuncture needles as Class II medical devices which means they carry inherent risk and require appropriate training and regulation.
Always Advocating for Public Safety
Allowing acupuncture and other invasive needle procedures to be performed without the rigorous training required of licensed acupuncturists increases the risk of preventable harm and creates confusion for patients. Transformational Acupuncture is committed to ensuring patient safety, and we are taking this opportunity to educate our patients about the similarities and differences of the modalities they may employ during their health journey.
About the Author
As a practitioner and healer in Washington, DC for more than a decade, I take a patient-centered approach to care through acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicines, and mind-body coaching, with a specialty in full-spectrum reproductive health care.
