The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) supports the safe, ethical, and legally authorized practice of acupuncture and dry needling. The ASA’s position is grounded in patient safety, regulatory clarity, and adherence to professional scopes of practice.
Dry needling is the insertion of solid filiform needles into specific anatomical locations for therapeutic effect. The techniques used, anatomical targets addressed, including myofascial trigger points, and intended clinical outcomes substantially overlap with those taught and practiced within the field of acupuncture. Acupuncture education has long integrated both traditional and modern biomedical understandings, including musculoskeletal anatomy, neurophysiology, and myofascial pain mechanisms.
Licensed acupuncturists complete extensive acupuncture-specific education that includes anatomy, contraindications, clean needle technique, patient assessment, and emergency management. Some physicians who practice acupuncture similarly complete substantial post-doctoral training consistent with national standards recognizing acupuncture and related needling techniques as invasive procedures.
Read the full statement here.