difference between IMS/Dry needling & TCM Acupuncture

What is the difference between IMS/Dry needling and TCM Acupuncture?

Although Acupuncture and dry needling use the same types of needles, diagnosis and theory vary. Acupuncture points are specific marked locations and are selected based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution. There is an ancient saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that disease could be the same for two people, but treatment method can be different. Acupuncture treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Acupuncture looks at the patient as a whole and treats both internal and external concerns by bringing the body back to balance.

Acupuncture treatment can go beyond muscle aches and pains and may be used to support a variety of internal health concerns as well. These conditions include, but are not limited to, digestive concerns, insomnia, and mental-emotional health. Acupuncture can also aid support for women’s health. This can include a wide range of symptoms included in PMS, painful periods, infertility, labor prep, and post menopause.

Dry needling is to insert the needle into trigger points in muscles. Needling the trigger points causes an involuntary muscle response, or twitch, that relaxes the muscle and surrounding tissues. It is referred to as dry needling because there is no injection involved.

While both dry needling and IMS (intramuscular stimulation) use needles to stimulate trigger points, they differ in their approach and goals. Dry Needling is primarily focused on relieving pain and tension in muscles, while IMS aims to address the underlying nerve dysfunction causing the issue.

Dr. Bentley Van Beek | Doctor of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine