Have you ever gone to see a physio with an injury and they got out some acupuncture needles and strongly stimulated your muscles to help you recover? But when you saw an acupuncturist, they had an entirely different approach? Don’t worry - you’re not alone! What you’ve experienced is two different styles of acupuncture…
In this 4 min read, we answer the question: Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, dry needling: what's the difference here in New Zealand? We look at the differences between each style, what to expect during a session and how to decide which style is right for you…
What are the most common styles of acupuncture in NZ?
Chinese acupuncture: Most people in NZ practice some form of ‘traditional’ Chinese acupuncture. Japanese acupuncture: Only people who’ve trained overseas or have completed post-graduate courses practice Japanese Acupuncture. Dry needling: Dry needling is taught mostly to physiotherapists, but qualified health practitioners can also train.
How do people learn each style of acupuncture?
Chinese acupuncture: AcupunctureNZ states there are currently two places to study Chinese acupuncture full-time in NZ. Most Kiwis study at one of these schools. Japanese acupuncture: There’s no place in NZ to study Japanese acupuncture full-time. Dry needling: Dry needling is taught part-time by a number of organisations in NZ.
Can anyone train in acupuncture?
Chinese acupuncture: In principle, yes. These are both undergraduate degrees. But it takes 4 years for these brave souls to learn Chinese acupuncture!!! Japanese acupuncture: No, only people with an undergraduate degree in Chinese acupuncture can study Japanese acupuncture. The length of study varies. Dry needling: No, you must be a qualified health practitioner. Short courses are often taught over 3-4 days.
If I book a session, which style of acupuncture am I likely to receive?
Chinese acupuncture: Because of NZ’s two training schools - the most common style of acupuncture you’ll receive is Chinese acupuncture.
Japanese acupuncture: Normally, someone who’s trained in the Japanese acupuncture will let you know up front. Because there’s currently no schools in NZ, it’s less common than Chinese acupuncture.
Dry needling: If you visit a physiotherapist, you’re most likely to receive ‘dry needling’ - also called ‘physiotherapy acupuncture.’
TOP TIP! Ask what style of acupuncture you'll receive, before you book in.
What’s the biggest difference between Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture and Dry needling?
Chinese acupuncture: Chinese acupuncture is based on the idea that each of us has an ‘energetic body’ that can be directed and changed by deeply inserting, then stimulating, needles into certain body areas. These needles are often twisted or pulled up and down.
Japanese acupuncture: Japanese acupuncture is based on the idea that each of us has an ‘energetic body’ that can be directed and changed by gently inserting fine needles into certain body areas. These needles aren’t stimulated and may only be inserted superficially.
Dry needling: Dry needling is based on the Western medicine view of the body - especially nerve and muscle networks. Therefore, thicker, longer needles are deeply inserted to ‘excite’ nerve pathways or ‘stimulate’ muscles. The needles are often twisted or pulled up and down.
What else do I need to know about these acupuncture styles?
Chinese acupuncture: Chinese acupuncture may also use Cupping, Gua sha or blood-letting. While these can be highly effective, some of us feel these treatments strongly.
Japanese acupuncture: Apart from using much finer needles, Japanese acupuncture also involves gentle hands-on body work and massage. This often leaves us feeling deeply nurtured and connected.
Dry needling: Dry needling often ‘releases’ trigger points (tight, painful bands of muscle that produce pain over several locations) by putting needles where you experience the most pain. Dry needling sits in the ‘no pain, no gain’ camp.
A recap: Why choose one acupuncture style over another?
Chinese acupuncture: If you’re generally fit, well and love the experience of a good deep tissue massage, you're likely to find Chinese acupuncture a fantastic tool in your health toolkit. As the most practiced form of acupuncture in NZ, once you’ve been treated this way, you’ll know what to expect in upcoming sessions.
Japanese acupuncture: If you’ve responded strongly, felt overstimulated or even a bit ‘washed out’ after a Chinese acupuncture session, trying Japanese acupuncture may be just the ticket. Its gentle, hands-on approach is great for those who find their body responds best by being soothed and calmed.
Dry needling: Dry needling’s direct and pragmatic approach can make it highly effective for those who can tolerate the pain it can sometimes bring. Those who love it, truly love it!
Hey there, I'm Belinda
I'm the owner of Aroha acupuncture. I have a BHSc Acupuncture, plus Diplomas in Tuina Massage and Qigong & Taiji. I've studied many forms of acupuncture, including Japanese-style acupuncture. I love this style of acupuncture because it’s so gentle, yet so effective.
I'm passionate about all aspects of women’s health, especially women facing menopause and mid-life changes. I also love to help women through their pregnancy journey and preparation for birth. Find out more about Belinda