DRY NEEDLING
(See chart below for education, clinical experience and National Boards in C O M P A R S I O N to different levels of training with Dry needling on the far right)
There has been controversy in the United States as to who is qualified to practice dry needling. Since it is an invasive procedure using needles, many take the position that it should only be performed by licensed acupuncturists or licensed medical physicians (M.D. or D.O.). There are other practitioners performing this procedure who have taken a course or courses in this technique but do not routinely use needles otherwise in their practices.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation recognizes dry needling as an invasive procedure using acupuncture needles that has associated medical risks. Therefore, the AAPMR maintains that this procedure should only be performed by practitioners with standard training and familiarity with routine use of needles in their practice, such as licensed acupuncturists or licensed medical physicians.
AAPM&R Policy on Dry Needling | NCBAHM: https://www.ncbahm.org/about-us/press/press-releases/aapmr-policy-on-dry-needling/
Licensed acupuncturists receive years of academic education and training in many acupuncture techniques, including what is now termed “dry needling”. Nearly all states require licensed acupuncturists to meet NCBAHM standards of eligibility and pass national board certification exams. What are the specific requirements for NCBAHM Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturists™?
To become an NCBAHM Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturist™, applicants must, at a minimum:
• Complete a minimum of three years or 1,905 hours of postgraduate education, including a minimum of 660 hours of supervised clinical training.
• Graduate with a Master’s degree or Professional Doctorate degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the only accreditation agency recognized for this purpose by the United States Department of Education.
• Successfully pass three psychometrically validated NCBAHM National Board Examinations: o Foundations of Oriental Medicine o Acupuncture with Point Location o Biomedicine
• Document completion of an NCBAHM approved course and assessment in Clean Needle Technique.
• Sign and be held accountable to the NCBAHM® Code of Ethics and Grounds for Professional Discipline. Failure to comply is subject to disciplinary action. NCBAHM National Board Certification and/or a passing score on the NCCAOM certification examinations are required for acupuncturist licensure in 46 states plus the District of Columbia.
What is the NCBAHM? The National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) is the only nationally accredited certification organization that assures entry-level competency of acupuncturists. The NCBAHMs certification programs in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are accredited by a third-party accrediting body, National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA). The NCBAHM’s mission is to assure the safety and well-being of the public and to advance the professional practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine by establishing and promoting national evidence-based standards of competence and credentialing.
(See chart below for education, clinical experience and National Boards in C O M P A R S I O N to different levels of training with Dry needling on the far right)
There has been controversy in the United States as to who is qualified to practice dry needling. Since it is an invasive procedure using needles, many take the position that it should only be performed by licensed acupuncturists or licensed medical physicians (M.D. or D.O.). There are other practitioners performing this procedure who have taken a course or courses in this technique but do not routinely use needles otherwise in their practices.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation recognizes dry needling as an invasive procedure using acupuncture needles that has associated medical risks. Therefore, the AAPMR maintains that this procedure should only be performed by practitioners with standard training and familiarity with routine use of needles in their practice, such as licensed acupuncturists or licensed medical physicians.
AAPM&R Policy on Dry Needling | NCBAHM: https://www.ncbahm.org/about-us/press/press-releases/aapmr-policy-on-dry-needling/
Licensed acupuncturists receive years of academic education and training in many acupuncture techniques, including what is now termed “dry needling”. Nearly all states require licensed acupuncturists to meet NCBAHM standards of eligibility and pass national board certification exams. What are the specific requirements for NCBAHM Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturists™?
To become an NCBAHM Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturist™, applicants must, at a minimum:
• Complete a minimum of three years or 1,905 hours of postgraduate education, including a minimum of 660 hours of supervised clinical training.
• Graduate with a Master’s degree or Professional Doctorate degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the only accreditation agency recognized for this purpose by the United States Department of Education.
• Successfully pass three psychometrically validated NCBAHM National Board Examinations: o Foundations of Oriental Medicine o Acupuncture with Point Location o Biomedicine
• Document completion of an NCBAHM approved course and assessment in Clean Needle Technique.
• Sign and be held accountable to the NCBAHM® Code of Ethics and Grounds for Professional Discipline. Failure to comply is subject to disciplinary action. NCBAHM National Board Certification and/or a passing score on the NCCAOM certification examinations are required for acupuncturist licensure in 46 states plus the District of Columbia.
What is the NCBAHM? The National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) is the only nationally accredited certification organization that assures entry-level competency of acupuncturists. The NCBAHMs certification programs in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are accredited by a third-party accrediting body, National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA). The NCBAHM’s mission is to assure the safety and well-being of the public and to advance the professional practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine by establishing and promoting national evidence-based standards of competence and credentialing.
Minnesota Acupuncture Association is with American Society of Acupuncturists - ASA. www.facebook.com/mnacupuncture.org/posts/pfbid0Zjs98SxQCMgnZEykX3kgcoaMLu4vRmTtZ8jbAH6D55LLreTwwVEP4Wj8cUBNchBKl
The Minnesota Acupuncture Association (MAA) stands with the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) and shares this statement to promote clarity, consistency, and patient safety regarding needling practices.
We'd like to encourage you to review the ASA statement below as a national point of reference.
Statement on Dry Needling
December 16, 2025
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.
Dry needling involves skin penetration with inherent risks such as infection, nerve injury, and, in rare cases, serious complications including pneumothorax. These risks necessitate comprehensive didactic education, supervised clinical training, and independent third party assessment of practitioner competence. This aligns with the requirements of becoming an acupuncturist which includes a minimum of 1905 hours, 1245 hours of didactic training and 660 hours of supervised clinical training.
At present, there is no nationally standardized, independently accredited educational pathway or competency examination specific to dry needling. Training requirements vary widely, contributing to consumer confusion, particularly regarding the distinction between course completion certificates and independent professional certification. A certificate is issued by the training provider upon completion of a course. Certification requires passing an independent, nationally recognized examination.
In some states, authorization to perform dry needling has occurred through regulatory guidance rather than explicit legislative inclusion within a profession’s practice act. The ASA maintains that acupuncture and dry needling should only be performed by practitioners whose state-defined scope of practice explicitly includes acupuncture and/or dry needling.
The ASA supports integrated, collaborative healthcare and believes that clear language, consistent training standards, and transparent regulation are fundamental to patient safety and effective patient care.
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The American Society of Acupuncturists is a federation of member state acupuncture associations that represent the professional practice of acupuncture as a whole system of medicine through advocacy, education, and research. www.Asacu.org
The Minnesota Acupuncture Association (MAA) stands with the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) and shares this statement to promote clarity, consistency, and patient safety regarding needling practices.
We'd like to encourage you to review the ASA statement below as a national point of reference.
Statement on Dry Needling
December 16, 2025
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.
Dry needling involves skin penetration with inherent risks such as infection, nerve injury, and, in rare cases, serious complications including pneumothorax. These risks necessitate comprehensive didactic education, supervised clinical training, and independent third party assessment of practitioner competence. This aligns with the requirements of becoming an acupuncturist which includes a minimum of 1905 hours, 1245 hours of didactic training and 660 hours of supervised clinical training.
At present, there is no nationally standardized, independently accredited educational pathway or competency examination specific to dry needling. Training requirements vary widely, contributing to consumer confusion, particularly regarding the distinction between course completion certificates and independent professional certification. A certificate is issued by the training provider upon completion of a course. Certification requires passing an independent, nationally recognized examination.
In some states, authorization to perform dry needling has occurred through regulatory guidance rather than explicit legislative inclusion within a profession’s practice act. The ASA maintains that acupuncture and dry needling should only be performed by practitioners whose state-defined scope of practice explicitly includes acupuncture and/or dry needling.
The ASA supports integrated, collaborative healthcare and believes that clear language, consistent training standards, and transparent regulation are fundamental to patient safety and effective patient care.
—-----
The American Society of Acupuncturists is a federation of member state acupuncture associations that represent the professional practice of acupuncture as a whole system of medicine through advocacy, education, and research. www.Asacu.org
