Two approaches
| Constitutional (TCM) acupuncture | Dry needling | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Based on a traditional Chinese medicine assessment of the whole person | Based on locating tight bands of muscle and trigger points |
| Common reasons people book | Stress, sleep, digestion, menstrual concerns, pain | Muscle tension, restricted movement, localized pain |
| Needles | Placed at acupuncture points, usually left 20–30 min | Placed into the tight band of muscle, often briefly |
For more on how the two differ, read dry needling vs acupuncture.
What a session feels like
Acupuncture needles are much finer than injection needles. Most people feel a brief pinch or a dull, heavy ache at the point, then settle in and rest. Dry needling can produce a quick muscle twitch, which is expected. Mild soreness or a small bruise afterwards is the most common side effect.
Acupuncture is also available alongside fertility care, including during IVF, and as facial rejuvenation acupuncture.
