Acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles, but have distinctly different approaches. Dry needling only assists with musculoskeletal issues and focuses on the symptom. The needle is penetrated into the muscle, inactivating trigger points by causing localized hemorrhaging in the area of pain. Acupuncture focuses on both symptom and underlying cause. The needle activates meridians in the body and treats many health conditions beyond pain relief.