Dry needling and accupuncture are not the same thing (different theory and practice) but puncturing the skin, primarily in extremities, with the proper training, poses few risks to patients.  As athletic trainers, we are doing this on the field or during play, it is a controlled clinical skill with well supported outcomes.  Physiotherapists (our European equivalent) have been using this technique safely for years.  We are actually slow to implement in the USA.