Efforts to redefine dry needling as a practice distinct from acupuncture represent an attempt to circumvent established licensure laws and undermine the regulatory framework designed to ensure patient safety and practitioner competency. Despite being virtually identical in technique, tools, and physiological rationale to acupuncture, dry needling is increasingly promoted as a separate modality to allow unlicensed or insufficiently trained individuals—particularly physical therapists—to perform invasive needling procedures outside the scope of acupuncture licensure. This artificial distinction poses significant risks to public health and erodes the integrity of the acupuncture profession.