About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine which was discovered, created, and evolved through more than 3,000 years of empirical evidence and observation of how nature and the human body works. It takes the whole person into consideration when determining diagnosis and treatment: temperature, diet, sleep, pulse, tongue, emotions, and much more. Acupuncture is the core component of TCM, but other modalities include cupping, gua sha, tui na, and moxibustion. Electrical stimulation is, of course, a newer modality. Herbal medicine is another component, but is not yet offered here at Pierce Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body called acupuncture points. These points are connected via meridian pathways which traverse the body like latitude and longitude lines encircle the earth. The purpose of needling a point is to influence Qi (please see the FAQ & Resources section for more information on Qi), and illicit a healing response around the area of intention and the overall body. Early needles were made from sharpened bones and rocks. We’ve come a long way since! Today acupuncturists use single-use, sterile needles.
Altogether, TCM and acupuncture help to restore balance and enhance your body’s natural healing processes.
For more information on acupuncture and what to expect in a treatment, please see our FAQ & Resources page linked at the top of this page and below.
About Pierce Acupuncture
In school, my teachers reiterated that we are not healing you. We are but a vessel to help facilitate your own healing. You have decided to seek out acupuncture; you took the first step towards healing! I truly mean it when I say we will walk this journey towards better health together. My philosophy here at Pierce Acupuncture is patient-centered, but every patient is unique. Just as the principles and theories of Chinese medicine take into account the whole person (mental, emotional and physical), so, too, will I maintain a focus on what sets you apart from others.
Serving Hickory, Catawba County, and anyone who finds themselves in our neck of the woods.
About Callie
I'm a native of Hickory, NC, born and raised. I went to the old Saint Stephens Elementary before it became a Walmart. After high school, I attended Appalachian State in Boone and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music Performance on harp. Wait...what does that have to do with acupuncture? Stick with me...
While I loved music, I realized it wasn't my calling. I joined the USAF in 2013 as a linguist, and am very proud of my service. While active, I acquired 2 associates degrees and a Bachelor's of Science in National Security. Ok, still not following how this relates to acupuncture?
The answer: it doesn't! And at the same time it so very much does. When I discovered acupuncture, I felt I'd finally found the point. To me it's the perfect balance between the arts of music and the science and rules of the military. I'd found my purpose. My varied background gives me strong insight into the many reasons people come see me. I spent my first 2 years at Daoist Traditions College of Medical Chinese Arts before transferring for my final 2 years. I graduated from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in 2024 with a 4-year master's level diploma in acupuncture.
My focus as an acupuncturist is not on any one modality or area (although look for the addition of cosmetic and facial acupuncture this fall). I lean towards musculoskeletal issues, but you may come see me for anything. In fact I encourage it! As my educational diversity has shown, I love learning about everything.
In my personal life, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends, playing harp, arts and crafts, and being outdoors. Mom and I regularly hike Baker's Mountain so wave if you see us!