Please reach out to me, Callie Pierce, at pierceacupuncture@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Acupuncture may be helpful with any of the following (This is not an exhaustive list. If you have more questions about what acupuncture may treat, or do not see yours listed below, please reach out.):
Since acupuncture and TCM view the body as an integrated whole, its diagnostic methods and treatments can help aid most issues. It is touted as being exceptional for pain management, but lesser known is that acupuncture is extremely effective as a preventative measure - much like a regular trip to the dentist or checkups with your primary care physician. I have had patients visit me to facilitate comfort during the shifting of seasons. Just like it is important to eat a balanced diet, maintaining your health while not sick is just as important, indeed perhaps more so, than waiting until you are sick.
See the Resources section below for more information on a few specific reasons people seek out acupuncture with links to randomized clinic trials and research about acupuncture!
No, it is not within my scope of practice in NC to treat cancer. However, acupuncture can be a very effective complementary therapy for managing the symptoms of cancer and its various treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation). For example, acupuncture can help with fatigue, pain management, stress, anxiety, nausea & vomiting, and other symptoms. As always, please ensure you are discussing the potential to add acupuncture to your treatment plan with your oncologist.
The World Health Organization has classified acupuncture, when performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner, as very safe. Per the Clean Needle Technique manual, a manual which all licensed acupuncturists must learn and be tested on, risk of adverse events from acupuncture is below the risk from many common medical treatments. The Clean Needle Technique manual also states most adverse responses are mild, require no treatment, and include: minor bruising, bleeding, or pain at the needle site, fatigue, or headache (Brett, 2015). Acupuncture needles are single-use, sterile, and FDA approved, which means chance of infection is negligible (Brett, 2015).
Clean Needle Technique - please follow this link if you are more interested in what we are specifically taught about adverse events, how to avoid them, how to handle them, and their likelihoods. This manual is about 300 pages, but provides very detailed information on our standards and is regularly updated.
Always make sure to provide your acupuncturist with a comprehensive health history, to include current medications.
Yes, acupuncture is considered safe for kids. Make sure you have found a qualified and licensed acupuncturist, as with all acupuncture. There are certain points and modalities which are forbidden from use on children at certain ages (generally before puberty or below the age of 12) as they may affect Qi prematurely. See below for more discussion on Qi.
Yes, acupuncture is considered safe while pregnant. However, it is not within my scope of practice in NC to induce labor or provide treatment for a breech fetus. There are also a number of points which are expressly forbidden while pregnant. Your acupuncturist should be extremely familiar with these points and will know how to adjust your treatment accordingly. Acupuncture can help with pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness. Please make sure you consult your doctor if you are considering adding acupuncture to your treatment plan while pregnant.
Traditional Chinese medicine views all disease as a deficiency, excess, invasion, stagnation, or counterflow of Qi, or energy (please see the section on What is Qi?). Acupuncture works by stimulating acupuncture points, via needle insertion, to affect the flow of Qi in the body and direct healing to the area of intention. An acupuncture treatment seeks to regulate the functions of Qi in the body, much like homeostasis. This explanation is overly simple - I encourage you to ask me more questions about your specific diagnosis and treatment during your appointment.
Modern science has attempted to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture from a Western standpoint. According to Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine department, "[a]cupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being" (Acupuncture, 2024). Acupuncture points can connect to specific nerve pathways and activate a histamine response to trigger healing. Still other sources posit acupuncture works via the Gate Control Theory of Pain. (The Gate Control Theory states that pain is transferred via the spinal cord, but there are "gates" within it which can be triggered to open or close. Open=pain signals are let in and felt, closed=pain signals are stopped and not felt.) Acupuncture is believed to aid in the closing of these "gates" and the subsequent alleviation of pain (Elahee, et.al, 2020). However, this falls woefully short as it theorizes acupuncture is merely a band-aid for pain when it has been used to heal the source of pain for many. Other theories exist as to the exact functioning of acupuncture. "Researchers over half a century discovered many factual information about meridian system, acupoints, neuro-transmitters and acupuncture analgesia, neuro-hormonal mechanism etc. All these important discoveries contributed to clarify the mysteries of meridian system and acupuncture action, but they still fell short of providing an incontrovertible scientific explanation" (Elahee, et.al, 2020). What we can conclude from this brief investigation is that acupuncture works, but science is not quite yet capable of explaining exactly how.
In general, acupuncture is not, nor should it be painful. The needles we use are much thinner than needles used to deliver medications or draw blood. However, there are some points - such as those located on the hands and feet - which may cause more sensation than others. It is common to feel a small prick which should quickly fade. There is also minor risk of needling into a nerve or vessel, which is a potential side effect of acupuncture. If any pain continues after the needling of a point for more than a few minutes please inform your acupuncturist. They want to know!
Gua sha is one modality which may cause more discomfort than needling, depending on the area (e.g. IT band), but it should not cause pain beyond your tolerance. Make sure you are verbal with your practitioner as to what you are feeling so they may adjust accordingly.
Needling may produce any number of sensations either locally or throughout your whole body, which again should not include pain (please see above). Some examples of what you may feel include, but are not limited to: a heavy feeling, a dull ache, itching, tingling (not a sharp zap as in nerve pain), a sensation of "wind" or movement in the body, warmth, a sensation of movement up or down from the location of needling, or nothing at all. These are positive results.
All positive feelings from being needled are what we call "De Qi" and signify the arrival of energy to the area of intention. This is what we're aiming for!
Again, be vocal with your acupuncturist as to what you are feeling - everything is diagnostic!
Tips to prepare for your first appointment:
1) Please arrive on time, or 15 minutes early if you have not completed your pre-appointment forms online.
2) Make sure you have eaten - acupuncture creates movement in the body and if you have not eaten may lead to feelings of dizziness or fainting.
3) But also try not to have an overly large meal.
4) Make sure to hydrate.
5) Don't consume alcohol or arrive hungover.
6) Please wear comfortable and loose clothing. (See Will I have to undress? below)
Your initial appointment will last around 90 minutes. During this time, we will do a comprehensive review of your health history and what brought you in for treatment. I will ask an array of questions about your temperature, diet, activity, sleep, energy, emotions, and more. All of this will provide me a better picture of you and your health. I will answer any questions you may have (feel free to bring a list). I will also check your pulse on both sides and take a look at your tongue (please see these questions below).
Then, we will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan, to include number of treatments and activities between treatments. Again, please don't hesitate to ask questions, I love them.
Finally, we will administer treatment. This will include needling, but may also include any of the following adjunct modalities: moxibustion, gua sha, tui na, cupping, ear seeds, or electric stimulation. (Please see below for more information on these modalities).
After treatment, it is important that you take the time to rest and let your body adjust to the directions we have energetically and physically instructed of it. Please see below for more information.
Please reach out if you have more questions about an initial appointment!
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is burning of the herb 'mugwort' over specific acupuncture points or small areas of the body in order to add warmth, tonify, and move Qi. It can be used directly (on the skin) or indirectly (held away from the skin).
What is cupping?
Cupping is the use of typically glass cups, but may be other material, where a vacuum has been created ergo a suction action is activated on the skin during treatment. The suction is created via fire and an alcohol moistened cotton swab ('fire cupping') or a suction tool. Cups may be moved around over the skin if oil is applied in the area (called 'moving cups'). Cupping aids to loosen fascia, release muscle tension, drain dampness, and remove external pathogens.
What is tui na?
Tui means 'push' and na means 'grasp'. Tui na is a TCM massage modality which further stimulates Qi (see the section on What is Qi?). Typically, tui na is quite active (or Yang), but there are more peaceful (or Yin) styles as well.
What is gua sha?
Gua means 'to scrape' and sha is the red bruising or petechia which results from the scraping. Sha is believed to be pathogenic Qi releasing from the body. Together, gua sha is the use of a tool to quite literally scrape small to medium sections of the body. Gua sha helps to loosen fascia and muscle tension, while also releasing heat.
What are ear seeds?
Ear seeds, typically made with a small piece of adhesive attached to a Viccaria seed (but the bead may also be metal), are placed at one of the many points located in the ears. Your acupuncturist may place several ear seeds after your treatment has finished for you to wear home. At various points in the day, press on the seed. In this way, effects for your treatment may be lengthened over the following week. Ear seeds should usually be removed after 3-5 days, and may be done so safely at home.
What is electrical stimulation?
Electrical stimulation is when your acupuncturist attaches cables to certain acupuncture needles while they are inserted. The image of jumping a car battery may come to mind! Energy is then passed through the cables, into the needles and intended area of healing. Usually, acupuncturists will use either milli (1/1,000th) or micro (1/1,000,000th) current (this is a difference in amperage, or magnitude, of the electrical flow), and both have different uses in your treatment. If you've ever used a TENS unit, it can feel similar but slightly deeper. Often electrical stimulation can be used to enhance the effects of acupuncture and promote healing at a cellular level.
Maybe, but usually not. In general, most acupuncture points can be accessed while fully clothed if loose clothing is worn. Again, it is important to wear comfortable, loose clothing. It is highly unlikely that you will every be asked to fully undress, but there may be times when I need to access a large area on your back or shoulder for example. You are always welcome to remain clothed to your comfort; I can adjust your treatment as needed. I have also been trained in appropriate draping techniques to aid in your comfort.
That said it is not always possible to prepare with loose clothing; life is life and you are busy! I can accommodate you wherever you are coming from on the day of your appointment. I stock a supply of robes and shorts for patients as needed.
It depends, truly. The general rule taught is that for however many years you have experienced what you are seeking acupuncture for, that is the number of months possibly required for best results. For example, if you have had chronic low back pain for 5 years, you can expect to possibly require 5 months of treatment.
This is not a hard and fast rule. Acupuncture is a wonderful thing, and often patients achieve results much faster. Some heal from a bruise quicker, some slower. If you come to see me for an acute disorder, say you sprained your ankle, you may only need 1-2 weeks of treatment. Many of you may come to see me for incurable issues or maintenance. Your treatment plan and length will also look differently. We will discuss this more at your individual appointment so you know what to expect.
In the same way that massage therapists impress the importance of drinking water and resting after, the same is true of acupuncture. Take it easy. If your knee pain is suddenly much better, please please please do NOT go out for a strenuous hike. Let your body heal and adjust to healing.
Things to generally avoid:
1) consuming alcohol or caffeine,
2) being too active, but gentle movement is advised, a short, easy walk is fine,
3) putting yourself in extreme temperature changes - like taking a long, hot bath,
4) stress - as much as you can,
5) eating unhealthy foods for your body.
Immediately after your treatment (and indeed during it) you may experience any number of responses. Though highly unlikely, if you experience something concerning PLEASE reach out to me.
Things you may experience (this is not an exhaustive list):
1) an emotional release,
2) tiredness & sleepiness,
3) or perhaps more energy,
4) minor soreness,
5) possible mild bruising (especially if gua sha or cupping are involved),
6) itchiness at the site of needling,
7) immediate relief,
8) no change (depending on what we are treating).
In the days following you may experience much the same. Dedication to your own healing is a big component of more successful treatment and is why I say we are partners in this journey.
Acupuncture costs may vary from practitioner to practitioner. They take into account our education and experience, among other things such as location. You'll find my price scale on my bookings page. At Pierce Acupuncture I offer a discount for active duty military or military veterans, as well as students. Please inquire for more details.
***At Pierce Acupuncture, we currently only accept cash, check (with a 2-strike bounce policy), venmo, and paypal. Please prepare for your appointment accordingly as payment is due immediately after treatment.***
It can be, depending on the reason you are seeking it. However, I do not currently accept insurance or VA healthcare.
Qi is the most fundamental aspect of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
But what is it? The short answer is: Qi is everything! Qi has been translated into various terms including energy, matter, and vital force (Maciocia, 1989), but it all starts from the Chinese character for Qi:
氣
The top portion of this character translates to vapor, steam, or gas and it signifies that Qi can be immaterial, like the air we breathe (Maciocia, 1989). We can't see it, we can't even feel it unless the wind blows, and yet it exists and takes up space. The bottom portion of the character translates to rice, specifically cooked rice, and it signifies that Qi is also solid, material, and tangible (Maciocia, 1989). Together, the character signifies that the subtle forms of Qi can derive from coarse ones (like the rice); steam is produced by cooking rice. Qi can also be living beings.
You can think of Qi, from a Western science standpoint, as matter and energy. What is the most basic particle or form of all matter in the universe? It's an atom! Atoms are the basic building blocks of chemistry. This basic particle makes up everything in the universe. Atoms come together to form elements, elements merge to form compounds, and these compounds make up everything you see (and can't see) around you. It is the sidewalk you walk on, you yourself walking on the sidewalk, and the air through which you walk, but cannot see.
Just like with the character for Qi, atoms and the matter they compose can be material and immaterial. Like the vapor and the rice. These atoms are always moving, no matter how solid a substance may seem. Even water frozen into ice is made of atoms which are vibrating, they're simply vibrating a bit slower.
This is Qi. It's all Qi. It is energy and is creating the world around us. Qi/atoms/matter form carbon and oxygen: the basic building blocks for all life and substance in this world. They come together to create form (like a newborn baby) and disperse when that form breaks down (like a decaying plant).
Qi can also be viewed as maintaining homeostasis, within the body as well as in the universe in general. Those with a healthy and strong Qi can be viewed as having a strong immune system and outlook on life. Health is not just about your physical body, but also your emotional body - both of which consist of matter, atoms, or Qi.
Yin and Yang is the second most important concept of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
Let's look at the characters for each word.
Yin: 陰 = the shady side of a hill
Yang: 陽 = the sunny side of a hill
(Maciocia, 1989).
Yin and Yang are opposites, and everything exists in this duality (Maciocia, 1989). For example Yang is heat, fire, movement, daylight, the sun, etc. Conversely Yin is cold, water, stillness, night time, the moon, etc. All things in nature can be categorized on a Yin vs Yang spectrum, but they always work in relation to each other (Maciocia, 1989). For example, men are Yang while women are Yin; however, some women are more Yang than others.
Yin and Yang cannot exist alone, they mutually depend on each other (Maciocia, 1989). This is represented in the Yin Yang symbol. The night cannot exist without the day. Or, if you're into superhero movies, good cannot exist without evil.
Yet at the same time, Yin and Yang are in constant flux. As one increases, the other decreases; or one may increase to control the overproduction of the other (Maciocia, 1989). For example, as the night (Yin) draws to a close, the day (Yang) gradually become more abundant - and eventually we have a sunrise! The earth warms, cold dissipates. This is how balance is maintained and it can be seen in your body as well. For example, your body does an excellent job of regulating temperature. If you get too hot (Yang excess), your body will produce sweat (Yin) to balance.
I will check your pulse at most appointments, sometimes multiple times. In acupuncture, pulse is checked on both wrists as each side provides a more colorful picture about what's happening internally. Pulse taking is a very important diagnostic tool for determining your diagnosis and treatment plan. The pulse tells us a great deal of information about your Qi, or energy, and blood. This is a simplified explanation, but if you are more curious you may ask me at your next appointment.
Like with your pulse, observation of the tongue is also a very important diagnostic tool for acupuncturists. We are taught that the pulse is quick to change, but the tongue is slower. The tongue shows us more about the state of the internal organs and bodily fluids. As always, if you have more questions please ask.
Acupuncture school is typically 3-4 years of intense academic, both didactic and hands-on in the clinic, training. These schools operate in trimesters or semesters, and offer master's degrees, master's level degrees, or doctorates. Some schools are more intense than others and others still include different schools of thought (such as TCM - traditional Chinese medicine - or 5 element theory). Many schools include herbal training in their programs, while others do not. If you are interested in acupuncture school, it is important to decide what your specific desires are.
The first few years focus on Western medicine classes like anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more, as well as TCM theory, point location, point energetics, needling classes, and adjunct modalities (see the section on adjunct modalities for more on this topic). We are also taught patient care, healing presence, how to conduct intakes, diagnose, and plan treatments. There are over 400 acupuncture points on the body and it is crucial to understand their locations, underlying tissue, what the points do, and how they affect the body. If your school includes herbal classes, there are nearly just as many individual herbs as there are points, and nearly just as many formulas which must be learned as well. Training on herb drug interactions will be included.
We are taught clean needle techniques: guidelines for safety and cleanliness while needling, how to avoid adverse reactions, and risks of acupuncture and how to handle them.
Many schools also teach tai ji or qi gong throughout all years (see below for more information) as learning to cultivate our own Qi, or energy, is vital for this medicine.
We practice needling for at least one year on ourselves and each other before treating patients - all while under supervision. Clinic year is at least 1 year in many schools, sometimes 2, and is often concurrent with more advanced didactic courses. There are required numbers of clinic hours and patients (both often around 500 each, though some schools require more) before graduation requirements may be met.
To become a licensed acupuncturist, your school must be accredited by ACAHM (The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine). This agency sets strict guidelines and schools must maintain their accreditations. After graduation, there are 3 board exams which must be passed in most states: Acupuncture and Point Location, Foundations (TCM theory and diagnosis), and Biomedicine. Some states require a 4th: Herbal Medicine, in order to practice acupuncture, some states only require the first 3. More information on what is required in your state may be found on the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) website. These board exams are rigorous and grueling requiring many students 6 months post-graduation to adequately prepare for and complete. These exams are regulated by the NCCAOM . Once exams are complete, you are nationally accredited, but you are not yet licensed to practice acupuncture. Finally, one must apply for state licensure in your desired state. All have different rules for licensure which can be clarified by visiting their respective agencies' sites.
This may seem daunting, but it is a journey well worth travelled. If you have more questions about acupuncture school, feel free to ask!
I, Callie Pierce, L.Ac. Dipl.Ac, graduated in 2024 from a 4-year ACAHM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) accredited acupuncture school with a master's level Diploma of Acupuncture. My school, Jung Tao School for Classical Chinese Medicine in Sugar Grove, NC, did not include herbal medicine in its program during my time.
After school, I passed 3 of the 4 NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) board exams required for national acupuncture certification in the United States: 1) Acupuncture and Point Location, 2) Foundations, 3) Biomedicine. As I have not completed an herbal medicine program, I am not yet eligible to sit the 4th exam: Herbal Medicine, and it is not required in my state of licensure (NC) to practice acupuncture. It is in my future plans to complete this education so that I may offer more to my patients.
My NCCAOM #: 853814.
I also applied for and was awarded official licensure in the state of NC to practice acupuncture per the NCALB (North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board).
My NC license #: LAC-2288.
Future qualifications I will be seeking:
Cosmetic and facial acupuncture
A doctorate in acupuncture
A certification in Chinese herbal medicine
Tai ji and qi gong are both present in TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) theories, though they predate Chinese medicine. Qi gong is the broader term; it encompasses tai ji. Like Yin and Yang (see the section on What is Yin and Yang?), qi gong could be viewed as Yang while tai ji is Yin. Tai ji is generally, though not always, slower, involving flowing forms. Both are rooted in martial arts, and both seek to focus and cultivate Qi. Acupuncture schools typically include one or the other as part of their curriculum. Your acupuncturist may even teach you some moves to practice between treatments as they can be very beneficial to healing!
There are many, many options, and this is not an official list, but the following were recommended to me when I started school:
The Web That Has No Weaver - Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
The Spark in the Machine: How the Science of Acupuncture Explains the Mysteries of Western Medicine - Daniel Keown, M.D., L.Ac.
The Five Elements Cookbook: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine with Recipes for Everyday Healing - Zoey Xinyi Gong
If you read these, you may encounter complex concepts, especially in the first 2 books. Which is why I include the 3rd option because it will expose you to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) principles in a more fun and applicable way.
The following links are meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials (unblinded to triple-blinded) about the effectiveness of acupuncture and some of its modalities. This is a short list, many more exist!
A note: many of these links include the term 'sham acupuncture'. This term means they simulated a needle insertion with a tool by touching the skin, but did not penetrate the skin with it. In this way, they can differentiate between a placebo effect and needling techniques. Still, it is important to point out that some styles of acupuncture specialize in shallower needle insertions, or no insertion at all. Acupressure exists and is quite effective as well. Many patients are needle sensitive and experience significant results from the thinnest needles, or indeed no needles. Needle insertion is not always required for healing to take place. The use of 'sham acupuncture' is the best method clinic trials have thus far invented for testing acupuncture's effectiveness.
Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis
Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis
Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis
The long-term effect of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized clinical trial
Acupuncture for patients with chronic tension-type headache: a randomized controlled trial
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial
Acupuncture. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024, June 20). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
Brett, J. (Ed.). (2015). Clean Needle Technique Manual: Best Practices for Acupuncture Needle Safety and Related Procedures (7th Edition). Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. https://www.ccahm.org/ccaom/CNT_Manual.asp
Elahee, S., Mao, H., Zhao, L., & Shen, X. (2020, June). Meridian system and mechanism of acupuncture action: A scientific evaluation. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, (30)2 130-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wjam.2020.05.003
Maciocia, G. (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine(3rd Edition).
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