Acupuncture
Hair-fine needles placed at precise points to relieve pain, calm the nervous system, and restore the body's natural balance.
Classical Chinese Medicine · Hickory & Boone, NC
Healing that begins
at the root.
Gentle, time-honored acupuncture care that treats the whole person — restoring balance so your body can do what it was made to do: heal.
Our Approach
Whole-person care, ancient wisdom
True healing comes from treating the person, not just the symptoms. Classical Chinese medicine looks beneath the surface to find what is impeding your health — then works with your body, gently and deliberately, to correct it.
Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, support through a difficult diagnosis, or simply a way to feel like yourself again, every treatment is tailored to you: your history, your constitution, and your goals.
Meet your practitioner →Services
Modalities, matched to your needs
Each visit may draw on one or several of these therapies, chosen for what your body needs that day.
Moxibustion
Gentle, penetrating warmth from the mugwort herb, used to nourish, strengthen, and move what cold and stagnation have slowed.
Electro-Acupuncture
A mild current applied through acupuncture needles for stubborn pain, injuries, and neurological support.
Cupping
Suction therapy that releases tight muscle and fascia, improves circulation, and eases deep-seated tension.
Gua Sha
A smooth-edged tool gently worked along the skin to free tension, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery.
Herbal & Dietary Guidance
Time-tested herbal and food recommendations that extend the work of each treatment into your daily life.
Conditions
Conditions we treat
A special focus on helping patients with chronic conditions not just cope — but thrive.
- Chronic & acute pain
- Back, neck & joint pain
- Migraines & headaches
- Stress & anxiety
- Sleep & insomnia
- Women's health & fertility
- Digestive disorders
- Fatigue & low energy
- Autoimmune support
- Injury recovery
- Seasonal allergies
- Emotional wellbeing
Not sure whether acupuncture can help with your situation? Reach out — Cara is happy to talk it through before you book.
Your First Visit
What to expect
-
01
A real conversation
Your first visit begins with an in-depth consultation — your health history, your concerns, and what healing would look like for you.
-
02
A tailored treatment
Most patients find treatment deeply relaxing. Needles are hair-fine, placement is gentle, and you rest quietly while the work happens.
-
03
A plan for lasting change
You leave with a clear plan — how many visits to expect, what to notice between sessions, and simple ways to support your own healing.
Meet Your Practitioner
Cara Crawford, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Cara is a licensed acupuncturist and nationally board-certified NCCAOM® Diplomate of Acupuncture. She earned her master's-level Diploma of Acupuncture from the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine.
Her path to Chinese medicine began far from the clinic. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences, she spent four years living in China, where she experienced the healing power of acupuncture firsthand — and never looked back.
Cara's work focuses on finding the root of what is impeding health. Drawing on acupuncture, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and herbal and dietary guidance, she helps correct the imbalances behind pain and disease — with a particular passion for helping patients with chronic conditions learn to thrive. Her goal is simple: give your body what it needs to heal, and be your advocate on the journey back to health.
Outside the clinic, you'll find her on her farm with her many animals, on horseback, on a trail, or in the garden.
- Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), North Carolina
- NCCAOM® Diplomate of Acupuncture
- Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine
Locations
Two clinics, one standard of care
Cara currently sees patients at two wonderful clinics serving the foothills and the High Country.
Hickory, NC
Healing for Life
Chiropractic and acupuncture care founded by Dr. Elizabeth Beadle.
Call to Book in HickoryBoone, NC
Wellspring Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Integrative health care for the High Country, led by Dr. Bonnie Walker.
Call to Book in BooneGet in Touch
Begin your journey back to health
Questions about whether acupuncture is right for you? Ready to schedule? Call, email, or send a note — Cara personally reads every message.
- Phone (828) 263-4577
- Email cara@lotusbudacupuncture.com