Licensure In Maine, licensed acupuncturists are given the title of LAc. Carrie’s training included over 2400 hours of course work including 996 hours of clinical training. Acupuncturists must also pass the NCCAOM board examinations and become licensed with the state in which they practice.
Chinese medical philosophy holds that all life is sustained by the constant flow of an energy called “qi” (pronounced “chee”). The qi of the body is connected to the qi of nature – illness occurs when the two are out of harmony. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine restore health by strengthening the body’s qi and enhancing its flow.
Carie Bernard holds a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest acupuncture school in the United States. She received additional training at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. Carie believes in a team approach to health and wellness and in using both eastern and western medicine together in a complementary manner. Her training includes clinical rotations in western medical environments such as the Pediatric and outpatient departments at Boston Medical Center, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center, as well as private clinical settings. Her individualized approach to patient care is one of practitioner/patient collaboration which creates a gentle, attainable path to success. Carie works with each person to create a comfortable, supportive wellness plan that achieves the most effective results. Carie is board certified by the NCCAOM in Acupuncture and licensed to practice Acupuncture and Chinese herbs in Maine and Massachusetts.
Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine that utilizes modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work, qi gong, cupping, and moxibustion. These procedures have been used effectively to treat disease for thousands of years and served as the main system of medicine in China before the advent of biomedicine less than a century ago. Though the system of Chinese medicine is distinctly different from the system of Western biomedicine, the majority of Carie’s patients are under the primary care of a physician or nurse practitioner. Patients who seek the help of both Western and Eastern medicine truly benefit from these different, yet complementary perspectives on health. Chinese medicine is commonly used for: acute and chronic pain, hypertension, headaches and migraines, menstrual pain and irregularity, menopausal symptoms, poor circulation, immune support, cold and flu, allergies and asthma, arthritis, digestive problems, skin problems, stress/anxiety/depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, post-operative pain, sciatica, addictions, peripheral neuropathy, infertility, male and female reproductive health, adjunctive cancer support, and post-stroke recovery.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of selected anatomical locations, called “acupoints”. These points can be affected in a variety of ways using intradermal penetration or surface stimulation. From a biomedical perspective, it is proposed that acupuncture stimulates the body to release natural painkillers, endorphins, and immunity-enhancing cells. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health as a useful complementary treatment to be included in a comprehensive health management program.
To make an appointment, please schedule by calling Santini Family Chiropractic. Carie does accept some insurance plans; if you are unsure if your plan covers acupuncture, please call the office and we will find out whether you are covered.