Carli Gaines, MSOM, RN, LAc

Carli Gaines, MSOM, RN, LAc

My philosophy has always been to help others feel better so their lives can be more peaceful and fulfilling. It is a blessing to have learned from my patients over the years that we can never know what the future holds and therefore we must live well in every moment. With this in my heart I am passionate and committed to using all my healing tools—acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork and nutrition—in every encounter. 

My practice is centered on bringing individuals back to the present moment to connect with their body, its inherent healing wisdom and with the natural world around us. I specialize in treating individuals with cancer and chronic disease; helping them find relief from symptoms with the goal of increased quality and comfort in all aspects of their lives. I also enjoy treating adults for acute and chronic issues such as pain, digestive disorders, mental/emotional issues, and women’s health.

 

My Background

Nursing and Cancer Care

My background as a registered nurse has fueled a passion for true integrative medicine. I am used to working alongside physicians, physical therapists, nurses and other health practitioners and am committed to working with your health providers to help coordinate the best treatment plan possible.

I started my healthcare career in 2008 as an RN at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, working on a busy adult oncology unit. This was the job that shaped my career; I learned quickly from my wonderful patients going through surgery and chemotherapy that while modern medicine often focuses so hard on finding a “cure,” true “healing” means so much more and involves the mental, emotional and spiritual realms in addition to the physical body.  While I loved being a nurse, I began to see that I was meant to help people in a different way—a way that supports this healing process and improves their well-being in whatever stage of life they are in.

Oriental and Chinese Medicine

As I searched for a medicine that would allow me to better help patients on their healing journey and through my own personal healing experiences, I found the Master’s of Oriental Medicine program at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). I am fascinated by Classical Chinese Medicine, its effectiveness and the holistic focus on health. I find that by using Chinese Medicine, I am able to help my clients find comfort, peace and balance in their lives, despite living with cancer or other acute and chronic conditions.

Upon moving to Bend, I started my acupuncture practice working at St. Charles Home Hospice providing in-home acupuncture to increase comfort for end-of-life patients. Following that, I practiced at St. Charles Cancer Center Integrative Therapies from 2016-2022, working with patient’s in active cancer treatment, in addition to seeing patients privately at AcuCascadia for a wide range of conditions.

 

About Me

When not in the clinic, I enjoy spending time with David and our daughter Estella, and exploring the Central Oregon outdoors by hiking, biking, trail running, snowboarding or working in the garden. I am also an avid cook and believe in nutrition as a vital piece of health, so I'm often found experimenting in the kitchen and I love to share new recipes with patients.

 

Education & Training

 

Professional Activities