Carly Herrero, MAcOM, LAc

Credentials

  • Licensed Acupuncturist: Maine Board of Complementary Health Care Providers
  • Diplomate of Acupuncture: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • Member: Maine Acupuncture Society
  • Member: North American Journal of Oriental Medicine

Advanced Training

  • Classical Strategies in Chinese Herbal Medicine Training, Heiner Fruehof, PhD
  • Japanese Fundamental Acupuncture and Moxibustion Blueprint, Maya Suzuki, LAc
  • Hospice Acupuncturists Mentorship, Susan Wilmoth, LAc and Gwen Lovetere, LAc
  • Manaka Ion Pumping Cords Seminar, Tracy Thorne, LAc
  • Teishin Techniques, Takahiro Funemizu Sensei
  • Japanese Meridian Therapy, Tracy Thorne, LAc
  • Taiji and Yi Chuan training, Dr. Mark Parzynski, LAc
  • Medical Qigong, Healing Qi Institute
  • Contemporary Cupping Methods Workshop, Lisa Hubbard, LMT

Education

  • Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
  • Massage Therapy Program: East-West College of the Healing Arts

I am a licensed acupuncturist in Maine and hold certification through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

I bring over 20 years of experience in holistic healthcare. This means when you come in for a visit there is a good chance I have either treated the issue you are struggling with, or at least have a good idea of how to approach it. I have experience in succesfully treating all types of pain, dizziness, nausea, neuropathies, Bell’s Palsy, hemmorhoids, migraines, carpal tunnel, menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and much more.

What I love about Eastern medicine is that listening is a key part of the process. I pay attention to how your health issues are manifesting and how this is keeping you from the life you want to live, so I can best help you with the tools I have.

Blue Fire Healing Arts is a welcoming space that prioritizes results-oriented treatment. This is a full service acupuncture and Eastern medicine clinic providing hands on healthcare, consultations, and herbal medicine. I carry Classical Pearls, some of the highest quality Chinese herbal formulas available.

I appreciate the opportunity to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and at various stages of their health journey. Often patients come in because they have tried everything for their health concerns and are ready for a different approach.

A little about my background:
My studies in holistic health began in 1999 with an herbal apprenticeship at a wilderness school in the remote mountains of Arizona. I learned basic Western herbalism as well as Jin Shin Do, a simplified system of acupressure.

In 2003 I completed formal massage therapy training and worked as a licensed massage therapist at integrative health clinics in Portland, OR. This allowed me to collaborate closely with naturopathic and medical doctors, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. During this time I studied whole foods nutrition, trained in tai chi, and practiced natural wellness in my daily life.

I was interested in going into nursing and volunteered at a care facility for HIV/AIDS patients as a massage therapist and worked as a nurse assistant. Eventually it became clear that Eastern medicine was most aligned with my philosophies, and in 2016 I completed my master degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

After graduation I worked for several years in Olympia, WA treating veterans and specializing in orthopedic approaches for pain. I served as secretary and chair of the continuing education committee for the Washington Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Association from 2018-2020.

In Washington I also worked with two hospice organizations to develop their acupuncture programs, while providing acupuncture treatments to hospice patients in their homes.

From 2014 to 2019 I developed and taught continuing education workshops extensively on gua sha, cupping, Eastern medicine, and ethics. I taught business and Eastern bodywork classes at East West College of the Healing Arts, and was a teaching assistant at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

In 2021 I relocated to Maine and opened the Blue Fire Healing Arts clinic with locations in Bath and Portland.

Patient Testimonials

I have had Carly treat me for a variety of ailments over several years. Headaches, injured muscles, digestive issues, and anxiety are just a few and I always feel much better after an acupuncture session with her.

Julie Engelman

“I started seeing Carly for acupuncture treatments when I was suffering with severe anxiety and panic attacks due to stress. Her treatments were very gentle, calming and grounding for my nervous system. These sessions helped me a lot in reducing the frequency of my panic attacks and anxiety. Her treatments also included moxa and cupping therapy. I highly recommend her for anyone who is interested in exploring alternative therapies for their health challenges.”

Cristina Keeslar

Receiving care from Carly has absolutely changed my life! Until I started working with her, I lived in constant pain related to an autoimmune disorder. I have had acupuncture treatments from others in the past but none with as comprehensive and knowledgeable as Carly. The results have always been instantaneous and lasting no matter the issue. Because of her excellent care, I have always said if I had to choose between massage therapy and acupuncture, it would be acupuncture.

Shannon P.

“I have been a client of Carly’s over the last two years and experienced a tremendous amount of therapeutic relief from her acupuncture treatments. The moment Carly walked into the room, healing began. She has an incredible ability to listen and provide the holistic care most individuals want in a practitioner. I would often come to Carly frazzled after a stressful day at work with a long list of chronic issues. When I first started treatments with Carly, I was dealing with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and sore throat from reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus. She addressed each of the issues bothering me, and treatment sessions led to feelings of relaxation, decreased pain, improved sleep, and most importantly, hope. She was able to incorporate a variety of modalities into her sessions, such as cupping, essential oils, and gua sha, and recommended certain herbs that promoted healing. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate acupuncturist that can provide quality care, look no further as you have found Carly!”

Jennifer B.