Meet Karly
It’s been over 12 years since I opened my clinic in Lake Oswego. It’s been an honor to be here. I love what I do. This is my happy place. And I want it to be yours, too.
Karly Bannister, LAc
ACUPUNCTURIST AND FOUNDER
KEAHI HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL CLINIC
How did I find acupuncture? I remember my childhood dream vividly: I wanted to run like Jackie Joyner-Kersey. But as a child with asthma and allergies, it just wasn’t possible. I got allergy shots once a week and I was “best friends” with my pediatrician and allergist. Still, nothing was working. So, my father took me to my first acupuncture treatment after his friend’s back pain diminished with a series of treatments. That first treatment changed my life.
Acupuncture allowed me to become the athlete that I had always wanted to be: I ran several events in track and field, I was the captain of my varsity volleyball team and I played varsity basketball. I continue to love movement and being active, outdoors whenever possible.
And now here we are, 12 years and over 10,000 treatments later. I am so grateful to have the best job in the world. I get to be your acupuncturist for life. I get to help you meet your health goals. I get to be an integral part of your life and share mine with you. This is more than a career for me; this is my calling. Thank you for being on this journey with me.
My Training
I graduated from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon in 2005. Shortly after graduation, I discovered through personal experiences, that health is our most important asset. And I realized that Chinese medicine was my life’s path. With this knowledge and the positive results I experienced as an acupuncture patient, I sought out a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland.
While in my second year of study, I was asked to assist in the private practice of Dr. Hong Jin, a nationally-recognized acupuncturist and expert in women’s health and dermatology and the Dean of Chinese Medicine at OCOM. Dr. Jin taught acupuncture to medical doctors from the U.S. through the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
While at OCOM, I interned at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in the department of Integrative Family Medicine. Working alongside medical doctors and nurses, I was able to collaborate on the treatment of diseases such as cancer, musculoskeletal pain, gynecology, obstetrics, diabetes, and weight management. I also interned at the Central City Concern Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Clinic, treating patients in a group-treatment acupuncture setting.
After graduating from OCOM and apprenticing under Dr. Jin, I completed my clinical studies at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NUTCM) in Nanjing, China. At NUTCM, I practiced in three of the seven affiliated hospitals and received specialized training in herbal medicine and acupuncture. At the conclusion of the NUTCM program, I was invited to conduct future research studies there.
Upon returning to the US, I received my Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM). Shortly thereafter, I became board-certified in acupuncture, Chinese medical theory, bio-western medicine, and Chinese herbology.
My title is officially a licensed acupuncturist, board-certified herbalist, and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (DiplOM).
My first job was as the "Acupuncturist on Board" the Coral Princess cruise ship. During my 8-month contract, I saw over 1,200 patients. I lovingly call it “acupuncture boot camp.” It was a challenging and positive experience that I will never forget. My patients still reach out to me and I became an expert in my field. This was the beginning of what I call my “patient/friends," my habit of forming lasting relationships with my patients. It’s hard not to become invested in my patients as whole people. So, I call them “patient/friends.” And I hope that you’ll choose to become one, too.
I returned to China in 2012 and again worked in the clinic and hospitals affiliated with NUTCM. This time, I was called a “Senior Doctor.” I hope to return again.
Today, with more than half of my life spent as an acupuncture patient and more than 12 years in practice, I strive to not only make my treatments the most effective, but I also strive to create an environment where you feel completely safe and comfortable. I know how important that is. I am here for you and because of you.
