Hi, I’m Jennifer Carino

Coming from a family of health care providers, I grew up working with my parents in various health care ventures and volunteering at hospitals. I was expected to follow the family tradition and enter the field, but surprised everyone when I instead studied Broadcast Communication Arts.

Soon after graduation and the start of my career, my then-boyfriend was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor which upended our lives completely. I turned to my experience growing up around health care and immediately began researching cancer treatments, which led me to learning more about acupuncture and herbs.

With the help of our acupuncturist, we incorporated holistic practices into our lives. We changed our diet, started yoga, received acupuncture treatments, took herbs, and cleared our home of toxic products.

At this time I realized my family’s rich health care history was a natural part of my being. I serendipitously found acupuncture and herbal treatments so effective in my boyfriend’s cancer recovery that I couldn’t do anything but change careers. I received my Master’s degree at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, graduating in 2001.

In practice for over 20 years, I’ve treated thousands of individuals in-person and online. I feel lucky to have lived with my boyfriend-turned-husband for over 20 healthy years. Jack passed away in 2019 after a second cancerous brain tumor and left me with endless inspiration and a career I love.

He urged me to go out and live my “second life.” When I’m not in the clinic, I’m hiking trails in Marin, enjoying jazz concerts with friends, playing with my dog, Leggs Benedict, and traveling near and far with my husband Mike.

I look forward to being a part of your health care journey and helping you live to the fullest.

My Approach

I find support in meditation and Buddhist philosophy. After completing the San Francisco Zen Center’s yearlong “Contemplative Caregivers Course,” I learned to incorporate compassionate care, presence, meditation, and Zen teachings into my personal and professional life.

Along with private practice, I worked for Stanford University on a National Institute of Health (NIH)-sponsored research study, “Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” This showed a reduction in symptoms and response rate similar to those in standard depression treatments.

Research

As a form of gratitude for my supportive friends and family, I paid it forward and volunteered with the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic in Oakland providing acupuncture treatments to low-income women living with cancer.

Volunteer

Specialized Trainings AND Certifications

  • The Art and Science of Obstetrics, Oakland, CA

  • The Treatment of Children’s Diseases with Chinese Medicine, Oakland, CA

  • Mei Zen Acupuncture System for the Abdomen: From Fertility to Weight Loss, NYC

  • Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System for the Face and Neck, Los Angeles, CA

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and Complementary Care for People With Cancer, Oakland, CA

  • Mastering the Thyroid, Burlingame, CA

  • Functional Lab Chemistry, Emeryville, CA

  • Japanese Acupuncture Techniques, San Francisco and Oakland, CA

  • California Acupuncture License, L.Ac.

  • Clean Needle Technique

  • CPR and First Aid