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Acupuncture at CORE
At Santa Cruz CORE, we have a passion for what we do. We make an effort to spend significant time and energy with each patient to ensure their needs are met. For us, it’s more than just acupuncture; our acupuncturists work with multiple healing modalities during an acupuncture session to get you feeling better. Working to create positive change in the body, we use a combination of needling, moxa, gua sha, cupping, ear seeds, massage, and Tai Chi and Qi Gung. Each individual is treated as such, an individual with an unique body and we use our various tools to create the most healing we can in each session.
Santa Cruz CORE Specializes in the following treatments
chronic pain
hormone balancing
quitting smoking
orthopedic limitations
back pain
migraines and chronic headaches
stress management
fertility
anxiety
insomnia
skin conditions
chronic disease
arthritis
auto immune disorders
Gua Sha
Tai Chi
Dry needling
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Moxa
Herbal Remedies.
Ancient Practice & Modern Science
Qi energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is blocked due to stress, lifestyle or other causes, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur. Acupuncture works to restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians with fine needles. The specific combination of points is chosen after your TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner applies in-depth systematic TCM diagnostic techniques, used to address the root cause of your symptoms and identify potential patterns that may cause disease or illness.
The primary focus of TCM is on correcting the underlying cause of an illness or disease and thus producing lasting relief. Symptoms can often be relieved in a matter of hours or days, but correcting the illness itself is a much longer process. It is important, therefore to take an adequate number of treatments to ensure the best results.
Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality originating in China. It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile metal needles into the body at acupuncture points. These acupuncture points are powerful accessors to the rivers of energy or meridians that run through our bodies. The meridians regulate energy flow and thus determine our state of sickness or health. An unbalanced body is in a state of sickness, which has various manifestations. A balanced body is in a state of health. Acupuncture works to restore balance in our body’s energy flow so that our mind, body, and spirit can achieve its birthright of health and wellness.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a non-invasive method that works with your body to enhance your complexion and reduce wrinkles and fine lines! Very fine acupuncture needles are placed on and around the face to draw circulation to the area and create minor ‘trauma’ (the same principle as laser face treatment) so that the body produces more collagen to the areas of reduced collagen/wrinkles. The body is also treated holistically, so points are chosen for acupuncture that treats the individual and their own imbalances which may lead to premature aging.
The Nu Skin Galvanic Spa treatment clarifies your complexion and fights signs of aging using advanced technology. This patented technology works in two stages to leave your skin in optimal condition a Pre-Treatment Stage and Treatment Stage. The Galvanic Current adjusts to your individual skin needs and works together with the Galvanic Spa Facial Gels to drive the ingredients deep within the skin, and to remove any impurities and pore clogging debris.
Benefits of a Galvanic Spa Facial
Lifts, tightens and firms the skin
Erases fine lines and wrinkles and softens moderate to deep lines and wrinkles
Eliminates skin dullness caused by aging or stress
Hydrates and infuses your complexion with essential extracts from marigold, sea kelp and vanilla
Arginine eliminates signs of stress such as dullness, under-eye bags and shadows
Magnesium, rose, sandalwood and jasmine extracts revive the skin and promote skin radiance
Removes impurities from deep within the skin, resulting in skin clarity and reduction of blemishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: You mentioned that it helps with fine lines. I’m most interested in addressing the (fairly deep) “11” lines between my eyebrows. Can Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA) do anything about these?
Q: Would I need to do the base of ten treatments to get to a maintenance level?
Q: Would I have to continue the once a month treatments to maintain results?
Acupuncture Recognized for Treating Disease
The World Health Organization has recognized Acupuncture as effective for many diseases. The diseases or disorders for which acupuncture therapy has been tested in controlled clinical trials reported in the recent literature can be classified into four categories as shown below.
1. Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved through controlled trials to be an effective treatment:
2. Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed:
3. Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which there are only individual controlled trials reporting some therapeutic effects, but with acupuncture is worth trying because treatment by other therapies is difficult:
4. Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture may be tried provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment:
Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping and Gua Sha are methodologies under the heading of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – of which Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Herbal Therapy, Nutrition, Tuina / Massage and Medical Qigong are also part. Cupping and Gua Sha are highly effective for treating musculoskeletal disorders where blood and energy have become stagnant, causing pain. It is also very effective for overall health / immunity, asthma, and digestive complaints. Cupping involves a suctioning cup that is either stationary or moved over the skin, drawing out impurities and improving blood flow to the area.
Gua Sha involves “scraping” the skin with a tool made of buffalo horn, jade, or porcelin. By doing so, blood flow is improved, tension released, and pain reduced. Both therapies will result in what the Chinese refer to as “Sha” – markings of color ranging from a light red to black which appear on the skin after Cupping or Gua Sha. These marks indicate that the toxic energy or blood has been resolved and new blood is able to circulate in the area. The marks may appear strange to the onlooker, but the person receiving the therapy feels immensely better and will heal faster. Marks generally go away completely in one to two weeks.
Chinese Herbal Therapy & Nutrition
Chinese Herbal Therapy and Nutrition involve prescribing traditional Chinese herbal combinations in the form of tea, tincture, pills, powders, washes, plasters, or patches in order to effect healing. Nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling involves assessing a person’s constitution and addressing its rebalancing through advice with its roots in the traditional chinese thinking of tastes, temperatures, and temperaments of persons, seasons, and foods.
Chinese Herbal Therapy & Nutrition
Medical Qigong is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses mainly on energetics. Although its idea may be less palpable than acupuncture, cupping, or herbal therapy, its principles are the same, as are its effects. Medical Qigong is a hands on or hands off approach that involved the practitioner re-balancing the patient’s energy fields. It can be used alone or in combination with acupuncture or cupping. Areas that are stagnant are moved and regulated, areas that need bolstering are tonified, and areas that are excessive are drained. Medical Qigong is useful for any disorder that acupuncture is also useful for. However, it excels in the healing of emotional and mood disorders, which are often the precursors to any number of physical disorders according to the concept of mind-body.
OUR ACUPUNCTURISTS
Craig Sakimoto is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of California and has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for the past 5 years. He is also Anat Baniel Method practitioner who works with adults and children with special needs. He attended Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA and graduated with a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese. He also holds Bachelors Degree in Mathematics. Craig specializes in the treatment of psycho-emotional issues, pain management and internal medicine. Craig strives to listen deeply to the needs of every patient and provides a sense of trust and compassion. Many patients feel rushed by their healthcare providers but Craig takes his time with each patient. He believes combining a caring relationship with traditional treatment skills make for the most effective healing process. Craig is a strong supporter of the integration of Eastern and Western medicine in maintaining the best health possible. By integrating wellness, patients get the most comprehensive care and best possible outcomes.
Daniel Rola, L.Ac. graduated from the Five Branches University in 2016 with a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Daniel’s approach to health and wellness is a holistic one that addresses the mind, body and spirit of each patient. Health and wellness represent the dynamic and harmonious relationship between these three facets of a human being. When they are out of sync there is dis-ease and suffering. Through acupuncture, massage, herbs, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, he works with patients to get back in sync and in the flow of good health. As the old Chinese saying goes, “Where there is free flow there is no pain. Where this is lack of free flow there is pain.” His goal is to help alleviate pain and suffering and get his patients back into the flow of health and wellness. Daniel has gone through a transformation himself, choosing to get healthy by making lifestyle changes, rather than taking the road of pharmaceutical interventions. Now in a healthy state, Daniel cultivates happiness through mindfulness, meditation and making music. His greatest achievement is being able to show his patients that it is entirely possible to make the changes necessary to go from unhealthy living to healthy living and thrive in life. When not working, Daniel can be found surfing, biking, hiking, standup paddling and practicing yoga.
Testimonials
I like my acupuncturist, Craig. I think he is very capable and knows what he is doing. I feel tremendous benefit from my sessions with him and that is what keeps me coming. The staff is always friendly and communication seems very tight. - Betsy P.
The staff is very welcoming and professional. I felt comfortable and well taken care of. - Kithy C.
Everyone is friendly and on their game. My acupuncturist Craig is phenomenal!
- Rosemary A.
I think Craig is an excellent acupuncturist and I will return to him whenever I need a treatment. - Betsy P.
I've had two great sessions with Craig for acupuncture. I like the array of services you offer. - James F.
Everyone is friendly and I love all the reminders! - Rosemary A.
Craig is amazing and so patient! I feel I'm on my way to recovery. - Mary R.
I like being able to go to one place to get so many different services. - Elisabeth N.
I've had nothing but great experiences with every single service so I love feeling confident that I'm getting the best help around. - Marisa J.
Professional and organized.
- Marilyn K.
All staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Haydee G.
The practitioners were first rate!
- Carol S.
Prompt, professional and pleasant!
- Caroline G.
The employees are well educated on what there doing and what can actually help someone.
- Cristal R.
Everyone is friendly and professional.
- Haydee G.
I like the follow up calls and the confirmation texts are convenient.
- Marlen G.
All of you are so knowledgeable and sincerely care about the service you provide in order to help individuals. I am constantly recommending your place!! - Sherrie H.
It was exactly what I needed.
- Sam C.
Craig is really great. He listens to what is going on and I always leave feeling much better. The last place I went there was pressure to buy new herbs or vitamins every visit. I never get that here. If I ask he gives me a suggestion, but never any pressure.
- Jerusha S.
Very professional
- Alexandria B.
I love how all of the staff are so attentive to my needs. They have such a positive attitude when I come into the space and make every visit such a great experience.
- Sy S.
I haven't had my first treatment yet, but my husband feels it is helping his weakness from his stroke. The introductory rates are really good.
- Clifford B.
I like Craig the acupuncturist.
- Kathy B.
Your staff is very knowledgable and helpful. Your practitioners are great and trustworthy.
- Madisen M.
This place is amazing! All of the staff here; the receptionists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and personal trainers are so talented. In particular in one session with Dr. Rhodes and Craig Sakimoto and I feel like a new man. Craig's acupuncture session was focused on treating adrenal fatigue and to help with sleeping. With on session I was sleeping better and remembering my dreams for the first time in years!
- Robin C.
Everyone was welcoming and helpful. Had a great first experience at SC CORE, and will be going back! My first visits have been for acupuncture; however, I am interested in the multiple other resources they offer.
- Jo P.
Craig, the acupuncturist, is wonderful [because of] his skills, personality and his concern for his patients. [I like] the sweet and kind reception from the desk staff, calmness in the clinic, comfortable seating in the reception room and easy and available parking at the clinic!
- Joanne W.
Small facility, trained staff, friendly and clean environment.
- Shelley A.
Acupuncture with Craig was great out of pain for few days.
- Esther P.
Rachel at the front desk was very friendly and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Craig and will be returning to him.
- Suzie G.
The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. - Morgan L.
Professional, everyone is friendly and know what they're doing. - Nicholas P.
My acupuncture appointments were superb. I'd highly recommend them, and will be going back! - Jo P.
I like that you get so many services all in one building! - Rebekah C.
Stellar staff, practitioners, and services!!!!! - Rachael C.
Customer service [was great] and two excellent, caring acupuncturists. - Joanne W.
I accidentally came across Santa Cruz Core and could not be happier! The receptionists are always so kind and helpful, and I am so impressed with how Craig (the acupuncturist) truly cares about the whole well being of his patients. I have been to a couple of other places for acupuncture but no one has given me the same holistic care as Craig as. I will keep coming back and have recommended them to numerous friends and family. Thank you! - Cecilia G.