Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1208712
32 READERS CHOICE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL CRAIG SAKIMOTO, SANTA CRUZ CORE FITNESS + REHAB I n the 2019 Readers' Choice poll, Craig Sakimoto—acupuncturist at integrative wellness center Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab—won first place in "Best Acupuncture." A Five Branches University graduate, Craig has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for about nine years. Specializing in the treatment of psycho- emotional issues, pain management and internal medicine, he believes combining a caring relationship with traditional treatment skills makes for the most effective healing process. At SC CORE, practitioners include four acupuncturists and staff specializing in massage, corrective exercise, chiropractic and osteopathy. "I am honored to be considered the best acupuncturist in Santa Cruz County," says Craig. "I have the privilege to work with a great team which can decrease healing time. I am able to treat someone with acupuncture, and then they can receive an adjustment or receive stem cell therapy. I alone cannot make as significant of an impact as a group of like-minded professionals can, working together to give comprehensive care to an individual. Just like the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child,' well, it takes a village to heal a person." "A form of Eastern Medicine, acupuncture is used to cure anything from the common cold to internal organ ailments, chronic disease and structural issues such as broken bones and sprains," says Jaimi Jansen, SC CORE's founder/ president. "Acupuncture is becoming increasingly commonplace and is now being used in some hospitals," she adds. Acupuncture is good for healing pain, and for preventative health. It is becoming more popular as a treatment for fertility issues, stress, and hormonal imbalances. "Stress over time can lead to chronic disease, so using acupuncture to help relieve and prevent stress can prevent disease," says Jaimi. Acupuncture can also heal acute and chronic pain. "One thing that is great about acupuncture is that treatment is of…the whole body and not just the symptom," says Craig. "This means it may take a bit longer to heal than a Western medical solution, which often treats the symptom but not the underlying cause." Liz Ellison, who is in her 60's, has been seeing Craig weekly for about four years. "I started seeing him because I have chronic eczema," she says. "The treatments help alleviate outbreaks, and help with better sleep and mental attitude. He also treats me when I start feeling sick. He's basically my primary care provider, and the primary provider for my entire family." Liz's husband, 67-year-old Mike Ellison, had a double knee replacement two years ago and received rehabilitation services from SC CORE staff. "While I owe my excellent recovery to various treatments I received from different providers, the greatest help in the beginning was treatments from Craig I received via home visits he paid right after my surgery. They helped me manage the pain and realignment I experienced with my new knees. I have continued seeing him because my recovery from such a chronic condition and deformities from advanced arthritis required pain management for almost two years. He is a master healer. I see him for issues with any of my joints, colds or flu, or stress. I trust him to help me to help myself." Craig's sessions can consist of one or more of these modalities: moxibustion, cupping, trigger point therapy, Gua Sha, Tui Na, FeldenKrais, needling, infrared heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and cold laser. There are also Chinese herb recommendations when appropriate. Cupping is highly effective for treating musculoskeletal disorders where blood and energy have become stagnant, causing pain, and 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. Moxibustion is burning dried mugwort on certain points of the body. The moxi is burned through the needles, which can help with the common cold. Craig also works with CBD on clients for musculoskeletal ailments. The treatments are comprehensive, with an initial exam and then continuous re-evaluations each time the patient comes in, to ensure patient concerns are up to date and to offer the best treatment for each session. Interested in Craig's services? Call 831-425-9500 for an appointment. "I offer both private sessions and community acupuncture to enable a super-affordable option. People have a right to receive care, and community acupuncture allows for people to be seen who may not otherwise be able to," says Craig. "I also work on weekends. I work with a team of acupuncturists, and we take notes during and after every session so whoever you see will have all the information to provide an awesome treatment." Web site: santacruzcore.com FIVE BRANCHES UNIVERSITY CLINIC Five Branches University's Santa Cruz clinic (they also have one in San Jose) won second place in 2019 "Best Acupuncture." They were awarded first place in 2017 and 2018. Joanna Zhao, LAc, DAOM Fellow, VP, Dean and Clinic Director, co-founded Five Branches University in 1984 with President/CEO THE HEALING POWER OF ACUPUNCTURE: READERS CHOICE WINNERS BY TARA FATEMI WALKER continues on 33...