YOUR TEAM
Laura Casasayas, L. Ac – Founder
Laura Casasayas, L.Ac., is the founder of Holistic Acupuncture Santa Cruz and has been helping individuals and families achieve better health for more than 15 years. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Laura brings a unique blend of Eastern and Western perspectives to her practice. As a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and fourth-generation descendant of pharmacists and herbalists, she has long been passionate about supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. She provides care in both English and Spanish and is known for her warm, patient-centered approach.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
& CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Dietetics from the University of Barcelona and completed advanced training in Chinese Medicine in both Spain and California, earning Master’s degrees from Instituto ISMET in Barcelona and Five Branches University in California.
Her clinical training includes a residency in hospitals and Chinese medicine clinics in Kunming, China, as well as apprenticeships with Charlie Savoca, L.Ac., Glenn Kazmierski, and David Miller, MD, L.Ac., whose expertise spans women’s health, pediatrics, Chinese Medicine, and integrative care.
With more than 15 years of clinical experience, Laura combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance to provide thoughtful, individualized care that supports each patient's unique health goals.
A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Laura’s own healing journey continues to shape her philosophy of care. Having navigated challenges including asthma, allergies, anxiety, and disordered eating, she understands that healing is rarely linear. This experience deepened her belief in treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.
She approaches wellness as a partnership, helping patients reconnect with their body’s innate wisdom while providing the tools and support needed along the way. Her philosophy is simple: honor the body, stay curious, and support the natural unfolding of health.
SPECIALIZATIONS
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Pregnancy and Postpartum
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Pain Management
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Women's Health
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Immune and Digestive Health
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Stress and Chronic Fatigue
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Chemotherapy Patient Support
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Disorders of sleep
Dr. Julina Sinyard, L. Ac – Acupuncturist
Dr. Julina is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine dedicated to helping patients restore balance, reduce pain, and achieve lasting wellness through compassionate, evidence-informed care. She combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a strong foundation in orthopedic assessment, anatomy, and modern integrative healthcare.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Julina specializes in acute and chronic pain management, orthopedic acupuncture, women’s health, stress-related conditions, and holistic wellness. She also has advanced training in cosmetic and facial rejuvenation acupuncture, offering natural approaches to support healthy aging and overall vitality. Her treatments may incorporate acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, herbal medicine, lifestyle counseling, and other complementary therapies tailored to each individual’s needs.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLINIC
A Capitola resident, Julina is excited to serve her local community. Outside the clinic, she enjoys mountain biking, spending time outdoors with family and friends, and exploring the powerful connection between nutrition, movement, and long-term wellness.
EXPERIENCE
Prior to joining Holistic Acupuncture Santa Cruz, Julina gained experience working in high-volume pain management clinics, integrative medical settings, community acupuncture programs, and private practice. She is trauma-informed and passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard, empowered, and actively involved in their healing journey.
Natalie Kristensen – Community Health & Wellness Specialist
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Natalie Kristensen was raised in Santa Cruz, California, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is bi-cultural and bilingual in Spanish and English. In her free time, she enjoys practicing hot yoga, hiking, surfing, ice skating, and spending time at local vineyards and eateries.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Natalie’s background spans behavioral health crisis teams, community support organizations, and healthcare-based settings. For over a decade, she has worked alongside healthcare providers and interdisciplinary teams supporting individuals navigating chronic health conditions, neurodiversity challenges, burnout, stress, substance use recovery with a focus on opioid use disorder, mental health challenges, and barriers to accessing care.
Additionally, she managed a Food as Medicine program that helped expand medically tailored nutrition initiatives for communities across California. Her work includes collaborating with health plans, registered dietitians, and organizations to improve access to nutritious and sustainable food.
A PERSONAL APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Natalie’s perspective on wellness is also deeply personal. After supporting her mother through cancer treatment, she developed a strong understanding of the emotional and physical toll that chronic stress and caregiving can have on overall well-being, particularly for working professionals navigating systems that are not designed to support caregivers or fully understand the cultural dynamics and challenges individuals may face.
That experience shaped her interest in sustainable wellness practices focused on stress support, caregiver burnout prevention, and navigating complex medical and social systems. In addition to her healthcare and community wellness background, Natalie is a trained yoga instructor and enjoys integrating restorative yoga practices into her approach to well-being.