self-care services 

acupuncture & cupping

I like acupuncture best when combined with cupping. Great way to improve blood flow and proper energy flow in the body. Both in combo heals my back pain in ways massage cannot. Also used to address a host of other problems - amenorrhea, headaches, digestion issues. My favorite acupuncture places on the westside of LA:

Natural Wellness Center in El Segundo.

Use Groupon for first session. Sarah is very skilled and sweet, this is the most thorough acupuncture/cupping work I’ve had. Very detailed intake and herb recommendations.

Lawrence Miller in Culver City.

Use Groupon or he will work with you on pricing. Really good guy.

Westchester Wellness in Westchester.

The great thing about here is that pricing is the same every single time (usually initial sessions are a bit more with the consultation). Acupuncture: $75/session, Cupping: $30/session, Acupuncture + Cupping: $90/session. They also offer services like massage, Holistic Nutrition consultation and Holistic Medicine consultation to name a few. Really affordable and great husband/wife team running this wellness center.

massage

I think treating yourself to a massage once a quarter is very reasonable. That’s only four times a year! With cost and tip, a session is about $60 or $240/year. Not bad. As an actress and dancer whose work is physical, I find it a worthy investment. The de-stressing benefits also end up being priceless. Use Groupon for a location close to you. 

Reflexology

Typically a 1 hour foot massage with the last ten minutes usually spent on neck and shoulders.

nails

Mani/Pedi $ Saving Tips

1. Unless there's a really special occasion, the cheapest mani/pedi tier of services offered, (usually listed as "express" or "basic" mani/pedi) will more than suffice. Express manis can be about $12, mani/pedi combo deals for this should not exceed $30.  

2. Type in "cheap mani pedi __ (name of city)" into Google. You'll then want to find the Yelp page search and hit the tab on top that says "Offering a Deal" as a good way to get an extra deal off a cheap salon.

3. Koreatown or Westminster both have many cheap salons.

4. Check Groupon for mani/pedi deals in your area.

Reservations help make the service better, in my experience.

Splurge Alert! If you’re looking to splurge on an outrageously cool manicure, check out @lillian_nail on Instagram. LA-based manicures (DTLA), appointments are made directly through her, reservation by text only (213) 268-1218.  

Blowout $ Saving Tips

1. The going rate for a blowout (shampoo, blowdry and style) is about $45, not including tip. If you can pay under that, you are saving. I suggest even going to a big chain like Fantastic Sam’s - they have a shampoo + blowdry for $25 (depending on hair length). Some people are weary of places like Fantastic Sam’s, but my thought is that there’s only so much that can go wrong with a blowout. They aren’t taking scissors to your hair, so why not.

2. Type in "cheap blowout __ (name of city)" into Google. You'll then want to find the Yelp page search and hit the tab on top that says "Offering a Deal" as a good way to get an extra deal off a cheap salon.

3. Check Groupon for blowout deals in your area.

4. If you have a regular hair stylist, they might be willing to offer a simple wash and blowout at a lower rate. This way you’re paying someone you already know and like.

5. It doesn’t hurt to ask if your hairstylist has a referral program. If you refer friends to them, they may discount your next visit. 

hair & blowouts