Fitness Front

Michelle Ebbin is a renowned wellness/massage expert, and the author of four books. She appears regularly in the media to discuss the benefits of natural therapies and healthy living. She lives in Montecito with her husband, Luke, and three boys. Instagram @MichelleEbbin Needle Stress Away

chronic problems, as well as my #1 choice for overall stress relief. Right now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has altered every aspect of life and protests plus political unrest compound our daily stress, acupuncture is a powerful alternative therapy that everyone could use. increases circulation, restores balance to the energy or “chi” that flows through channels known as meridians that run throughout the body, and Institutes of Health have shown that acupuncture can help regulate and

If you’re feeling stressed out (and For those who just aren’t ready for consultations for professional grade

Laura says: “I think everyone is aware that extreme stress, poor nutrition and lack of sleep can lower the immune system. Your immune system is your main line of defense to ward off viruses and bacteria. It makes sense to do everything we can to strengthen our immune systems to help prevent any ‘invaders,’ mainly the current coronavirus. Rather than wait until it’s too late and reach for thecommon over the counter Western medicines that only help with symptoms – often by suppressing the immune system to stop the particular symptom – acupuncture can help you tackle the cause of why you are feeling ill in the first place! It can strengthen your own body’s natural defenses to balance and fight off any invaders naturally so you don’t have the unwanted symptoms in the

Acupuncture naturally boosts your immune system and helps with stress and anxiety, along with offering a multitude of other benefits

Downtown Community Acupuncture reopened in May with lounge 50% lowered capacity chairs more than six feet apart and For those who haven’t tried it, acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing

Believe it or not, I’m afraid of many common problems, including technique of Traditional Chinese needles. In fact, I used to faint anxiety, stress, to boost my immune Medicine that involves inserting very every time I had blood taken. system, and yes, even for “facial rejuthin, flexible needles (often no thicker Yet despite my fear I’ve turned to venation.” Acupuncture has been my than human hair) into specific points acupuncture for decades to help with go-to treatment for both acute and on the skin. Stimulating these points Bonita Beach triggers the body’s natural healing response. It doesn’t hurt and the valuable results are often immediate and Bohemian Lifestyle long lasting. Studies by the National OUR stimulate the immune system with regular treatments. Summer who isn’t these days?), energy depleted, or simply not 100% yourself, I highly suggest trying acupuncture. One of my favorite acupuncturists in SALE town is Laura Schlieske, founder of Downtown Community Acupuncture (DCA) and a 13-year practitioner with STARTS WE D N ESDAY a Master’s Degree of Acupuncture J U LY 1ST and Oriental Medicine from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine. 40 - 75 % 0ff! needles just yet, Laura and her team also provide herbal and nutritional O U TDOOR F I T T I N G PROVI D ED R OOM S herbal formulas to help destroy viruses and bacteria, boost immunity, and balance the body in general. She has MAS K U P ! specific formulas for stress, sleep, hormone balance, and pain. first place.”

16 MONTECITO JOURNAL “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass In California, acupuncturists are considered Primary Care Providers and Downtown Community Acupuncture was able to reopen in May strictly following Santa Barbara County Health guidelines.

In California, acupuncturists are considered Primary Care Providers and Downtown Community Acupuncture was able to reopen in May strictly following Santa Barbara County Health guidelines. This clinic is in the unique position to offer safe, community acupuncture with lounge chairs in the treatment area spaced more than six feet apart, a spacious high ceilinged, well-ventilated building, and 50% lowered capacity to ensure proper social distancing. I personally love community acupuncture because there’s a soothing, visceral energy that fills the room when several people are being treated at the same time and everyone is focused on healing. According to Laura, “Studies have shown that when a patient ‘rests’ with the needles and with one other or more people in the same room, it enhances the healing process.”

Downtown Community Acupuncture is open Monday through Saturday, with pricing based on a sliding scale: $25 - $50 (plus $15 fee for the initial visit). As acupuncture is meant to be done frequently, the affordable pricing makes it easy for people to fit in regular, consistent sessions, and for first timers who are curious about Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Whether you choose needles or herbs or both, you’re in good hands at DCA! (And yes, the acupuncture facial was fabulous.) •MJ

For more info: www.YourDCA.com Phone: (805) 845-8878 Downtown Community Acupuncture 209 West Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

MORE ONLINE AT VILLAGESITE.COM

736 Toro Canyon Rd | Santa Barbara | 4BD/4BA DRE 01236143/01410304 | Offered at $7,500,000 Grubb Campbell Group 805.895.6226

502 Picacho Ln | Montecito | 4BD/5BA DRE 01815307 | Offered at $4,495,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group 805.698.0199

975 Lilac Dr | Santa Barbara | 5BD/8BA DRE 01815307 | Offered at $16,900,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group 805.565.8600

4558 Via Esperanza | Santa Barbara | 5BD/6BA DRE 01005773 | Offered at $9,975,000 Gregg Leach 805.886.9000

1398 Oak Creek Canyon Rd | Montecito | 6BD/7BA DRE 01815307 | Offered at $9,950,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group 805.698.0199

2662 Sycamore Canyon Rd | Montecito | 5BD/6BA DRE 00978392 | Offered at $9,875,000 John A Sener 805.331.7402

610 Cima Vista Ln | Montecito | 6BD/8BA DRE 01815307 | Offered at $8,995,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group 805.565.8600

209 Greenwell Ave | Summerland | 4BD/4BA DRE 01815307 | Offered at $6,195,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group 805.698.0199

665 Las Alturas Rd | Santa Barbara | 5BD/4BA DRE 00914713 | Offered at $3,175,000 Tim Walsh 805.259.8808

790 Rockbridge Rd | Santa Barbara | 3BD/3BA DRE 00914713 | Offered at $2,995,000 Tim Walsh 805.259.8808

665 Coyote Rd | Santa Barbara | 5BD/4BA DRE 01236143/01410304 | Offered at $2,395,000 Grubb Campbell Group 805.895.6226

18 W Quinto St | Santa Barbara | 3BD/3BA DRE 01509445 | Offered at $2,395,000 Aaron Gilles 805.895.1877 2525 Banner Ave | Summerland | 4BD/3BA DRE 01236143/01410304 | Offered at $2,250,000 Grubb Campbell Group 805.895.6226

4357 Cuna Dr | Santa Barbara | 5BD/5BA DRE 01497110 | Offered at $2,245,000 Amy J Baird 805.478.9318

5617 W Camino Cielo | Santa Barbara | 3BD/3BA DRE 01813897 | Offered at $2,165,000 David M Kim 805.296.0662

30 Fairwood Ln | Santa Barbara | 3BD/3BA DRE 00835438 | Offered at $2,125,000 Jackie Walters 805.570.0558 5150 E Camino Cielo | Santa Barbara | 4BD/4BA DRE 00835438 | Offered at $1,795,000 Jackie Walters 805.570.0558

2206 Alameda Padre Serra | Santa Barbara | 3BD/4BA DRE 00778203 | Offered at $1,595,000 Mary Lu Edick 805.452.3258

WE REACH A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE THROUGH OUR EXCLUSIVE AFFILIATES