Highway to Health
Looking for the road to wellness? Here's a stress-free guide to a healthy body and mind.
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INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
The pain began two years ago, shortly after Merry Neitlich, 54, won a medal in competitive figure skating. Neitlich still remembers the non-stop coughing from bronchitis and the tremendous pain that radiated from her neck down to her arm. Neitlich, it turned out, had a herniated disc in her neck and bronchial asthma that wouldn’t quit. She did all the right things – saw a doctor specializing in orthopedics and underwent physical therapy.
But lasting relief didn’t come until after she sought help at UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine in Newport Beach. There, she worked with a group of healthcare practitioners who believe in combining the best practices from Western medicine and complementary/alternative medicine (CAM).
Acupuncture sessions reduced the pain significantly enough that Neitlich resumed competitive figure skating. A naturopathic physician at the center ordered some blood tests, which showed that she was sensitive to certain foods. Within a month of eliminating those foods, her asthma symptoms subsided.
There’s no shortage in Orange County of places to go and practitioners who offer remedies and treatments to some conditions and illnesses for which Western medicine sometimes has no concrete answers. The conundrum for us, the patients, is that science – in many cases – still has a lot of catching up to do in enabling us to make informed decisions about our options.
Some therapies, such as meditation, acupuncture and some types of massage therapy are backed by evidence: solid large studies or a body of smaller but well done studies showing effectiveness and safety that have been published in the better-known medical journals, said Dr. Wadie Najm, Samueli Center medical director. Other forms of CAM may have a lot of anecdotal evidence, but fall short of standards, he said.
But there's reason to be optimistic. There is ongoing research throughout the country – including at UCI – in many areas of CAM. And when good evidence becomes available and is recognized, it makes it easier for doctors to green light such treatments and refer us to practitioners of these therapies.
Clinics such as the Samueli Center, hospitals such as Hoag and a handful of physicians’ medical groups have already made some progress in making the once-disconnected and sometimes adversarial realms of Western medicine and CAM work together under one roof.
The Women’s Wellness Center at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach has begun to offer acupuncture and craniosacral therapy to patients. At the hospital’s fairly new Sexual Medicine Program, herbal medicine and acupuncture are used along with conventional treatments to address women’s sexual health problems. The hospital also offers classes about how integrative medicine can be used to maintain good health and to treat stress, pain and chronic illnesses.
Though the menu of CAM therapies is modest, it represents significant progress in the continuum of care, considering how these were unheard of in a traditional hospital or medical center not long ago.
UCI's Najm believes there’s no going back: “I see a lot of limitations in how Western medicine is practiced, both from the physician’s and patient’s perspective. We need a mind-body approach, a model that focuses on prevention and includes nutrition, the lifestyle, the environment. Integrative medicine will be the wave of the future.”
Here’s what you should know when considering integrative medicine:
• Do your research. Go to nccam.nih.gov for summaries of available evidence.
• Discuss the complementary treatment you’re considering with your doctor.
• Find out about the background of your provider and credentials in complementary medicine, such as education and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as long as you do so respectfully.
• Inform your healthcare providers of any medications you are taking and treatments you are receiving.
• Report any adverse effects to your doctor and healthcare provider immediately.
• Know that many complementary medicine therapies and treatments are not covered by health insurance.
Learn more
Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, (949) 757-0443; www.sscim.uci.edu
Sue and Bill Gross Women's Wellness Center, (949) 764-5437; hoaghospital.org/womenshealth/wellness.aspx
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FITTING IN FITNESS
If the body is a temple, then fitness is practically a religion here in Southern California. But if your daily routine of treadmills and free weights is starting to feel like Sunday mass at 6 a.m., you're in luck. The O.C. is full of fitness gurus ready to infuse your tired old workouts with a little new age excitement.
At Harbor Health Club and Spa in Dana Point, it's all about constant change. Through circuit training, the combination of both strength and endurance or aerobic exercises, owner John Arcello keeps his clients fit by keeping the heart rate up and the body guessing. “You burn most body fat at 65% of your max heart rate [so] we go from one exercise to another exercise to another exercise to another. If you do the same thing, every day, your body will stay the same and it won't change.”
Best of all, any change is effective, even in small doses. Looking to shave a few inches off that waistline? According to Arcello, your options are endless. “Simple crunches and things like that will do the job, but then you see people using the [Bosu] ball or hanging. It's really simple, you're just mimicking your body's natural motion.”
Simple changes are also effective for strength training as well. Free weights can be tedious and, worst of all, limiting in their use. “You can change the type of resistance by going away from free weights and using bands or pulleys,” says Leslie Davis, elite trainer at Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo. “Cable-based training is designed to move in the pattern the user defines.”
Fitness doesn't always have to be about monotonous machines at the gym either. Davis says motivation comes from “finding an aspect of the fitness program that relates to real life.” Mimicking sports movements is an effective way to connect working out with something outside the gym. “[You] could do footwork patterns, running around cones or do intricate ladder steps with a ladder on the floor,” Davis says.
For those of you who actually are gearing up for spring and summer athletics, Fitness for Life founder Elaine Gjonovich says changing up the muscle groups you work on is critical for continued improvement. “If you're a runner and you want to increase your time, you may want to add some resistance. I know a coach who trains his runners by putting a parachute on them.”
Focusing on new muscle groups is also the best way to protect your body from overuse and eventual injury. According to Gjonovich, you runners, for example, should always allow for some workouts in your routine that keep the heart pumping but let your legs rest. “Maybe you could do rowing, something that's not going to put as much strain on your body. Or boxing, something that can keep you moving.”
No matter what your goals are, however, what matters is making them a priority. “If you treat it more like a pastime, you're not going to see results,” Gjonovich says.
TOP FIVE FITNESS TRENDS
Creative Cardio
19540 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, (949) 296-1700; equinoxfitness.com
It happens to every fitness lover: burnout. After years of cycling, lifting weights, doing crunches, repeat, the routine gets boring and trips to the gym become infrequent. What you need is something different, something motivating… something like Shreadmill at Equinox in Irvine. The 45-minute class is “coached” by an instructor who challenges you on the treadmill with varying inclines and speeds to develop cardiovascular endurance and strength.
Namasté, Mom-To-Be
Prenatal yoga classes are available at YogaWorks, locations throughout Orange County (Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach). Visit yogaworks.com for more information.
What should you expect while you’re expecting? Yoga. These days, expectant mothers need not feel as if the only thing they’re cut out for is indulging in cravings for grapefruit and anchovies. Prenatal mothers practice traditional poses modified to develop strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and a sense of calm specifically suited for a woman’s pregnancy.
Get Your Sexy On
OC Pole Fitness, 4 Journey, Aliso Viejo, (949) 360-4600; ocpolefitness.com
Balboa Pilates Studio, 204 Washington St., Newport Beach, (949) 675-5888; pilatesonthepole.com
We already know that flinging yourself around a pole leads to some killer abs, but how about that sensual art of lap dancing? If you’re ready to seriously mix up your fitness regime in favor of something a little more risqué, consider checking out OC Pole Fitness’s 90-minute lap dance workshop, where you’ll learn how to seductively approach, navigate around and entertain a very lucky seated object. Or you can try an unusual combination: pole dancing with Pilates, aptly called Pilates on the Pole.
Brazilian Booty Camp
50 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, (949) 643-6700; renaissanceclubsport.com
You've got the killer abs. How about a bodacious booty? Renaissance ClubSport’s sexy boot camp class has a South American twist and features strength and conditioning drills designed to fortify all the major muscle groups, but especially the glutes.
Improve Your Game
17891 Sky Park Circle #F, Irvine, (949) 861-4182; duffyfitness.com
Every athlete knows that feeling of hitting a wall – that point where you can’t seem to get any better. But according to Gordon Duffy of the Duffy Fitness Institute in Irvine, sports-specific training can help athletes overcome plateaus in their growth, as well as prevent injuries by strengthening certain key muscles. Improving baseball, football, hockey, and soccer skills are common requests, but Duffy can develop a program for most athletic endeavors.
THERE'S A WORKOUT FOR EVERYONE.
Here are some to check out:
The Skinny Jeans Workout
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Equinox, 19540 Jamboree Rd., Irvine
(949) 296-1700; equinoxfitness.com
Molly Fox has created the ultimate get- into-those-skinny-jeans workout around. It focuses on tightening and toning the butt, thighs and core, while fusing '80s exercises with innovative 2008 moves. Appropriate
for all ages.
Indo-Row
Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:45 a.m.
The Sports Club/LA-Orange County
1980 Main St., Irvine
(949) 975-8400; thesportsclubla.com
This indoor rowing class, created by world champion rower Josh Crosby, is an intense, calorie-blasting cardio workout. Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Sign-ups 30 minutes before class.
StrollerFit
Locations and class schedules vary; call for details.
StrollerFit-South Orange County
(949) 584-2943; strollerfit.com
Four uniquely designed classes for the busy new mom are aimed to tighten and tone: Stroller-Fit walking class, Restore the Core, Mom and Tot Yoga and newly added MommyMuscle Sculpt. You’ll use weighted bars and resistance tubes and can even carry your baby in a front-carrier for a great workout. $15 per class or monthly packages available.
Krav Maga Orange County
Class schedules vary at two locations:
Dance Asylum
2777 Bristol St. Suite Dr., Costa Mesa
(714) 549-0622; danceasylum.com
Aikido of Southern Orange County
26212 Dimension Dr., Lake Forest
(714) 876-OCKM (6256); kravmagaoc.com
The official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces is taught right in our backyard and it’s a heck of a workout. Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Classes are taught in eight-week sessions. $199 per session. Call or visit the Web site for more information on class schedules and registration.
Cardio Phunk
Thursdays at 6 p.m.
The Spa at South Coast Plaza
695 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa
(714) 850-0050; thespaandfitnessclub.com
This energy-packed cardio class mixes hip-hop moves and music with high-intensity cardio. For beginning to intermediate levels. Non-member $20; extra $10 if want to use the facility. Members are free.
Cycle and Yoga for Athletes Combo Class
Monday through Sunday, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
YAS, 291 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa
(949) 515-8888; Go2YAS.com
This one-hour combo class focuses on yoga poses geared toward areas of the body that are most used by athletes in the first half-hour, followed by a cardio-busting half-hour session of cycling that keeps the heart rate pumping. You're cross-training as well as getting a terrific warm-up for a hardcore ride. Great for athletes and participants of all ages and fitness levels. $16 for a single class; or can be purchased in packages.
LET'S TALK FITNESS
Long-distance running. Extreme flexibility. Not according to Gordon Duffy, founder of the Duffy Fitness Institute in Irvine. The trainer who says that “Soy is for dorks” and declares Orange County “No Booty County” is fed up with the trends he’s been seeing in the fitness industry – and he aims to do something about it.
“People keep doing the same things and are going nowhere,” says Duffy. Frustrated by the quick fixes and bad techniques he sees being taught by other trainers and perpetuated in magazines, Duffy has developed his own system of personally assessing clients. At his institute, each person’s physical imbalances are addressed and a customized exercise program is implemented to correct discrepancies, resulting in a suitable foundation from which to build increased strength, stability, power, and adequate flexibility. “What we teach is almost the exact opposite of what people are doing,” he says. “Being cardio intensive, for example, cannibalizes muscle and breaks down the body... but these things have been perpetuated for so long that it’s hard to convince people otherwise.”
He’s going to try anyway. His new radio show, The Duffy Fitness Show, answers all fitness-related questions from listeners who want to learn the best way to get in shape – and stay that way. “Everyone wants to live longer, but we have to live better, too,” he says. “If your goal is to live at a higher level, this is the program you want to do.”
The Duffy Fitness Show is on 97.1 FM every Sunday morning from 8-9 a.m. Call (949) 861-4182 or visit duffyfitness.com for more information.
SPA-LICIOUS SERENITY
You’ve neglected yourself long enough. It’s time for that smoothing facial or that soothing massage. However, you’re tired of the same old facial and that deep tissue has gotten routine. Something new and different is in order. To help you out, we’ve selected our favorite, unique treatments, hopefully in time for your next spa outing.
Just Surrender
If your body and mind are in need of something far beyond an hour treatment, pamper yourself with Spa Montage’s customized Surrender package. Based on a questionnaire and one-on-one consultation, your therapist designs a series of treatments, selected from anywhere on the spa menu, to specifically suit your needs and desires. It could be a reflexology, sea salt scrub and algae wrap; Manual Lymphatic Drainage and shiatsu massage; or any of a number of other possibilities. Starting at $455 for two hours at Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 715-6000; spamontage.com
Four-Footed Wonder
When hands just aren’t enough, The Ritz-Carlton’s four-feet Ultimate Ashiatsu is the way to go. Performed by two therapists suspending themselves on wooden bars over guests, feet massage your full body, leaving your muscles feeling stretched and lengthened. $390 for an hour at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, (949) 240-2000; ritzcarlton.com
Move Over Hot Stone
Everyone’s heard of the hot stone, but when’s the last time you had hot shells on your back? Surf & Sand Resort's Aquaterra Spa offers the South Pacific Hot Shell Massage, which uses polished hot tiger clam shells to loosen tight muscles and for massage. Heat is created after shells are stuffed with a bag of dried kelp and sea algae, and activated with a mixture of purified water, salt and lavender essential oils. $190 for an hour and 15 minutes at Surf & Sand Resort, 1555 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 376-2772; surfandsandresort.com
Bamboo on You
There’s bamboo furniture, bamboo flooring... and yes, now bamboo massage. The Journey Spa & Wellness Center incorporates wooden bamboo rollers – called bamboo wands – into its new Bamboo Journey Massage, which also includes a foot soak and massage "cupping." Bamboo contains natural silica, which makes up quartz, evoking the energy of crystals during the massage, says spa owner Tana Diaz. The bamboo and massage combined are supposed to help move toxins up to the surface of the body. At the end of the treatment, the therapist performs cupping – using a cup-like attachment at the end of a machine that creates suction on your back – to help flush out toxins that have surfaced from the treatment. $150 for an hour and a half at The Journey Spa & Wellness Center, 247 East Katella Ave., Orange, (877) 576-9772; myjourneyspa.com
Skin Gold
You don’t need to go to your jeweler for your gold fix. Movano Day Spa’s Golden Spoon Facial uses 23-karat gold-plated spoons for a face and neck massage, and to perform a hot-cold therapy in which cold and hot spoons are alternated. The technique is supposed to help rejuvenate the skin by improving circulation and building your skin cells’ immunity. Gold is used because it rarely causes skin allergies and is a good conductor of heat and cold. $65 for 30 minutes, $135 for 50 minutes and an additional $30 for 20 minutes when added to another facial at Movano Day Spa, 2007 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949)715-0225; movanospa.com
Fountain of Youth
Wish you could turn back time? Treat your skin to the Fountain of Youth Signature Facial using organic honey, colostrum, collagen, and a thermal mask at Kelly’s Spa at the Mission Inn. Incorporating a relaxing facial massage that assists with lymphatic drainage, the facial helps reduce facial swelling while it lifts and tones. The treatment also includes an upper-body massage and hand treatment. As part of a $15 million renovation to the inn, the spa has expanded with two additional massage rooms (now totaling 12 treatment rooms including two private villas), two rooms for therapeutic baths and a women’s-only relaxation room including a fireplace. $175 for an hour and 20 minutes at Kelly’s Spa at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, (800) 440-5910; kellysspa.com
LOOKING TO DEAL WITH STRESS?
Talk to your doctor about these complementary therapies:
Rolfing
Oprah brought more awareness to this hands-on bodywork when she featured it in her show. It’s a series of sessions involving soft tissue manipulation, realigning the body and teaching its parts and whole to move more effectively. “It’s a journey, a process of transformation, with a beginning, middle and end,” says Chris Amodeo, a Certified Advanced Rolfer, based in Costa Mesa. Call Amodeo Rolfing at (949) 646-7653. More certified Rolfers at Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, (800) 530-8875, rolf.org
Qigong
A component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, controlled breathing and meditation, with the intention of improving the flow of blood and the flow of qi – the natural energy of the universe. Find it in Orange County through tai chi instructors and teachers in Chinese martial arts studios.
Meditation
It’s a technique that enables your mind and body to reach a state of restful alertness. The body is at rest while the mind becomes calm and wakeful. Call (888) 532-7686 or go to tm.org for the Transcendental Meditation program nearest you.
