Bay Area Wellness Guide: The Best Fitness Classes, Healthy Eats, Holistic Healers + More
(Courtesy of @outdooryogasf)

Bay Area Wellness Guide: The Best Fitness Classes, Healthy Eats, Holistic Healers + More

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Looking and feeling your best comes from the inside.

So take care of your whole body with our arsenal of Bay Area health and wellness resources including yoga and fitness classes, healthy meal plans, relaxing massages, energy healers, chiropractors, sound baths, and even holistic vets for your BFF. We've curated the best of it all. Go forth, and be well.


Stretch + Sweat: The Best Yoga, Pilates + Fitness Classes in the Bay Area

YOGA TO THE PEOPLE

Among those who om, Julie Aiello has become a Bay Area household name. Her popular Outdoor Yoga SF provides a few opportunities each week to take your practice al fresco with classes in flow, Vinyasa, and even silent disco yoga taught by local instructors at Baker Beach and Crissy Field. // Stephanie Snyder's studio may feel the Mission's toniest spa, but the droves of devoted yogis who practice at Love Story(473 Valencia St, Mission) come to sweat it out to challenging, spiritually spiked all-level Vinyasa flows. Advanced practitioners pack the weeknight Vinyasa Flow Level 2/3 classes mat to mat. // It may be corporate, but there's nothing formulaic about Yoga Tree's Bay Area studios (multiple locations), which offer a broad spectrum of classes from kundalini to kirtan, acro to restorative. // Due to its prime Union Street address, The Pad(1694 Union St, Cow Hollow), celebrating its 10th anniversary, has become It Girl central. You can find the beautiful ones enjoying the studio's creative programming, which includes a restorative practice with aromatherapy and reiki training. // Unobtrusive from the outside, packed and buzzy on the inside, Yoga Flow(1892 Union St, Cow Hollow) is best known for its challenging heated flow classes. // The East Bay's Namaste Yoga(multiple locations in Oakland and Berkeley) offers a wide range of class styles that cover not just athletic variations on flow, but also Nia dance, mediation, and intensives such as yoga for beauty and aging.


PILATES FOR STRENGTH

Set in a chic and industrial studio, Informed Body(1731 Buchanan St. #1b, Japantown) offers expert classical instruction on a variety of Pilates machines either one-on-one or as part of a duet or trio (amazing for getting all of the personal attention while saving a few bucks). Also try FitSprings, a low-impact, Pilates-meets-dance-style workout employing spring technology for Peter Pan fun. // The studio of choice for so many fitness professionals due to its focus on classical machine technique, Mighty Pilates(3654 Sacramento St., Presidio Heights) also offers non-traditional coursework (try booty and core) using a variety of Pilates machines to fine tune form and dig deeply into muscles you never knew existed. Look for the opening of a Marin location, at Larkspur Landing, in the spring of 2019. // If you've got your technique down and want to amp up the resistance and speed, the FitFormers at Pilates ProWorks(multiple locations in SF, Marin, and Burlingame)will push you beyond anything Mr. Joseph Pilates could have imagined. // Founded by a ballerina turned Pilates pro, MNTSTUDIO(766 Brannan St, SoMa) offers reformer classes rooted in classical Pilates but with an athletic approach—even though your heart is pumping and you're breaking a sweat, your technique remains, ahem, on point. Also look for teaching trainings and the occasional exotic retreat. // Situated in Union Square,Maiden Lane Studios(80 Maiden Ln, Union Square) is a small, sunny, and modern space where we can breathe through our hundreds in peace. Plus, reformer and mixed apparatus classes are limited to just four people, so we can get all the special attention we need. The studio also offers yoga, barre, and fascial stretch therapy. // We first met instructor Kelsey Wiedenhoefer when she was working at Maiden Lane; now the East Bay Pilates maven has her own place, MoveWith Studio(11100 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito). Go for private Pilates and classes, as well as fascial stretch therapy, and reiki.


SWEATIEST CLASSES

The Bay Area has absolutely no shortage of perfectly intense ways to work up a sweat. At the start of 2019, New York's cultish Rumble Boxing(180 Sansome St., FiDi) roared into San Francisco with its 45-minute, 10-round athletic workout that alternates between punching heavy bags to carefully choreographed sequences, as well as floor work where you'll find yourself lunging, squatting, and maybe even doing some Russian twists and nasty planks. It all goes down in a dark room with loud hip-hop beats, and classes are taught by some of SF's finest instructors. Read more about our experience here. // If you've had your fill of regular old bootcamps, give Capoeira a spin. The Brazilian art form that combines fight, dance, rhythm, and movement promises a kick-butt endurance workout too. Classes are being offered for beginners, pseudo-pros, and even kids at the new Axé gym(3261 Martin Luther King Blvd. Oakland). // At Studiomix (1000 Van Ness Ave., Tendernob), former Broadway ballet dancer Ken Scott's no-impact WillPower & Grace classclass is a barefoot cardio flow class that pays special attention to footwork in order to stabilize and engage your core. // Having been called the "SoulCycle of yoga," Ritual(586 6th St, SoMa and 49 Kearny St, FiDi) offers a 55-minute fast-moving Vinyasa in a heated room. It is also the only studio to include one private yoga class per week in its $200 monthly membership. // Not for those looking for a relaxed ride, SoulCycle's (multiple locations Bay Area–wide) energetic and inspiring instructors lead some of the most intense 45-minute cardio classes in town through a series of flat sprints, hill climbs, core work, and the signature SoulCycle "tap back." You thought SoulCycle's standard 45-minute sessions were sweaty? The brand's new, 60-minute HIIT class will push your heart rate and your sweat glands to their limits. // Speaking of riding, if SoulCycle's whole schtick is just a bit much for your taste, try a mellower flavor at Pelo Fitness(171 3rd St., San Rafael; and 2325 Polk St, Russian Hill), where the half-hour Cycle30 class guarantees a solid HIIT spin. // If you love barre but feel like you need a second workout just to get your cardio in,Salt's(327 Divisadero St, Lower Haight) clever barre-and-boxing fusion class, Barre Fight, will get you strength, length, and sweat in one 60-minute session. // The interval class that launched a thousand copycats, the tried-and-true Barry's Bootcamp(multiple locations in SF) formula mixes treadmill grinds with resistance work. The franchise just opened new Bay Area locations in Burlingame and SF's Castro. // North Beach training gym TribeFit(222 Columbus Ave. #220, North Beach) offers a mix of rowing, strength and conditioning, HIIT, and personal training.


FITNESS FOR BEGINNERS

The gorgeously converted church that is now the Assembly(449 14th St, Mission) plays host not just to mind expanding art and wellness talks, or posh coworking digs for monthly members, but to some of the most forward-thinking group fitness classes in town. Drop in for 30- and 45-minute classes in vinyasa and Sky Ting yoga, stretching, and meditation. // If you're Ashtanga-curious and not yet ready to commit to a self-led Mysore practice, the Ashtanga Primer class at Asta Yoga(417 14th St, Mission) modifies poses to be challenging yet not out of reach for beginners. // SF's most stylish spin on ballet fitness, Avant Barre(592 3rd St, SoMa) features a signature class with fun and functional choreography that uses full-body movements such as pushups en relevé that are more about the sculpting than they are about technique. // For eager beginners hoping to fast-track their way to stripper strength in an non-intimidating space, the classes at SF Pole & Dance(301 8th St. #202, SoMa) include intros to pole, handstands, and floor acrobatics.


ACTIVE APPS

No, Tonal isn't exactly an app. It's more like a top-of-the-line flat-screen TV equipped with science-fiction-quality intelligence and virtual trainers who can guide you through pretty much any workout you can imagine, any time of day, from the comfort of your own home or office. You can try it out at the new SF showroom (1824 Union St, Cow Hollow). // While it might be the dream to have JLaw's personal trainer leading us through workouts and showing us what to eat while we're busy starring in the next Marvel movie, the next best thing might be SF's newest digital fitness startup, Everfit. A Slack-enabled "trainer in your pocket" creates workout, nutrition and recovery plans with regular check-ins on progress and encouragement along the way. // Like a magical gym where you can take class at any time from all of your fitness faves, Alo Moves features classes in various forms of yoga, Pilates, barre, and more taught by superstar instructors (including the Bay Area's own Janet Stone) that can be purchased á la carte or in training bundles without an ongoing subscription. // Launched in the Bay Area in January 2017, Handstand is an on-demand personal training app for finding a thoroughly vetted (and affordable) trainer or coach who can help you strength train or fine-tune your yoga technique on your own schedule. // The app for exploring new studios and buying classes at a discount, ZenRezhas a large inventory of classes offered by an impressive roster of partner yoga studios. // Friends have gone from couch to 10K using Aaptiv, an audio app that specializes in running and yoga for any level of fitness, and provides goal-based challenges and coaching along the way.


ALTERNATIVE FITNESS

From beginners learning their first "footlock" to those who can "wheeldown" with ease, the aerial-silks courses at Aerial Artique(132 9th St. #302, SoMa) will do wonders for your upper body and core while doing your best Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. // It may not have the sleek locker rooms of a luxury gym or that new-studio smell, but SF's landmark Circus Center(755 Frederick St, Inner Sunset) is where you can work on strength and balance with circus and acrobatics experts in handstands, aerial silks, and tightrope. // Revision Athletics' classes, held outdoors throughout the city at locations such as Aquatic Park Pier and the Palace of Fine Arts, combine interval work with bodyweight exercises to build functional strength and endurance in a community-driven environment. // Fitness bootcamp, yoga, and meditation for the time-deficient, Zenfit(multiple pop-up locations) rolls them all into one hour-long, nighttime pop-up class that begins with 25 minutes of HIIT, followed by 20 minutes of a yoga flow, and finishes with a 10-minute guided meditation.

Eat Up: Healthy Meal Delivery, Restaurants, Juice Cleanses + More in the Bay Area

HEALTHY MEAL DELIVERY

Good Eggs has our hearts when it comes to the freshest, most artisanal online grocery delivery. The Bay Area–based service also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal kits to make cooking a snap. // At The Cupboard SF, chef and nutritionist Rachael Gorjestani cooks up healthy meals from her kitchen to deliver to anyone and everyone who wants a pre-made, homemade healthy lunch—in singles or packs of four. // Luke's Local has meal plans and pre-packed lunch boxes made by professional chefs with sustainable ingredients. They even have a house butcher. // Sakara Life launched its nutrition-focused meal delivery program in the Bay Area in 2016 after finding success in NYC and L.A. Big name celebs (ahem, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Chrissy Teigen) are hooked on the brand's delicious plant-based and organic meals. // All the gluten- and dairy-free meals at Methodologyare customized to suit your body type, personal preferences, health goals, and allergies. // Thistle also delivers GF and DF meals, as well as cold-pressed juices. // Once a week, Purple Carrot ships everything you need to prepare quick-and-easy vegetarian meals in 40 minutes or less. // Berkeley-based Three Stone Hearth's weekly menu features nutrient-rich foods with maximum digestibility such as black bean chili, cottage pie with cauliflower mash, and even maple-vanilla tapioca pudding. // Green Tiffin takes meal delivery to another level with plant-based sustainable food, eco-friendly delivery (e-bike), and reusable double-decker "tiffins" that come in a burlap sack that keeps food cold and creates zero waste. // Those seeking vegetarian meals will be thrilled to discover Veestro. Their 100 percent plant-based, organic, non-GMO, and chef-prepared entrees and juices are available a la carte, in meal packs, and there's even a gluten-free feast and weight loss menu plan. // If breaking down and tossing out the copious packaging that tends to come with so many meal delivery kits drives you up the wall, Terra's Kitchen provides everything you need in a climate-controlled, drawer-organized refrigerator. When you're finished with your ingredients, they'll pick it up and reuse it up to 100 times. // Model Meals offers an array of options including grain-free, Whole 30-compatible, local, and organic meals delivered two days a week.


RESTAURANTS WITH VEGAN + GLUTEN-FREE FOCUS

If you find yourself in North Oakland and in the mood for something wholesome, The Well(5443 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) has it. The gluten-free kitchen serves the likes of turmeric daikon congee, toasted sesame salad, and cashewgurt granola bowls, as well as kava, herbal lattes, and coffees. // Locally sourced and globally inspired, the menu at Millenium(5912 College Ave, Oakland) is constantly evolving—the restaurant is now open for brunch as well as online ordering. // Souley Vegan(301 Broadway, Oakland)is full of traditional Southern flavors; chow down on seitan steaks, sweet potato waffles, battered kale, and fried okra. // Shizen(370 14th St, Mission) prepares authentic Japanese dishes free of seafood, meat, dairy, or any other animal byproduct. Try their kale and beet salads, smoked bean curd and grilled mushroom skewers, and intricate sushi rolls made with spicy tofuna (that's faux tuna), avocado, and chili tobiko. // San Francisco Little Gem(400 Grove St, Hayes Valley), which offers a menu that's gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar-free at lunch, brunch, and dinner, opened its second location in Cow Hollow (2184 Union St.) in March of 2019. // Serving up flavor-forward cuisine that caters to vegans, vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivity, menu items at True Food Kitchen (180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto and 120 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek) are based on the anti-inflammatory diet principles of wellness superstar and father of integrative medicine Dr. Andrew Weil. // For dessert, Pepples Donut Farm(Oakland, Berkeley, and SF Ferry Building), a strictly vegan donut maker, will put any sweet tooth at ease with their grand selection of fried, filled, and glazed decadence. // Grab a sweet vegan treat and a individual pot of tea at the ever-popularTimeless Coffee Roasters and Bakery (4252 Piedmont Ave, Oakland; and 2965 College Ave., Berkeley). // The Butcher's Son has an ever-changing menu with a variety of house-made "meats" and "cheeses" that will make you rethink what it means to be vegan. Their plant-based takes on deli classics and delectable pastries include meatball grinders, fried chicken, pulled pork and bacon patty melts; bonus points for delivery service! // Head over to Gracias Madre for vegan Taco Tuesdays and gorge on fried cauliflower with cashew-based queso in a warm tortilla. // Eat at Oakland's Shangri-La(4001 Linden St. and 4905 Telegraph Ave.), you only have two options: moderate or full and you'll get a hearty soup, endless kukicha tea, and a heaping plate of deliciously cooked greens, legumes, and veggies. Scope the day's menu online in advance. // At Ananda Fuara(1298 Market St, Civic Center), spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy creates vegetarian and vegan eats like mushroom ravioli, curries, and mushroom burgers. // Prefer to cook it yourself? Gluten Free Forever, a quarterly magazine based in San Francisco, collects recipes from top chefs, tutorials for mastering gluten-free cooking, and a whole lot of stunning photography.


ULTIMATE JUICE CLEANSES

If a lifestyle reset is what you're looking for, Urban Remedy has it in liquid form (cleanses include low-glycemic, warming soups, super greens, and more) and in solid: Having expanded well beyond juices, the company now has offers real food meal plans for those on keto and anti-inflammatory diets. // Adorably presented, Can Can Cleanse's mason jar-packed cleanse options range from all juice, mostly green, to mostly juice with some nut milk and a light dinner salad. // The Classic Reset is Project Juice's liquid-only cleanse that helps get rid of pesky cravings and fire up your newfound clean-eating habits. Six bottles include a D-Tox blend of chlorophyll, mint, green apple, and young coconut water, as well as the signature indulgence, Cashew Mylk. // If you're an experienced cleanser looking to up your juice-fast game, Juice Shop's Pro Cleanse offers an all-green organic vegetable juice cleanse with no fruit added. // Pressed Juicery has three different cleanse options: for first time cleansers and athletes (rich in protein and complex carbohydrates); those who want a balanced cleanse and juices with high efficacy; and their most intense, lowest calorie option for experienced cleansers. // Regenerate without feeling overly fatigued or starved with Happy Moose Juice. Try their full or mini cleanses packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and living enzymes to restore balance.


HEALING BONE BROTH

Your favorite Bay Area–based sustainable butcher-restaurant Belcampo Meat Co.(55 Webster St., Oakland; and 2405 Larkspur Landing, Larkspur) may have closed its SF location, but you can still get their two bone broth options—organic beef and pork bones, or organic chicken and turkey carcasses and vegetables, all simmered for a minimum of 20 hours to extract all the beneficial collagens from the bones—in the Oakland and Marin. Enjoy a cup over brunch, or get a 28oz. container for $16. // Proposition Chicken's(1750 Market St, Mid-Market; and 3260 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland) broth really pushes the health agenda: Their $5 cup of chicken bone broth is simmered with another miracle elixir, apple cider vinegar, for 24 hours. // With a slew of healthy, organic fare, it's no surprise that As Quoted (3613 Sacramento St, Presidio Heights) also has their very own bone broth, made with pasture-raised chicken, chives, and Jacobsen sea salt. // Cooked in small, slow batches, and seasoned with organic veggies, seaweed and sea salt, Broth Baby delivers delicious doses of protein and minerals to your door. // Cafe Umami(2224 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland)offers Broth Baby's brew with a little something extra: Their broth bowl has brown rice, mushrooms, blanched spinach, burdock pickle, sauerkraut, and a dash of nori-gomasio. Don't miss the broffee, that's right—bone broth-infused coffee. // Mission Heirloom's (2085 Vine St, Berkeley) house-seasoned bone broth is made with the most highly gelatinous bones they can find; and they blend all the collagen and soft cartilage from the bones back into the broth so it's as nutrient-rich as possible (imagine the glowing skin and hair you'll have). Pop in for a cup of sipping bone broth in their outdoor garden (add a sous vide egg for some extra oomph), or grab a jar to take home.


For more healthy eats and drinks in San Francisco, check out Kale Junkie's healthyish guide to the city.

Bliss Out: Massage Therapy, Acupuncture + Energy Healing in the Bay Area

BODY AND SKIN CARE

Stylish zen spot Onsen Bath & Restaurant(466 Eddy St., Tenderloin) is at last offering massage therapies. Schedule a time to soak in the communal tub and indulge in a deep tissue, shiatsu, or Esalen massage, as well as various healing modalities including reiki, cupping, and acupressure. // The addition of CBD-infused treatments to NorCal spa menus is elevating the possibilities for blissing out. Goldenseal Skincare (153 Piedmont Ave., #2, Oakland) offers cannabidiol facials; Soulstice, Marin's popular mind and body spa, is offering aCBD wellness massage using Vital Body Therapeutics' CBD-infused shea butter; and the revamped Spa at Carneros Resort (Carneros Resort & Spa, 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Carneros) combines full spectrum CBD oil with camphor and arnica in the pain-reducing Heal Me Massage. Check out more CBD-infused spa treatments around Northern California. // Although anyone could benefit from the hands of holistic massage therapist Michelle Bravo, the EOS™ Lymphatic Massage at EOS Massage(450 Sutter St., #2011, Union Square) is particularly healing for people seeking post-operative support for oncology, plastic surgery, or orthopedic procedures. Includes therapeutic-grade essential oils to help soothe, detoxify and heal the body. // At the all-suite, hyper-luxurious Meadowood Spa (900 Meadowood Ln, St. Helena)—complete with soaking pools, relaxation gardens, and its own culinary offering—hotel guests and club members may hole up among plush furnishings, private steam rooms, and views to tranquil natural surrounds for the Essential Journey, a 90-minute refresh sesh that includes a one-hour massage, facial or body treatment plus a wellness consultation. // In addition to Swedish and shiatsu massage, Pearl Spa(1654 Post St, Japantown), a women-only oasis, is known for its unique Korean spa offerings: Let a pool of marble-sized clay balls massages your aching muscles, or balance your energy and blood sugar levels in the Himalayan salt room. // We have long loved International Orange (2044 Fillmore St, 2nd Floor, Lower Pac Heights; and 2421 Larkspur Landing, Marin Country Mart) for its four-handed massage; now we're applauding the addition of a special oncology massage, custom-designed for clients in cancer treatment. // Healthy, radiant skin starts with a comprehensive skincare and body wellness consultation with Kristina Holey(864 Post St., Tenderloin). Once she has identified internal and external imbalances, treatment includes a combo of traditional Chinese medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations. // Recharge at Reboot Float & Cryo Spa (multiple locations in SF and Oakland), where you can calm the eff down in womb-like float pods, detox in the infrared sauna, and heal your joints and get a zing of energy with cryogenic freezing.


ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS + MORE

Moss Acupuncture(415 Spruce St., Presidio Heights), a traditional Chinese medicine practice led by Jennifer Moss, serves up acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and moxibustion to relieve whatever ails you, from PMS to poor digestion. // Known for her sense of humor, thorough consultations, and magical pre-needling massage, Marintha Tewksbury(605 Chenery St., Civic Center) is a universally adored healer. // Jonah Hershowitz, cofounder of San Francisco Acupuncture Group(220 Montgomery St, Suite 450, FiDi), is passionate about helping his patients with highly individualized plans that may include acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, and light and laser therapies. // For almost 40 years, Goop-approved acupuncturist Margaret "Peggy" Arent(620 Euclid Ave, Inner Richmond) has been practicing holistic Classical Five Element acupuncture. The journey begins with a rigorous diagnostic consultation. (Fun fact: Alice Waters is a longtime student.) // With a background in cell and developmental biology, Camille Schindler of Honeycomb Acupuncture(541 Athol Ave, Oakland) pairs acupuncture sessions with massage so you feel entirely rejuvenated afterward. // Jonny Nobleza of Root Source Medicine(2730 Telegraph Avenue Suite 2, Berkeley) is one of the most zen-ned out humans you'll meet—just being in this yogi's presence has a calming effect. Practicing East Asian medicine, acupuncture, and bodywork, he offers craniosacral therapy, cupping, and moxibustion, and more. // Want to DIY a healing brew? Swing by one of two locations of Homestead Apothecary(486 49th St. in Temescal Alley; and 3807 Macarthur Blvd., Oakland) for tinctures and tonics to slay allergies, support cognition, and encourage sweet dreams; herbal teas; gem stones; herbals smokes; and more.


ENERGY HEALING

Integrative nurse practitioner Anne Easthope's expertise is treating women's health and fertility issues, as well as autoimmune and thyroid/adrenal problems at CPMC's Institute for Health & Healing Clinic(2300 California St., Pacific Heights). Addressing more than just symptoms, her unique treatment blends nursing, holistic, and medical care to meet the needs of each client. Everyone needs to clear their chakras at some point, right? // When the time comes, hit up Tanya Corona(1069 York St., Mission) for a crystal therapy session wherein various gemstones and rocks are used along with a combination of healing techniques such as reiki. These sessions are also meant to activate your own healing abilities. // Put a little shamanism in your life with a session at Vibrant Reiki(399 Arguello Blvd., Inner Richmond), where founder and shaman Anna Dorian blends traditional ceremony with the needs and desires of individuals, which often includes laughing, or crying. They also offer shamanic classes and circles. // SF Reiki Center(3150 18th St #243, Mission) caters to a multitude of reiki needs include private sessions, distance sessions, a Monday evening clinic, as well as classes and workshops.


COLONICS ARE THE SH*T

Marinites in need of Marie Kondo-ing their colons flock to CleanseMarin(1100 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., #3, Kentfield) for colon hydrotherapy, as well as customized detoxification/cleansing programs. // Cultivate Detox(4333 Piedmont Ave, Oakland)is the only Bay Area studio offering the Woods Gravity cleansing system; you can even take a class in colon hygiene.

The Best Integrative Medicine, Healthy Dentists, Chiropractors + Vets in the Bay Area

(Courtesy of Chiro-Medical Group)

CHIROPRACTORS ARE THE NEW GP

Once upon a time, the chiropractor was simply good for a crack. But with a surge in integrative practices, and specialties ranging from nutrition to physical therapy to neurology, modern chiro offices are one-stop wellness shops. Chiro-Medical Group(One and Three Embarcadero Center, FiDi) brings to the table wizards of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, nutrition, and athletic training for a 360 approach to care. // At Kinetic Chiropractic(4170 Piedmont Ave., Ste. E), Dr. Lisa Koenig combines kinsesiology and chiropractic to target disorders from sciatica to autoimmunities and insomnia. // Marathoners and mountain climbers trust Lisa Covey and her team at FitWell Chiropractic Sports Medicine(900 Noe St., Castro) to cure acute injuries and chronic nuisances through a menu of offerings that includes Active Release Technique (ART), functional rehab, massage therapy, and even Pilates. // At Union Square Chiropractic(450 Sutter St., Ste. 825), Jacalyn Buettner (aka Dr. B.) practices an inside-out approach, offering detox programs as well as Designed Clinical Nutrition, which utilizes whole-food supplements to correct underlying deficiencies or imbalances. // Dr. Steven Katz(Harmonia Wellness Center, 2200 Marinship Way, Sausalito) is Marin's go-to for diehard yogis: In addition to his brand of chiropractic-meets-yoga therapeutics, Katz teaches courses on yoga posture alignment. Go on, show him your downward dog.


THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS: INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

There may come a time when you need to bring out the big guns (knock on wood). For folks with more serious health concerns who may also be wary of the medical establishment, these practices marry the best of Western, alternative, and precision techniques. We swear by the wisdom of Dr. Ahvie Herskowitz, founder of Anatara Medicine(1700 California St, Ste. 250, Pacific Heights), who fights everything from aging to Lyme disease and cancer with various IV therapies, multi-pass ozone, and low-dose chemotherapy, as well as naturopathic, regenerative, and genomic medicines. // Functional medicine clinic Parsley Health(600 California St, Chinatown) is the only doctor's office we've ever visited inside of a WeWork, but that's not the only first we experienced here. Its cutting-edge cred spans from its real estate to 24/7 messaging, to a big focus on testing for data-driven preventative medicine, a 90-minute initial intake appointment and regular check-ups with an on-staff health coach. The membership-based services include precision testing, stress management, health-coaching, and 24/7 access to medical records. // West meets East at Dr. Michael Broffman's 30-year-old Pine Street Clinic(124 Pine St., San Anselmo), where the holistic approach to cancer treatment includes acupuncture and herbal protocols. // For integrative offerings in a more traditional setting, try Sutter's Institute of Health and Healing(multiple locations) or UCSF's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine(1545 Divisadero St., 4th Fl., Pacific Heights). // San Francisco Natural Medicine(1615 20th St, Potrero Hill) offers everything from neuroscience testing to acupuncture.


THE DENTIST'S OFFICE 2.0

Polishing up your pearly whites need not be a pain—modern Bay Area dentists are making the experience greener and more stylish. In San Francisco and Orinda, brothers Koopah & Koopah(490 Post St., Ste. 710 Union Square; and 96 David Rd., Ste. 6, Orinda) run a tight and smartly outfitted ship, with design-minded furnishings, cutting-edge technology (they can 3D print your next crown!), and a focus in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. // Meanwhile in Berkeley, Transcendentist(3030 Ashby Ave., Ste. 101, Berkeley) lives up to its hippie name. Billed as the "very first green dentist office the country," this holistic practice uses only sustainable and nontoxic materials—think BPA-free mouth guards and low-radiation digital imaging. // For an eco-friendly take on dentistry in the North Bay, make an appointment at Smile Marin(1000 S. Eliseo Dr., Ste. 202, Greenbrae), where Dr. Eric Zaremski may treat your teeth and gums with a painless application of bacteria-busting ozone.


HOLISTIC VETS TO THE RESCUE

Do unto your pets as you would do unto yourselves. Get thee to one of the Bay Area's most forward-thinking vets. Blue Sparrow Holistic Veterinary House Calls(check their site for Bay Area service locations) emphasizes a blend of Western and traditional Chinese veterinary practices. Dr. Araba Oglesby offers preventative and wellness care through acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition—and she takes the pain out of dragging your quivering pup to the vet. // Lotus Veterinary(Bay Area–wide) also comes to you, offering integrative treatments such as cold laser and ozone therapy. // SF's Healthy Pets Veterinary Hospital(373 West Portal Ave, Forest Hill) provides both Western-style and holistic care, plus massage therapy to keep Fido in tip-top shape. // Coastal Holistic(1830A Palmetto Ave., Pacifica) is a homey clinic offering animal chiropractic and herbal medicine. // For pets with chronic pain, Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Clinic(2501 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland) offers electromagnetic therapy and prolotherapy. // For pet owners in need of financial assistance, the SF SPCA(201 Alabama St., Mission; and 2343 Fillmore St., Pacific Heights) offers affordable care programs.

This annual guide has been updated for 2019 to reflect the latest news and closures.

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