Guide to The Springs: LA's One Stop Health And Wellness Shop

In the burgeoning LA Arts District, wellness seekers can finally seek refuge at this veritable new urban oasis in Downtown LA. Over 13,000 square feet of goodness invite guests to explore, discover, and try a new approach to health and well being available under one eco-friendly roof.
 
Co-Founders Jared Stein and Kimberly Helms are the health-conscious duo that serendipitously stumbled upon the Arts District while on a music touring production in LA. With an idea long stored inside Stein's head, they soon left New York and the music industry to answer the call of a perfect location to bring their baby to life in.
 
The creation of the space is a direct reflection of lifestyle approach this concept stands for. Eco-friendly materials were used in the design of the space, like the reclaimed white oak yoga floor and the reused cinder-block planters. In the spirit of partnering with the community, local artist Christina Angelina (in collaboration with Ease) was recruited to create the breathtaking murals found on the walls.
 
Whether you are a new or seasoned health junkie, there is something for everyone at The Springs. We've created this guide to help you map our your path to wellness here.

The Springs
608 Mateo St.
Los Angeles CA 90021
(213) 223-6226
www.thespringsla.com

Organic Juice Bar

100% organic cold pressed juice is bottled on site featuring herbaceous juices full of bright tastes and a laundry list of healthy benefits. Each bottle is crafted by juicing the entire batch of fruits and vegetables all at once to enhance the overall complexity of flavors that come through in each sip. The Rucksack offers an exotic roster that includes carrot, coconut, lemongrass, ginger, and lime. For a savory selection, check out the Campfire with tomato, bell pepper, celery, horseradish, jalapeño, tomato powder, black pepper, and lemon. For extra karma points, return your bottle for recycling and get a credit towards your next juice fix.

Raw Vegan Restaurant

You don't have to be a raw foodist or vegan elitist to enjoy 100% organic, seasonal produce that is as nutritionally dense as it is full of palate pleasing flavor. Just ask Executive Chef Michael Falso, who used to find the idea of raw food comical before a life shifting experience when he had his first raw meal. The masterful presentation and explosion of flavors that arrived like fireworks on each plate was so unexpected, he went vegan overnight. Two weeks later, he quit his job to work at Pure Food and Wine, the premiere raw vegan restaurant in NYC, also known as the place where he had his culinary epiphany. Today, Chef Michael and Consulting Chef Ian Martin (Planet Raw, M.A.K.E.) invite guests of all dietary inclinations to take a seat at their dinner table to discover just how exquisitely satisfying living food can truly be. As expected, 100% organic, seasonal produce will be used for the menu. Standouts include the refreshing Green Curry, savory Morel Pot Pie, and their version of Pho with mushroom-miso broth and kelp noodles.

Wine And Beer

All the libations served at the restaurant and wine bar are vegan, organic, sustainable, biodynamic (practice of holistic agriculture), or all of the above. Each selection was meticulously sourced from unique local wineries such as Alta Maria, Vesper, and Matthiasson. Eel River Brewery and Logsdon Farmhouse Ales provides the beers. In addition to all of these thoughtful requirements, taste was naturally the final factor in making the perfect choice. For hydration in between drinks, enjoy a glass of "water from heaven," naturally filtered by the restaurant's Tensui purification system.

Grab And Go

Pressed for time? They've got you covered. Make a beeline toward the walk-up counter for ultra quick and nutritious meals, snacks, made-to-order smoothies, cold pressed juice, and other convenient goodies.

YOGA

Take just one step inside this yogi sanctuary and you'll understand why it's the most sumptuous studio in town. Its features embody all four elements: A fiery interpretation of the Hindu deity Ganesha electrifies an entire wall while earthy wood floors are splashed with aquamarine yoga mats. White orbs and metallic exposed ductwork float airily overhead.
 
The studio offers a variety of yoga styles throughout the day under the direction of Gloria Baraquio. If your Chi is flowing, you may find yourself in a class accompanied by live musicians. Currently, Laila Garsys plays on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. during Flow (David Romero). Sitar player Will Marsh makes guest appearances every other Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. during Restorative (Steph Kang) and 4:30 p.m. Kundalini (Aimee Bello). Every other Sunday at 6 p.m., Aimée Donahue plays gong, bowls, and vocals at her Restorative class and occasionally, Jim Beckwith will appear in Gloria Baraquio's Flow on Tuesday and Thursdays at noon.
 
In demonstration of fostering wellness in the community, donation classes are offered on Fridays at 6 p.m. with Kyle Miller. Spanish donation class is every Saturday at 12 p.m. with José Alvarado. Suggested donation is $10, however any amount (even $0) is acceptable.

WELLNESS CENTER

Inside the comforting, spa-like atmosphere of the wellness center, clients can enjoy a variety of holistic treatments for detoxification, healing, and bodywork. An exclusive staff of therapists and practitioners are on hand to deliver a dynamic treatment approach. No two experiences are alike, as each session exclusively attends to the individual needs of each client that walks through their door.
 
First time clients are always welcome to visit the wellness center to explore the possibilities of physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being that await them here. The Infrared Sauna is a fantastic introductory experience to start. This unique 30-60 minute detoxifying session offers all the benefits of the sun without the UV rays. Clients credit it for improving skin tone, reducing cellulite, improving circulation, accelerating wound healing, and even lowering blood pressure. It's also reported to burn up to 700 calories in a one-hour session.
 
Woods Gravity-Based Colon Hydrotherapy is a premier service unique to the area. This offering is slated to begin mid-November to provide an array of health benefits, including relief from a variety of health ailments that extend far beyond the digestive system. Colon hydrotherapy is said to enhance the results of a detox cleanse and the results that work in tandem with any of the other treatments offered here. Joyce Rockwood, CCH (Co-Founder of premier holistic treatment center LYT in NYC), is heading up the Colon Hydrotherapy division. She has worked with a wide range of clients including entertainers and professional athletes. She passionately believes in a plant-based diet in conjunction with colon hydrotherapy, and says she has never experienced any other modality that benefits the body as profoundly as colon hydrotherapy does when implemented on a regular basis.

SHOPPING

Both the main shop and the retail area just outside the yoga studio feature a variety of interesting items that are all organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Some brands are also made right here in LA, including LVR (organic clothing), 4-rth (organic clothing), and Mary Caroline Jewelry (handmade jewelry from recycled silver and gold). Some hard to find items include the Soulié yoga straps handmade by Indian artisans and Breathe In Scents, organic candles blessed with mantra and reiki healing. You'll be delighted at the curated selection of special things that make for great gifts you can feel good about giving.

COMMUNITY SPACE

In keeping with the goal to cultivate community, this beautifully designed space sets the stage as a gathering place for special events, workshops, and guest speakers. Recent workshops include meditation, arm balance, and Soulfusion (partner yoga). Subscribing to The Springs newsletter will get you updates and information on the various events that take place here. Interested in holding an event of your own? Visit their website for more details.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out what else she recommends around Los Angeles in the links below.

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