Best Overall: Julian Walker
My real, true, honest injun’ any day, everyday favorite is Julian Walker. His own body-mind integrative Big Sky Bodywork and compassionate fingers have the ability to move energy through my body like lightning bolts of sensation while guiding me to breathe the blocks out of my muscles myself. Of course, Walker is already in this issue for his yoga work (see “Best Compassionate Yogi”), which should disqualify him from the bodywork category because it simply isn’t right to give one South African healer two “Best Of” distinctions, regardless of how much he deserves them. And, no, I’m not sleeping with him.
(310) 398-2518 or www.julianwalkeryoga.com/bodywork.
Best of the Best: Tracy Feldstein
Tracy Feldstein is a bodywork goddess. Trained in a zillion modalities, from Swedish deep tissue to Hawaiian lomilomi, her motto is “it feels good . . . when I stop.” I could go on and on about her sensitive intuition, her Herculean strength, her dazzling personality and her cutting sense of humor, but what’s the point? She’s booked solid for the next decade and unless you have a referral, she ain’t touching you. The good news is Feldstein recently launched Hello Mellow, her own line of handcrafted, organic massage butters and oils, infused with essential oils and good vibes. You may not be able to experience the goddess’ hands on your aching traps, but her “revitalize” blend body butter just might be the next best thing.
4712 Admiralty Way, #800, Marina del Rey or www.hellomellow.com.