Looking good, feeling great

“So,” you’re thinking, “here’s the section for the self-indulgent, narcissistic and superficial people of the San Gabriel Valley.” Since when did being fit, having healthy gums or maintaining a blemish-free complexion become crimes?

How you approach health, beauty and fitness does not have to be about what the rest of the world expects you to look like. Each person has his or her own standards of beauty and unique approaches to living, and this is reflected in the way we treat our bodies, our skin and even our teeth.

But let’s face it: one of the greatest pleasures in life is to spoil yourself rotten. That means giving your body the best that America has to offer, in all its excess. There are only a few places in the world where you can find the endless selection of goods and services and cutting-edge technology that are available here. Take advantage of it.

Whether you’re able to treat yourself to a weekly splurging or a seasonal treat, it’s not about just looking good; it’s about feeling good too. Take a much-needed break from your busy schedule to care for your physical and mental wellbeing. In this area you call home, the lovely San Gabriel Valley, there are professionals ready to cater to your every whim. And there are no better referrals than the ones that come from your trusted neighbors.

Ready to get pricked to treat an ailment or addiction? Taiwanese-educated acupuncturist Dr. Ya-Wen Chen, in nearby Arcadia, has treated patients young and old. Perhaps you’re ready to quit smoking, having problems getting pregnant (a shout-out to you “Sex and the City” fans) or are experiencing chronic back pain. Dr. Chen’s experienced hands and trusty needles may be the answer.

Or maybe you prefer more of a traditional Western treatment. Then chiropractor Dr. Paul Dante Jacoy is a great choice, especially for sports-related injuries. So, if that ACL is acting up, pay him a visit.

Of course, a nice trip to the spa is also a perfect way to rest your sore muscles and detox your body. Pasadena’s favorite place is Burke Williams Day Spa, an oasis of relaxation, with affordable skin treatments and the best massages in town. It is also a top spot for bridal spa days as well as a wonderful place to treat friends and family for any occasion.

Now, if you feel the need for some further medical assistance, there are many skilled doctors in the area to turn to for advice and treatment. For cosmetic surgery, Dr. Alexander Villicana in Arcadia has 25-plus years of experience and a happy clientele.

When your skin woes are better served by dermatology, Dr. Dana J. Grenier, at the Pasadena Dermatology & Photo Therapy Treatment Center, also has more than two decades in the business. Or you can try Pasadena’s preferred med spa, Skin Deep Laser Med Spa, where aestheticians can take care of those unsightly veins, worry wrinkles and unwanted hair.

Let’s not forget to take care of your pearly whites! Dentist Dr. Maria Kim in Arcadia is known to be gentle and kind, which is why kids love her.

There should be no worries if any of those doctors prescribe you medication. The pharmacists at Phoenix Wellness Center Pharmacy can take care of you. Phoenix continues to offer below-retail prices, fill prescriptions in record time and stock an incredible selection of homeopathic remedies and herbal products.

With fall upon us, signaling goodbye to our long sunshiny days, getting your skin that lovely shade of latté will be more challenging. But don’t worry — just pop into Sun Works Tanning and grab a bed or see what the Mystic Tan craze is all about to achieve that warm glow through the winter months.

To get that tanned body sculpted, 24-Hour Fitness in Pasadena and Monrovia is ready for you. Take a class, lift some weights or get a little help from its many personal trainers.

As for those who aim to do more than toning, Yoga House on State Street will help you shape your body and find your inner peace any day of the week.

If yoga isn’t your style, martial arts can also strengthen your body and character. Red Dragon Studio in Monrovia is committed to both.

So your skin and body have received enough attention; now what you’re really craving is a whole new look. Check out the city’s prized hair salon, Starr House, where talented stylists and colorists can make you over.

And what about your extremities? Walk right into what readers voted the “Best Nail Salon,” DeLacey Beauty Shoppe, to have your finger- and toenails looking lovely for just $20.

But if you are serious about commitment, want something more significant, and don’t mind a little pain in the name of self-expression, there’s no need to hit Hollywood to get inked or pierced by the best. The folks at Shogun Tattoo & Body Piercing on Colorado Boulevard are ready to give you something unforgettable in a comfy environment. Their artists can make your wildest tattoo or piercing dream come true, even if you’re the only one who will know it’s there.

See, one of the greatest things about living in a big city is having all your health, beauty and fitness needs — and desires — met right at home.