Tao Wow!

Beth Meneley’s inviting space, Tao of Venus, is conveniently located on Little Santa Monica Blvd. east of Overland. We spotted it easily, parked right in front, and wandered into a cozy suite where all smells are good smells and the only noise is a trickling fountain. Beth is a skilled massage therapist but her main focus is acupuncture, which she has studied and practiced for many years. She specializes in women's health, helping her clients deal with issues like hormonal imbalances, PMS and infertility, as well as issues not directly related to women's health, such as depression, stress and insomnia. What we loved most about Beth, outside of her gentle nature, is that she enables her clients to make regular treatments a part of their lifestyle by making her services affordable. For example, clients can get a one-hour massage or acupuncture treatment for $75 and then add on any treatment for $50. Such treatments include her "$50 face lift," reflexology foot massage and microcurrent facial rejuvenation, among others.

We experienced Beth's Asian Fusion massage. Before she began, she asked us about our intention for the massage and any aches, pains or health concerns we might have. She then treated us to an expert rubdown, using techniques pulled from Swedish, Shiatsu, acupressure and (our favorite) Tui-Na, an invigorating form of Chinese massage. She touched on acupressure points and released blockage where she found it, working on balancing our internal energy as well as relieving muscular pain.

Review originally published 7/26/2007.