Do-it Yourself Acupressure
by Allison Howard
Vision
Q My vision seems to be getting worse and worse. The last two times I’ve checked in with the eye doctor he’s upped the strength of my prescription. The whole world is looking blurry! Isn’t there anything I can do to stop the degeneration?
A Our vision (like many health challenges that we may have learned to live with) is more easily affected than some realize. You may notice that your vision is worse under stress or with fatigue. Eye problems can be worsened by (or can result from) worry, stress, lack of adequate rest, environmental pollution, poor light and the lack of distant horizons, which give the eyes a chance to “stretch”. Our vision changes throughout the day. It may be better in the morning and worse after a long day of work. With care and attention, it’s definitely possible to improve eyesight.
In Chinese medicine, with eye problems, as with any problem, it’s important to look at the whole body. The liver is the organ associated with the eyes. It’s up to the blood and yin from the liver to nourish and support the eyes and vision. Of course there are many herbs, which can do this, but also foods like antibiotic and hormone free liver can nourish our blood and liver and thus our eyes.
Often we engage in repetitive habits that cause degeneration over time. For example, straining to see can keep you from blinking enough. We blink to rest, massage and moisten the eyes. Even continual uses of glasses can over time weaken our vision and cause us to become dependant on the glasses. Massage and pressure points along your eyebrows and temples can help to release years of accumulated tension and blockages. Exercises and stretches, which encourage relaxation of the neck and shoulder muscles, can help with degeneration due to eyestrain and overwork.
There’s a technique called palming which is designed to allow the eyes and eye muscles to relax and over time to regenerate. Put the palms of both hands over the eye sockets without placing any pressure on the eyeballs. It’s better to find a comfortable position where you don’t have to support your arms; leaning you elbows on a table is one option. Sit for at least 15 minutes with your palms over your eyes shutting out all light while visualizing blackness. This keeps mental as well as physical stimulation of the eyes to a minimum. At first you may see flashes of light, stars or confused visual images. This indicates that the optic nerve is working overtime, flashing visual images, which are useless to the eyes. Breathing deeply throughout this exercise encourages total relaxation of the optic nerve and muscles surrounding the eye. Practice this exercise daily for a week and the difference will be clear.
–Allison Howard, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist practicing on Riverside Dr. in No. Hollywood. 818-508-0885 or email allipuncture@msn.com.

That's Amoré
Quick, Concise Love Advice for the Romantically Challenged
by Laura Charelian
Fantasy Man
Dear Laura:
I’m very attracted to a well-known TV producer. From everything I’ve read about him in print and on the Internet, I feel he’s perfect for me. I believe that if we met and he got to know me, he would feel the same. I’ve also heard his marriage is shaky and headed for divorce. How do I get in touch with him? Do producers have managers and agents like actors? – L.F.L., Studio City
Dear L.F.L.:
From what you’ve told me, this man is a) married, and therefore unavailable, and b) doesn’t even know you exist. Apparently these two facts do not concern you and that is what concerns me. Romantic pursuits of this nature are futile 99.9% of the time. Creating the perfect relationship with a fantasy lover holds the same allure as winning the lottery or being discovered at Schwab’s. It seems so much easier than the tedium of dating “normal” people, working for a living, or going on all those auditions, but the odds for success in these instances are not in your favor. In fantasy, we can project, speculate, and daydream endlessly about the object of our desire. These diversionary tactics may keep us occupied, but take us further and further from the work of real love.
It appears you’ve spent quite a bit of your valuable time and energy researching this guy and his life. To go beyond this point could be construed as borderline stalking behavior, which is not a big aphrodisiac, especially in this town. Get him out of your head and tune into reality. The only way you’re going to have a chance at meeting a love who is truly right for you is to quit focusing on someone who is unreachable and unavailable.
Pursuing a “perfect” stranger can feel safer than getting out there and putting your heart on the line, but true love is not about safety and antiseptically surfing cyberspace. True love involves risk and getting down and dirty, girlfriend. As author Jane Adams points out, “Commitment demands connection, fantasy doesn’t.” By surrendering your fantasy romance you will become open to the possibility of a lasting, intimate connection. This is the road to true happiness, and you deserve it. Don’t sell yourself short.

It’s Legal
by Kimberly Lee
Kid Porn
Dear Kimberly:
Twelve years ago, at age seventeen, I made a horrific mistake that still haunts me. To make a long story short, I once agreed to appear in a porn film. While I'm now a grown woman who takes responsibility for this stupidity, at the time I was a very naive and confused teenager in search of an escape from life's troubles. Of course, I was terribly wrong. I was told I'd portray a "nymphomaniac," a word I'd never heard before, but quickly learned the meaning of as I was debased beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Perhaps I got what I deserved, but the experience left me emotionally damaged and very depressed.
Eventually I turned my life around, went on to college and I now hold a Ph.D. in psychology. Several months ago (call it morbid curiosity) I decided to see if this film was still in existence. I was extremely dismayed to discover that, in fact, it is. Although I've never seen the film, I know it is very graphic. I've never married, but recently I was engaged. So far I've lacked the courage to reveal this secret to anybody including my fiance. Fortunately, I've never been recognized in public (at least to my knowledge) and my appearance has changed considerably over the years. Since I was under-aged at the time the film was made, I know that owning the film is technically illegal. But, here's my question: Is there any way to somehow get this film banned without blowing my cover?
- F.S. Arizona
Dear F.S.:
Your unfortunate debut is considered child pornography. and the film in which you appeared is illegal to posses or even to view. You should report this to the Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Illegal films are removed from circulation and forfeited to the government. This is one crime the Department of Justice takes very seriously and prosecutes vigorously. Recently a defendant in Texas, who provided a credit card verification service for access to child porn sites, was sentenced to 1,335 years in prison. The more difficult question, however, is whether you can remain anonymous. You might be able to provide sufficient evidence as "Jane Doe" without going public and having to relive the nightmare. © 2002 True Life Law
- Write to True Life Law at 13428 Maxella Avenue, Box 501, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, or e-mail Kimberly at Leelawyer@aol.com.

Get Real with Chris
by Christopher Bradley
FINDING A REALTOR, TAKE 2
I recently described the more proactive ways to find a good Realtor: 1. Ask friends for referrals, 2. Interview agents listing the most homes in your neighborhood or 3. Call a manager of a brokerage and ask them for a referral. Here are some others:
OPEN HOUSES, PROS: You’ll meet many types. You’ll discover whom you feel most comfortable with in a face-to-face setting. CONS: Time consuming. Presents more fear and risk (employing someone to oversee a large financial transaction involves trust and risk which, when weighed, can feel heavier sans referral).
FLOOR TIME /SIGN CALLS (these is when you call from an ad or sign), PROS: Most brokerages dictate who does “Floor time” (who will answer the calls from the public during a specific period). Most will know the inventory and/or have a minimum number of closed deals. If calling on a specific property you may reach the “Listing broker” who will have the most information on that home.
CONS: “Floor brokers” want to engage in conversation. They are there to make rapport, meet you, gain your trust, help you buy and/or sell and do so again and again forever. So if you want a quick answer, the smart floor broker may tick you off but they are more than likely qualified to help with any needs.
COLD-CALLING (when you are called), PROS: If you like “go-getter” types, it’s a prerequisite for doing cold-calls as there is considerable rejection. CONS: You’re called and always, it seems, while you’re doing something important.
F.S.B.O. (when a “For Sale by Owner” sign or ad brings a Realtor to you), PROS: If you’re selling always employ a good Realtor. The bottom-line will most likely even out. The piece of mind knowing you have a buffer between you and the big bad world is wonderful. Having details attended to is great. All marketing is done, all disclosures revealed, etc. CONS: “If I wanted a Realtor I would have hired one”.
EXPIRED/CANCELLED (when agents call you if your home hasn’t sold), PROS: You’ll get calls giving you lots of choices.
CONS: You’ll get lots of calls.
WEBSITE, PROS: These Realtors have a website. You can make initial contact by email. CONS: None more than a phone call.
MAILERS, PROS: These are great ways to choose Realtors to interview as someone typically sends them that knows your neighborhood. CONS: Again, none more than a phone call.
DOOR KNOCKING (when someone knocks on your door or leaves you something), PROS: Sometimes you meet the nicest people. CONS: Sometimes you don’t. C’est lavie.
- Chris Bradley is an award winning estate agent working with Prudential California Realty in Encino, at 818-929-0180.