SF-based consumers are looking back to ancient times for natural and economical solutions to health and wellness. My psychologist friend’s favorite new book is "Healthy at 100", that discusses the traditions of ancient cultures whose people lived in optimal health into their 100's. The book talks about how the modern-day Western diet and solitary lifestyle is making us sicker and older earlier. It seems that almost everyone I know is taking this moment of change in the world to reevaluate some aspect of their life and most are looking for healthy new routines that are holistic, social and affordable.

Pulling from Eastern traditions, Kombucha is a medicinal tea that has become popular for its promise of liver detoxification and immunity boosting. While the acidic taste is not for everyone, many swear by it and drink the bottled brand Synergy as part of their daily regiment. My friend Rachel says, "Kombucha is all the rage. You can buy it at bodegas or grocery stores and people are making it themselves."

Speaking of wellness routines derived from Eastern society, acupuncture is no longer a luxury but an accessible form of healing and illness prevention. Thanks to a growing number of community acupuncture clinics, like Community Circle Acupuncture, that offer private consultations followed by small group treatments in comfortable recliners. The sliding scale structure starting as low as $15 per session not only makes acupuncture affordable for anyone but also allows clients to receive treatment multiple times a week.

My foodie friends and I have been substituting rice and other grains for quinoa, the complete-protein termed "the mother of all grains" over 5,000 years ago (although technically it’s a seed and not a grain.) The Incas and Aztecs considered the food staple sacred and key to their civilization’s fortitude.

My friend Marc who was recently laid off his job says, "The economy hasn't really had an affect on my food buying habits. On the contrary, I consciously spend more money on food these days. My decisions are driven more by my growing awareness of how messed up the food industry is. When I spend more on sustainably and locally grown produce and meat, I'm thinking about personal health, animal rights, and societal benefits."

Marc, who also keeps an avid workout regiment explains to me that gyms are not just utilitarian: "There has been a dip in my gym's membership, which has led to fewer girls showing up, which makes all that flexing pointless. Maaaybe, just maybe, that's subconsciously why I've been running outside more often lately...shirtless."

Many of my friends have traded out their expensive yoga classes (now up to $15 per class!) for cheaper gym memberships where unlimited yoga classes are part of the package, like at 24 Hour Fitness. People want more for their money but they are also looking to have some fun in these down times. A newly popular, albeit slightly more expensive, all-in-one workout option is rock-climbing at Mission Cliffs. They not only boast some of the highest indoor climbing walls, but they also offer yoga, cycling classes, a weight room and over a dozen cardio machines. Free wireless internet, a party room and other common places foster a social atmosphere as well--an important part of gym selection.

Need to hydrate after an intense workout? I’ve bypassed high-fructose filled drinks like Gatorade since I recently discovered ZICO Coconut Juice, "Nature’s Sports Drink". It is all-natural, sugar-free, pure coconut water filled with tons of essential electrolytes and vitamins. Right now it’s only sold at select stores and yoga spots so I’m considering buying a case on Amazon!