Success Stories
I had been suffering from Fibromyalgia, Generalized Anxiety, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for over 2 years. It was extremely debilitating. At times, I couldn't even walk or drive. I could not make plans for future events, never knowing if I would be able to attend. This was very difficult physically and emotionally for me and loved ones around me.
I heard of Santa Monica Wellness Group's services from a friend and decided to at least meet with them and find out what, if anything, they could do for me. I met with Dr. Ashkan Jalili (chiropractor) and Ms. Leona West (nutritionist). I can truly say that they both have changed my life. When I first met Dr. Jalili, he throughly ran a physical and several lab tests and explored my weaknesses, strengths, capabilities and discussed what works for me. Then he introduced me with an objective goal and customized treatments to improve my wellness. Then I met with Leona, who introduced me with an optimized nutritional plan from the information she obtained about my life style, lab results, and my daily diet. With their caring personality and sincere passion and support, I was encouraged to a healthy living and for the first time gained assurance that my pain and illness was not imaginary.
One of the most effective test I was recommended to take was the food and chemical sensitivity test with which I became aware of the underlying causes of my pain and discomforts. Gradually with the right diagnosis, treatments and education I discovered a strength and energy that I didn't know could exist. With the right nutrition and exercise changes, plus getting rid of toxins in my system and replacing them with adequate minerals and vitamins, my pain and symptoms were almost completely gone, and the Fibromyalgia is so much better. I even felt improvement in daily discomforts that had prior become part of my daily agenda: back pain, headaches, nausea, acid reflux, coughing, difficulty falling sleep or even staying sleep, acne, and constant hives.
I have never been one to recommend, especially a chiropractor and nutritionist , to anyone so this is a first. I owe my “unexpected” recovery to the knowledge and skills of Dr. Jalili and Ms. Leona West. I feel truly blessed to have found them. Life is once again worth living and I consider them a true friend. I fully give my endorsement of Santa Monica Wellness Group. This is a practice that gives you the straight facts without sugar coating it. Their directness and passion for providing health care and improving individual health is exemplary!
Mona K.
Los Angeles, CA
I started going to Leona West, CN, CH around September of 2009. At the time I was experiencing allergy symptoms and muscle pain/discomfort when I attempted to exercise. I was also having difficulties losing weight even though I was eating fairly healthy. After complaining to my chiropractor that my allergist was dismissive of my symptoms, I was referred to Leona. On my first visit with Leona, I knew something was going to change. She took the time to listen to me and really get a feel for what was going on with my body. Subsequently, I got an allergy test, changed my diet and in turn changed my life. With every visit, I began making great strides and eventually was able to resume regular physical activities...pain free! Leona has inspired my continued physical and emotional well being. I can now resume to play my favorite sport, ultimate frisbee, all day and feel great. I am happy to report that, to date, I have lost 40 pounds in 5 months and am the healthiest I have ever been in my entire life! Thank you Leona! I recommend her to anyone who is serous about making lifestyle changes that will make a difference!
Ines N.
Los Angeles
Without question, Dr. Jalili's approach to chiropractic therapy is the best I have ever encountered. The thoroughness of his approach to whole-body wellness, his skills, perceptiveness of root causes, and not the least of which is his personal caring for his patients is beyond anything you will find at any other practice. I've referred several close friends to him, and wouldn't hesitate to do so again and again.
Tom K., Topanga, CA
I met Dr. Ash over years ago when one doctor after another couldn't help me feel better. I was a 26 year old with a 60 year old's spine after a series of car accidents. I was constantly in pain and could not even stand straight. Dr. Ashkan not only helped me relieve the pain but he's brought my spinal and general well-being back to a normal, young, healthy individual. Now I am 33 and I am able to take my dog running, and do all the things I should be able to do for my age.
Literally, Dr. Ashkan saved my life. Not only that but he's become a life long friend and confidante. I recommend him Santa Monica Wellness to all my friends and everyone has fallen in love with his ability to bring them back to health and wellness.
Thank you Dr. Ash!!
much love and light,
Nancy K., Los Angeles, CA
"Dr. Ashkan ("Dr. Ash") and his team are a most professional, friendly and caring group of people. With an esteemed background in neurology, Dr. Ash has the experience and knowledge in healing chronic pain that sets him apart from the rest. Plagued with ongoing neck and back pain the past nine years, I had seen every type of doctor and health care provider with no relief. Once I began treating at Santa Monica Wellness, the difference was felt immediately! I trust no other chiropractor than Dr. Ashkan and Dr. Whitehead for safe and reliable, therapeutic body healing."
Janel D., CA
When I first walked into The Santa Monica Wellness Group I had no idea the amount of complete care I would be receiving and the amazing sense of comfort and love that would also accompany me to regain a total state of health and well-being. My life has transformed and I have had the opportunity to feel a strong sense of community and friendship with everyone there. Dr. Ashkan has been at the for front of my transformation providing me with the healthcare I needed to feel my best again!
Amy Gayheart
It has been a wonderful experience working with Leona West on nutrition and Dr. Jalili with my overall body alignment and chiropractic treatments. They are knowledgable in their fields and can't thank them enough for helping me get my health and body back on the right track!
Toni B. - Van Nuys, CA
"Working with Leona has been a "whole body", "whole life" improvement. I would have never thought that attaining good health and well-being could come so naturally. The improvements I have experienced are way beyond my expectations. I now know my body and how to keep it healthy for life. Thank you Leona for your tremendous support." I miss having the best nutritionist right in my back yard! Thanks so much Leona!
Colette, Hawaii
Leona has helped me so much that I am never sick. This is a simple fact that I am very happy and proud of.. Leona's guidance goes beyond merely nutritional knowledge! She has helped me with my overall health to create a better quality of life. I used to feel depressed, tired and frustrated. I now walk around with a big smile, practice Yoga 4 times a week and I'm doing what I have always dreamed of. On a more superficial note, I look great. I receive compliments all the time and I love it. Who wouldn't? I feel good and I look good and I'm enjoying my life. Leona has given me back this gift.
P.S. I never get sick anymore!
Sincerely,
Paul, Santa Monica
When I first started working with Leona I was diagnosed with anemia by my gynecologist as a result of severe blood loss due to uterine fibroid tumors. I was 50 years old and approaching menopause at the time, and none of the surgical alternatives suggested to me to deal with the fibroids were acceptable to me. I was also very overweight, depressed, and so fatigued that a brief walk would exhaust me. During our first visit, Leona gathered information about my symptoms, my eating habits, my lifestyle, where I shopped for groceries, and much more .I filled out paperwork and a food diary over the next week. Leona assessed my state of health and provided a treatment plan, which consisted of much more than a change in diet.
I have regained much of my health as a result of working with Leona. The anemia cleared, my blood pressure lowered, and I have lost 50 pounds so far, and have done it by eating healthy foods purchased at farmers' markets and natural food stores. I cook more, exercise more, and have learned to meditate to deal with stress, although I still struggle with that issue, I am happier and lighter in spirit. I have learned to eat intuitively, which I had never been able to do before.Leona is very knowledgeable and very caring. So much positive has come from my working with Leona, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who wants to lead a healthier, happier life.
Lisa, Santa Monica
One of the first things that Leona said to me was that she did not cater her client's to her nutritional beliefs, but she catered nutrition to the most optimal diet for each individual she was working with.
I have very much found this to be true. Leona has been inquisitive, intuitive, and even, at times, adamant to get me on a nutritional and lifestyle program that would help me obtain optimal health, balance, joy and well-being. It is not at all times the easiest road but it is one of the most exciting and beneficial roads I have ever stepped on! Without hesitation, I would recommend Leona to anyone looking to change their life, nutrition and health.
Ron, Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Wellness Group is truly a Godsend. The experiences, teachings and healings that I've received there have sent me on a new path to a natural and balanced approach to my health. It's a nurturing atmosphere in the center in which you're part of a family, where your well being is their priority. I spread the word to everyone I know about this gem.
Larry Sara, Hollywood, CA
Seeing a nutritionist was one of the best decisions i've made regarding my unhealthy weight at 262 Lbs. Soon after treatment with Leona West CN I was able to notice a difference in the in my day to day life style, i felt more energized, and specially motivated after loosing 18 Lbs. in only one month. The food charts specified foods I can and can not eat have changed my eating habits for the best. Now three months later weighing 218 Lbs. with 44 lbs in total loss I've felt a significant change in my health and life style My goal of weighing 205 Lbs seems even closer and with Leona's help I know I can reach it and keep the weight off.
Paul N., Los Angeles
Dr. Jalili has been absolutely wonderful in the 4 years that I've been his patient. His knowledge of the body, his skills, and his ability to understand each patient's perspective is more than any patient could ever ask for. As an athlete, I've gone in for reactionary measures as well as preventative ones. Never once has he disappointed. Over the years, I've referred many, many friends and family members and each one raves about him as well. Ultimately, he cares about his patients and it shows in the way he treats them.
Michelle N., Toluca Lake, CA
Dr. Ashkan is always very helpful and sincere. I've had a problem with my lower back. He helped me not only with this problem, but also helped me to maintain good overall health. He's given me advice about what to eat and what kind of exercise I need to stay in good health. I always enjoy seeing him, because he treats me like I'm a member of his family.
Shinobu Hamamatsu, CA
When a friend told me about Leona I was skeptical. I had spent the better part of 8 years trying to figure out what on earth was wrong with me. It started with the symptoms that randomly cycled through my every day life.Abdominal bloating and pain, night sweats, uncomfortable skin rashes, dark circles under my eyes, joint pain, memory loss, lethargy, you name it. And my diet? I couldn't eat anything without feeling some kind of discomfort. Just LOOKING at a dish of vanilla ice cream would send my stomach into a ballet of girgles and cramps. I caught every cold that came down the pike and I looked like Bella Legosi on a good day.
I saw several physicians and specialists who ran test after test and found nothing. One gastro doctor had me run the gauntlet of GI series tests in one afternoon as he was CONVINCED that I had some rare tropical disease and was Hell bent on finding out what it was. All this to find out I had "IBS". Yes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A syndrome, I discovered, was the name that doctors gave to problems they couldn't describe. And don't get me started on Doctors... The last doctor I saw before meeting Leona charged me $900 for supplements and told me I was allergic to my girlfriend.
In less than 6 weeks after first seeing Leona, Most of my symptoms had lessened and my body started to change before my eyes. It wasn't magic... it was simple common sense. And since then I've touted her skills to everyone I know no matter what their problem. Leona's ability to isolate a problem using common sense and some relatively inexpensive tests and supplements is what sets her apart. Her knowledge of the body and how food plays such a vital role in our every day health is uncommon. The ability to improve ones health thorough testing and diagnosing, food, nutrition, lifestyle and exercise changes was all it took. When I first went to see her, she examined the same blood tests taken by my Doctor and found that I was in very serious trouble where my Doctor had little or no concern. Now, at 45 years of age I'm in the finest shape of my life. I barely catch cold and I have more energy now than I did when I was 30.
If you're feeling bad and don't know why, just go see Leona. In reality, she probably saved my life.
Conrad R.
Santa Monica
I just wanted to say that before I came to see you, my energy levels were very low, I was overweight and was almost in a depressed state as I did not think that I would be able to get pregnant without getting expensive fertility treatments. However, working with you and changing my eating habits and my exercise habits has changed my outlook. My energy level has increased so that I don't wake up tired anymore. I exercise, lost weight, and generally feel healthier and happier. My outlook has changed as well, I feel that I will be able to get pregnant naturally.
Thanks Leona!
Donna Liu
Los Angeles, CA
I had been struggling for months with severe stomach issues - debilitating sharp pain and nausea. I'd been to a gastrointestinal specialist, and undergone a long series of expensive medical tests, including numerous blood tests, an endoscopy, catscan, MRI, etc. The tests all turned up nothing, and I was instructed to just 'make another appointment if the pain persisted.'
Frustrated, a doctor I respect and trust suggested I make an appointment with Leona West at the Santa Monica Wellness Center. When I did, Leona not only took an extensive medial history, but also talked to me about overall diet and health, and any other problems, however slight, that I might be having. She came up with a comprehensive plan to figure out what was going on with me, and within a month and a half, I finally had my answers.
She then worked with me on an extensive strategy to both treat the medical issues I was having (in a more holistic, less drug-centric way) and to improve my health overall. I am now on the road to perfect health and feeling better with each passing day on Leona's plan. In every appointment I had with Leona, I felt very welcome, important, and treated as a person as opposed to a patient account number. She is extremely knowledgable and thoughtful, and the level of care I've received at the Santa Monica Wellness Center is exceptional.
Best,
Kate
At seven months pregnant I developed severe anemia along with edema. I had very little energy and my feet were so swollen I could barely walk. The doctor suggested I use compression stockings and told me to elevate my feet as well. The doctors professional opinion was that “pregnancy is uncomfortable and that it would go away after I had the baby”. For my anemia the doctor prescribed a synthetic iron supplement and told me that it would take about four months to see results. I felt hopeless.
Shortly after this doctors appointment I met with Leona, I had honestly never entertained the possibility that my problems could be solved through a nutritionist but Leona seemed very informed and confident that both my anemia and edema could be treated through a specific nutritional program. At this point I was willing to try anything but I still had my doubts.
She looked at my swollen feet and requested a copy of my blood work. Within the week Leona had devised a whole nutrition program for me.
I followed the program diligently and I began to feel better within days. After one week my edema had basically subsided. However, the true test was when I received the results of my next blood test. My doctor was amazed. She said that she had never seen such huge improvement in iron levels in such a short time. In a month and a half I had overcome my anemia and a few weeks later delivered a healthy, happy 7lb baby girl.
Like most people I have great faith in my doctors and modern medicine, however, I believe that sometimes we are so caught up in our faith in modern medical advances that we overlook some of the basic fundamentals of healthcare that have existed for centuries. I would highly recommend Leona as a nutritionist without reservation.
Anya Hulett
Santa Monica, CA
I came to Leona for help because I was still holding on to the weight I gained during my pregnancy. No matter how many miles I ran during the week or how healthy I ate, I couldnÕt lose the weight. I was having 3 major issues. 1) Extra weight around my mid-section. 2) Daily fatigue: waking up in the morning exhausted and experiencing a severe energy drop around 2 pm. 3) Dermatitis of the scalp - which I struggled with for 5 years.
After taking the Alcat Test - a food and chemical sensitivity/intolerance test - I learned that I was ÒseverelyÓ allergic to gluten - a type of protein found in rye, wheat, and barley - in most cereals and breads. I also did a comprehensive blood panel and Leona discovered my hormones had not fully returned to normal after giving birth. This played a role in my weight gain and energy loss.
Leona orchestrated a 3 month and 6 month plan which eliminated the specific foods from my diet that my body didnÕt tolerate. She also recommended specific herbs and supplements to help with my hormone imbalance. I followed her program with diligence. Within 3 months, I lost 23 pounds, my dermatitis vanished completely, and I had new energy levels that enabled me to feel refreshed throughout a ten hour work day with enough reserve to care for my baby in the evening.
If I did not do the functional tests such as Alcat, I would never have learned about my food intolerances. Without my blood tests, Leona could not have given me a custom fit plan to get healthy. Since my experience, I have recommended Leona to friends, family and patients experiencing puzzling health issues. She is a special nutritionist who thinks outside the box and pinpoints causes of illness and disease better than any nutritionist I have ever met!
This is a gift ! Thank you Leona
Sarah S., D.C., Santa Monica
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