Meet Dr Mike Zalben, Zone Chiropractic Healer
Meet Chiropractor Extraordinaire, Dr. Michael Zalben of Zalben Zone Chiropractic
Liz Angeles: Dr. Mike Zalben, what exactly was it that got you into your profession?
Dr. Mike Zalben: It was more of a calling than my choosing to become a healer. I was called to chiropractic in 1991, shortly after I began my journey into spiritual healing.
By 1995, I was attending chiropractic college in Los Angeles, and 4 years later, I graduated with honors. Little did I know that my education was really just about to begin.
LA: What is your favorite part about your chosen occupation?
MZ: There’s no greater feeling than when a patient comes in after seeing multiple other doctors, or therapists without much success and finally gets the results they desperately hoped for and needed.
LA: What are your biggest challenges and struggles with your field?
MZ: The serious lack of curiosity among doctors in the healing arts is stunning. It prevents many doctors from expanding out of their comfort zones and learning methods that produce solid results.
Another struggle is dealing with the ubiquitous misuse of the term “holistic.” You’ll hear the term used on websites, in marketing materials and at health lectures. But dig a little deeper, and all they’re addressing is musculoskeletal issues.
Holistic healing addresses the three fundamental aspects of a human being: body-mind-soul. Dr. Thurman Fleet’s Zone Chiropractic Technique (circa 1931) was one of the very first holistic approaches to chiropractic adjusting. I’ve been a practicing Zone doctor for about 25 years.
LA: What about your job brings you the greatest joy?
MZ: Helping others without the use of harmful chemicals and risky procedures. Empowering my patients to take control of their health by teaching them how to take care of themselves.
LA: What types of patients most find themselves in need of you?
MZ: Usually people with unresolved health issues. This includes pain, movement restrictions, headache, fatigue, etc. however, over the years, chronically ill patients, usually with debilitating symptoms have become more common.
LA: How can we support your business in this current crazy climate?
MZ: Make an appointment. I offer free consultations. Your first visit is extensive and thorough. Mention this article and save $50 on a two-hour assessment and healing session. ZalbenZoneChiro.com.
LA: How long have you been doing this?
MZ: Over 25 years.
LA: If you were not a chiropractor, what might have you done in another version of Mike?
MZ: Unimaginable. I can’t imagine not being a curator. That version of Mike would have needed a good chiropractor, at some point. Eventually, I imagine he would have become one himself.
LA: I can't imagine it either. Who supports you the most in your personal and professional life?
MZ: My wife Zahava—my best friend.
LA: She really is the best. Which alternative therapies do you most recommend?
MZ: Getting Massage! Getting worked on, by someone who knows what they’re doing, is a gift— it’s so healing.
LA: I must agree with you on that one, Mike. What do you most enjoy doing in your leisure time?
MZ: Research! I’m into spirituality, conspiracies, and an occasional paddle tennis game at the beach.
LA: What type of pet owner might you be and why?
MZ: Our cat—Benji—allows us to take care of him. But we don’t mind—he’s a good guy.
LA: He surely is! Mike, what do you love most about Santa Monica and its residents?
MZ: Even though I live in Ladera Heights, I’ve spent most of my life in Ocean Park. There’s nothing comparable to waking up in the morning and walking out to the Pacific Ocean, when it’s smooth as glass, and breathing in that fresh air.
Mike Zalben has been a friend, colleague, and my go-to recommendation-- especially if you are what I refer to as “a recurring HOUSE character.” So many mysterious illnesses are not always so easy to decipher. If anyone can figure it out, it’s Mike. And if he can’t do it, he usually knows who can help! Also, he’s the most emotionally supportive man I KNOW!
Liz Angeles is owner of Just What You Knead and Liz Angeles Wellness. She has been a holistic healer and massage therapist for 37 years. You can find her at lizangeles.com.