Elysia Life Care

I’ve been seeing Joe Clarke since April 2014. It has been a journey with extremely positive results. I am no longer taking any prescribed drugs — the ailments are under control without any side effects. I have eliminated sugar from my diet, which is saying a lot, as I started out drinking 2 to 3 bottles of cola each day, and was always dipping my hand in the candy and M&M jar. I followed Joe into his new practice — Elysia Life Care — and continue to see him every other week. Health maintenance is what its about. As a primary care physician I trust him. His multi-​modality approach is spot on. I recently participated in a month long nutritional detox, which revealed certain foods had a negative impact, that I never knew before. It was easy to adjust. Feeling great is wonderful. Thank you Joe, Maria and Carla. And your out reach to the community with wellness events is excellent.

I’m an acupuncture neophyte. Maria worked on my ankle and hip today and I can see the swelling went down an hour later, plus I feel better. And my wife mentioned I wasn’t looking so hunched over. Not to mention that I fell asleep I was so relaxed in their environment. O for effort. A for effect. Not to mention the tea and the Tuesday talks with George.

Thoughtfully designed, beautifully executed healing center. Joe, Maria, and Carla are skillful, kind practitioners as committed to their patients’ well being as their own. Truly unique acupuncture and wellness experience in Santa Monica/​West LA. Highly recommend.

5 Stars is not enough !! Joe And Maria are life changers. Before I started seeing Joe I struggled with pain, as I am very active and push my mind and body daily. With treatment and support I’ve had a life changing experience — pain gone, mind and body feeling better than ever. If you are looking to improve your life style — you’ve come to the right place. I’ve recommended my friends to Joe and Maria — my wife is also a patient now. When you believe enough to suggest to your family and friends… that’s as good as it gets.
Enjoy your new outlook on life — you’re welcome in advance.

Dr. Carla Vidor is AMAZING. I have been seeing Carla for about 2.5 years and she has helped and maintained my health and well being. When I wanted to try and conceive, she had done acupuncture on me specifically for a baby. Well, within months, it worked and I was pregnant! During my pregnancy, I had fatigue, heartburn and morning sickness. I would see Carla once or twice a week and I cannot even express the difference it has made. My sickness was curbed and within sessions, completely went away. I don’t even feel my heartburn anymore! I can’t thank her enough and my body craves a session each week because not only is that my «happy place», I always feel my absolute best and have amazing energy. People cannot believe how great I feel during my pregnancy and I have to credit it all to her. During each phase and ailment of my life, she has been there to cure everything. If you have morning sickness, fatigue, trying to conceive or post partum, you need to look no further!

Maria is so knowledgeable, kind and understanding that as much as I hate needles and doctors offices, I love coming to get acupuncture treatments at Elysia. Maria has helped me work through so much from digestive issues to back pain and I always leave feeling so relaxed, understood, taken care of and supported. I have only received treatments from Maria, but Joe and Carla are also absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend Elysia Life Care for any kind of ailment — these lovely folks will, without a doubt, elevate your health and happiness!

I can’t say enough how much I love Elysia Life Care! I always leave feeling so balanced and relaxed — its really a blessing to have such good care. Thanks!

I’ve been seeing Joe Clarke as my acupuncturist since mid-​2014. He has since opened his own wellness center with Maria and Carla and I happily followed him. I originally came to Joe when I was having foot pain, but have continued to see him as part of my overall wellness.
Let me start by saying I HATE needles. They make me anxious (I close my eyes when I have blood drawn or get shots). With Joe, I quickly got over that (at least for acupuncture) and I am now totally at ease having a dozen or so needles in me. People who know me well know I must really like the treatment, see the benefit, and trust Joe if I’m willing to regularly be around needles! :)
Joe takes a comprehensive look at wellness, consistent with the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine. My first visit included a very thorough assessment: medical history, symptoms, diet, etc. Every time I come in, Joe still checks into to assess how I’m doing, including how I’m feeling, how I’ve been sleeping, whether there have been changes to my digestion, taking my pulse, etc.
Joe also looks to make things work for my lifestyle. He knows I have a regular yoga practice, and that is a part of my treatment. As a runner, he’s helped me address some pains and alignment issues, which have improved my performance. We’ve talked through diet (not as in «I’m on a diet» but how I fuel myself) and the impact that certain foods have on me and the way I feel. We’ve added supplements here and there as needed, but he works with you as a patient to see what kind of treatments work for you (certainly not a requirement).
Additionally, Elysia addresses other wellness topics, including nutritional detox, George Falcon’s talks, Jill Wintersteen’s yoga therapy ball clinics, and many more.
I always feel I am in good hands at Elysia and make it a regular part of my overall wellness program.

Elysia has helped me to feel great on all levels. My brain, digestion, sleep cycles, menstruation, hormones – everything. They really look at your whole system and take a comprehensive holistic approach to bettering your life.

I can’t rave enough about how much I love Elysia Life Care. I’m 7 months pregnant with twins, and have been seeing Maria Villella my entire pregnancy. I have felt so balanced throughout my pregnancy physically and emotionally due to acupuncture! I highly recommend going pregnant or not!

If you are unsure about acupuncture or scared of needles but feel like you would benefit from it (Everyone can really use it!) then Dr. Carla Vidor is the person to see. She has such healing hands and a calming, nurturing energy, you always feel like you are in good care. She really takes the time to get to know you and really cares about you and your journey to health. When I first came to her it was for general health, but as we continued through my treatment, there were many concerns and issues that I did not even realize I had and with her wealth of knowledge I really feel at my optimal health. She is amazing for pain management as well, even a bad back or shoulder from a rough night’s sleep. An added bonus is that while she is working on my inner ailments, she is doing «facial acupuncture» for my fine lines as well! You can end your search for an acupuncturist here. Highly highly recommended!

Joe Clarke has been treating me since October 2013. At the time I was unable to work. On 2 synthetic opiates, Lyrica, anti-​depressants, taking sleeping aids etc all for chronic pain. In six months I was off everything and a functional human again. His amazing ongoing devotion to my unusual and difficult diagnosis has been a godsend. I highly recommend him for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Carla Vidor has treated my children and has a great manner and rapport with kids.

Elysia Life Care has been such a blessing for me and my health. Maria takes such good care of me every week and I look forward to my treatments and spending time in their lovely space. I’m so happy I found the perfect Wellness center/​acupuncturist to act as my primary care doctor!

I have had a great deal of experience with acupuncture practitioners over the past 15 years or so. To call Joe Clarke an expert practitioner barely scratches the surface. His authentic confidence and intuition allows him to build upon an obvious breadth of knowledge. Joe has helped me overcome ailments that are both chronic and acute. I’m constantly amazed at his ability. Joe encourages a true doctor/​patient relationship. This leaves me with a feeling of empowerment; I have a stake in my own recovery.
He knows exactly the right treatment for the right reasons and I have absolute trust in him – that trust is something that I rarely give to most people, let alone practitioners. Whatever your experience with acupuncture may be, prepare for it to change in a most meaningful way once you meet Joe. He is a rare blend of intellect, dignity and compassion. He has been a huge reason why I remain healthy and well. If all this is not reason enough to make an appointment as soon as possible, consider this: he provides undeniable results that most medical doctors couldn’t approach.

Every time I tell somebody that I’m heading to my weekly acupuncture appointment, the typical response is, «What’s wrong with you?»
The answer is usually, «Nothing!»
And that’s the point (no pun intended) of Elysia, it’s keeping my healthy before something goes wrong.
It’s also a much needed hour of peace and quiet!

Elysia is amazing. I’ve received care from Joe and Maria – both of whom I regard as experts in the ways of the body. I trust them to understand any health issue I may be dealing with, identify the source of the problem, and possess the remedy. In addition to acupuncture treatments (which always leave me feeling amazing, by the way), I’ve also had my blood results read at Elysia and they were able to diagnose deficiencies and prescribe me with healthy, natural methods to heal. Even if you feel in excellent health, I can’t recommend visiting Elysia higher. You’ll feel better when you walk out then when you walked in!

I have to give 5+ stars to Carla Vidor. I went to her for acupuncture for my insomnia. I’ve been suffering with not being able to sleep for the last few months. Carla was wonderful with me. She is gentle, kind, warm, and clearly cares about her patients. I was immediately put at ease as soon as I met her. She asked me alot of questions to really get to the root of the problem. Above and beyond her schooling, she has an intuitive sense about what your body needs. After talking for quite awhile and then giving me some needles, she sent me home w/​some herbs to get my body back on track. I knew going in this wasn’t going to be an «overnight fix». I understand this will take some time to get my sleep pattern back on track. I truly look forward to working with her! I would highly recommend her!

Thank you Elysia Life care! The relaxing friendly environment and skilled thoughtful practitioners taking care of you is exactly what healthcare has been lacking for decades. The thoughtful design of these healthcare providers make an individual’s health awareness realistic and approachable. From the moment you walk in the front door at this office, you are surrounded by people that have your best interests in mind. They all have compassionate listening hearts and well seasoned clinical experience to boot. Here health isn’t necessarily a problem to solve but a component that can make your life better.
There are as many healthcare and wellness centers in Santa Monica as there are car junkyards, divebars and vape shops in the bowels of the valley. However, choosing Elysia life care is a life changing pivot when you decide to make positive changes to all facets of your existence.

Acupuncturist Joseph Clarke is one of the most highly skilled and effective healthcare practitioners in Los Angeles. He used to practice at Lotus East West and recently opened the new Elysia Life Care clinic in Santa Monica. (His patients’ overwhelmingly positive reviews can be viewed on the Lotus EW Unilocal page.) The clinic is very clean, bright, and beautifully designed — the space reflects the positive, peaceful, and mindful approach of Elysia’s practitioners.
Joe takes a very goal-​oriented approach to healing. He listens and, with care & compassion, remarkable talent & knowledge, years of experience, intuition, and keen observational skills, develops a targeted, individualized treatment plan for his patients. His approach extends well beyond basic pain management. Through acupuncture and Asian herbal medicine, I have experienced rapid, positive life growth and progress that I attribute to Joe’s skill and guidance. Initially, I sought treatment for muscle pain, but received healing that has helped change my entire approach and outlook on life. I am incredibly grateful to the practitioners and staff at Elysia Life Care and highly recommend this Life Care clinic. Highly recommended!!!

I have been a patient of Carla Vidor since 2012, and I LOVE her.
Every time I see her, she is so warm and welcoming, and her gentle and compassionate vibe always makes me feel so well cared for. Her pre-​treatment talks with me pinpoint what I have going on that day, and I love that she will address physical and emotional symptoms, diet, exercise, and work/​life balance. I am a big believer in how all these elements create balance (or imbalance) in my life, so it’s extremely important to me that she speak that language as well.
Carla’s needling technique is specific and her touch is so gentle. Her bedside manner and her kind touch combine to create such a supportive and safe space, that I have confidently referred many of my clients to her — people who are initially nervous when it comes to needles, but are calmed the moment they meet Carla. Everyone I have referred to her loves her as much as I do!
Over the years, I’ve gone to her for a number of different reasons:
* Period issues
* Post car accident pinched nerves
* Overwork and workout-​related body aches and pains
* Exercise related injuries
* Immune system boost during cold & flu season
* Post-​surgery healing
* Stress
She has recommended herbs to me for specific issues that I have had going on, as well as written customized herbal prescriptions for me.
I am a huge believer in acupuncture, as this is the main thing that I do for myself to keep my body and emotions in check, and my go-​to when anything feels off. And Carla Vidor is my acupuncturist of choice, who I recommend highly!