Meet Pia: Elix Health Coach + Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Tell us about yourself, where did you study? Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Santa Clarita, CA and went to UH Manoa for my undergrad! I received my bachelor's degree in Biology and my Master's & Doctoral degrees (both in Traditional Chinese Medicine) at Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego. Throughout my life, art has always been a constant. I painted and crafted a lot as a kid which carried over to my adult years. I'm a DIY-girlie and will find any excuse to create! I'm grateful for my creativity having such a large presence in my life, seeing that it has really been the golden cord that- without fail- always brings me back to my center. Being in nature does the same thing for me! I love being in the mountains snowboarding, getting dusty in the desert, submerging myself in the ocean, or simply being surrounded by green.

What brought you into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine? How has it changed your life?

When I lived in Hawaii for my undergrad, I was totally pulled back from the hustle and bustle of southern California/LA and was deeply immersed in the dense magic of nature. This is where I really sunk into my connection with nature and where a deeper soul-calling was beginning to unveil for me. I originally wanted to become a dentist, and despite my passion for science, healthcare, and human anatomy, the curriculum I was learning wasn't fulfilling or satisfying. I was really drawn to the emotional and spiritual aspects of our being, not to mention our connection with nature that couldn't be ignored in regard to who we are as humans. So, I decided to switch career paths holding onto the term "holistic health" as my guide into the next chapter. Almost instantly, I began receiving all this universal feedback about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine-- meeting people who have been impacted by it, articles coming up on my media, seeing TCM books in random stores. I received so many different signs and followed the cookie crumbs. I did my research, was totally magnetized, and found myself at PCHS a month later.

After learning about the philosophy of TCM, it has completely impacted my perspective on life and our human experience. The medicine is so intuitive and has allowed me to understand the ebb and flow of life through nature's cycles. Implementing TCM wisdom into my life has been such a backbone in keeping my mind and body right!

What do you love most about your work? 

My favorite part about my work is helping people understand and remember that their body was built to heal from within. We have an innate capacity to self-heal, which is pretty magical. But in our modern society, that power within us seems to have been buried by layers of stress, self-doubt, or an idea that we need to be healed by something/someone outside of us. We do need a helping hand at times, and that's why I love being able to connect with individuals through this medicine. I love that I am able to offer tools and wisdom from TCM that allow individuals to reactivate this ability to self-heal.

What advice do you have for incorporating TCM into our lives? 

Deepen your connection with your body, deepen your connection with nature. We learn the most about ourselves when we get quiet and learn to decode the messages that our body is communicating to us. And then when we reflect that back onto how nature flows and cycles, the messages become even more clear. Incorporating TCM in our daily life helps us do just that, reminding us how closely connected we are with nature. If something hurts emotionally or physically, tend to it. Our body is our temple and it is always relaying information to us about where we need to shift to regain balance.  

With your expertise, what are some tips for a holistic approach while on your period?

To keep it simple, start with journaling and meditation. A woman's menstrual cycle is a potent and sacred reminder that life is cyclical, and so is healing. While we are in our bleed phase, our body experiences a shedding & release. We can holistically align with this physiological expression by tuning in to our emotions and getting clear about what thoughts and old patterns we need to release, especially if they are self-limiting. Meditation can also help us align with this time of our cycle, as it is deeply restorative and embodies the still, quiet, resting phase of our bleed. Double down on self-care and of course, stay warm!

What happens in a health coaching session? 

During these sessions, you’ll be reminded that you are the center of where healing begins. We will dive into  your unique cycle presentation and I will provide some insight on the root of why certain symptoms are manifesting so that you can have a better understanding and deeper connection with your body. We’ll cover any questions you might have about menstrual health, the ‘why’ on any herbs included in your tailored formula, and bring some clarity on when/how to take Cycle Balance to suit your needs. We can also go over any TCM-based health tips that you can begin implementing to help you stay balanced all month long! 

Who should join a health coaching session? 

• Anyone looking to feel empowered throughout their cycle but don’t have a clear direction.

• Anyone who may be unsure if Cycle Balance (or any other Elix products) is helping them.
• Anyone who wants to understand their menstrual cycle in a more holistic perspective from a licensed TCM practitioner.

• Anyone who wants to understand the magnitude of ancient Chinese herbal medicine and its healing effects on the body.

About Pia

Pia is a licensed acupuncturist with dual Doctorate and Master degrees in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has taken special interest in treating musculoskeletal disorders, digestive disharmonies, sleep imbalances, autoimmune & reproductive diseases, emotional wellness, and women's health. Pia is devoted to inspiring people to reconnect with the healthiest versions of themselves. She prioritizes educating her patients about their health, especially from a traditional Chinese medicine viewpoint, so that they are able to make the necessary shifts for a more balanced lifestyle. She believes that a deeper connection and understanding of ourselves can empower us to align with our goals more clearly, express more certainty, generate more fluidity in our experiences, and place us on a clear path towards the lifestyle we seek. Her intention is to hold a comfortable and safe space that allows one to feel secure enough to reach deeper into their imbalances, both physical and emotional. She would be honored to hold space for you as you work together to unlock and reactivate your intelligent self-healing capabilities.

This article was reviewed by Zoey Gong. 

Zoey Gong is a Traditional Chinese Medicine nutritionist, food therapist, and chef. Her recipes have been featured in various publications, including the cover of Food & Wine magazine in the February 2023 issue. She’s the author of The Five Elements Cookbook: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine with Recipes for Everyday Healing, where she guides readers in the basics of TCM through encyclopedic entries on common ingredients and 50 nourishing recipes.