about us
"How can I ever thank you? After having environmental allergies for over 20 years and weekly shots for the past four years, my allergies are gone?!!! I came weekly for acupuncture for three months...I take it for granted that I can now breathe freely though out the day and I am much calmer. Thanks again."
–Kathy P.
Dr. Stace Nelson-Hicks, DACM
Licensed Acupuncturist and
Nationally Certified Herbologist
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
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In private practice in Ventura, California for over two decades, Dr. Stace treats pain, Ob/Gyn concerns, fertility issues, skin problems, respiratory problems and all aspects of health and wellness, helping her clients optimize their physical and emotional well-being. Her expertise incorporating Eastern and Western medical and lifestyle protocols allows her to work with local physicians to give her patients the best possible care by working as part of an integrative team.
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ELIXIR Lifestyle Medicine exists to help you reach your next health horizon, and it IS about lifestyle. Natural health has been a way of life for me since 1984. In a college nutrition class, I became keenly aware of the connection between what I consumed on a daily basis, and how I felt and performed: sluggish after a bagel and cream cheese, ready to run the track after a cup of green tea, sated after steamed vegetables and brown rice. I was a competitive athlete and a Sports Medicine major, so it was important for me to be as healthy as possible.
By making slight dietary changes and maintaining my exercise routine, I have been able to function at peak levels, both physically and emotionally, in the months and years thereafter. Further studies in biochemistry, physiology, biology and athletic training, enabled me to build health promoting principles that I continue to use, creating wellbeing and balance that lasts to this day.
After a career producing Western medical segments for television, I went to Asian Medical school, where I studied integrative medicine, herbology and acupuncture. I then went on to become a California State Board licensed medical professional and nationally-certified herbologist and acupuncturist in clinical practice. I continued my studies and became certified in Functional Medicine. Always seeking ways to nurture my patients’ health, I earned my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Elixir Lifestyle Medicine focuses on empowering and educating patients in natural ways to maintain wellness. My professional passion is helping patients to reach their own personal health goals; and the results speak volumes.
To effectively help others, I consider my own health paramount. Balance means practicing what I preach: I swim at least two miles a week, cycle up the California coast and hit the gym regularly!
My practice can make your path to better health easier to travel…naturally.
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CREDENTIALS:
2018 Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
2017 Functional Medicine University (CFMP)
2000 Licensed Acupuncturist, California
2000 Nationally Board Certified in Chinese Medicine (NCCAOM)
2000 Nationally Board Certified in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)
1999 National Clean Needle Technique Certification (CCAOM)
1999 Emperor's College Scholarship-Taiwan Herbal Studies Tour
1998 Certified Massage Technician, Emperor’s College
1997 Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise
1986 Bachelor of Science, Brooklyn College, CUNY
Dr. Chasity Chan, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine​
Dr. Chasity treats anxiety, depression, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, skin issues, and provides support for cancer treatments.
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Dr. Chastity is dedicated to bridging the gap between Western and Asian medicine to provide the highest level of integrative care available. By setting patient expectations and goals she is a partner in your healing, striving to help you create a pain free, healthy, balanced life.
The union of mind, body and spirit is the driving force of her treatment philosophy. She continues to study the intricacies of Traditional Asian medicine, uses nourishing foods and traditional herbal remedies that bring her joy and she maintains a rich meditation practice. This healthful triad allows her to offer the highest form of holistic care to her patients.
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2019 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2019 National Board Certified Oriental Medicine Practitioner (Dipl.O.M)
2018 Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in California
2018 Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Dongguk University Los Angeles
2018 National Clean Needle Technique Certification
2011 Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill
Alex Smith,
Licensed Acupuncturist, MSOM
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Like many of my patients, my first experience with Traditional Asian Medicine began while seeking alternatives to treat a chronic lung infection, picked up while traveling abroad. The infection cleared with personalized herbal remedies and acupuncture, and my weakened lungs improved; the regular, frequent colds I suffered from, subsided.
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This healing intervention came at a critical time. I was in the midst of a successful, yet unfulfilling career as a computer programmer. I knew I needed a more hands on, human connection and decided to leave that world behind and study the medicine that restored my health. During my studies of Traditional Asian Medicine, I found that like the problem-solving of programming computers, TAM looks inside the body to find and correct dysregulated pathways. These blockages, or lack of integration, may ultimately cause a “crash,” physically or emotionally: chronic fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, insomnia or pain may manifest. My analytic, investigative training acquired by studying both disciplines, helps me dig deeper into the inner connectivity of each individual; guiding new, healthier processes to fruition.
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Being able to help patients “reboot” their health is my passion, especially those suffering with anxiety, stress and chronic health conditions that haven’t responded to other treatment protocols.
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2020 Licensed Acupuncturist, CA
2019 Master of Science Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Los Angeles
2018 National Clean Needle Technique Certification (CCAOM)
2006 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sonoma State University, CA