It’s so nice to meet you!

I’m Dr. Setareh Moafi

Once an refugee from Iran, I’m now a teacher, writer, coach, and doctor of Classical Chinese Medicine dedicated to helping you realize your potential.

I believe work should never feel like work, that following your bliss leads to true fulfillment, and that a steady yoga practice leads to the inner peace that can change the world.

I’m here to help you forge your path and illuminate your unique gifts.

My Journey to Yoga, Acupuncture and Coaching

Following an epiphany in a Yoga class during my freshman year at UC Berkeley (click here for the full story), a series of unplanned events led me to graduate early and, unsure of what to do next, I pursued the only thing I knew I loved — yoga — by enrolling in my first teacher training in San Francisco.

Though I never imagined I’d teach, the head of the teacher training, Larry Schultz, saw it as my destiny and pushed me in front of a class of 30 students before I even knew I could speak publicly.

My first experience teaching yoga helped me discover a passion that I started to share in studios, corporations and private homes throughout the Bay Area.

Unsure if this could amount to a career, I found a job as a legal assistant at a New York-based corporate law firm to evaluate whether law school was my next step.

I found myself practicing even more yoga and teaching classes to offset the stress of my 9 to 5 job, spending most lunch hours meditating in my car, writing insights that would arise in a yellow floral journal.

My meditations slowly guided me toward a clear vision and in 2003, I quit my job to open the first yoga studio in Los Altos, California.

The business soared but my business partnership quickly fell apart. I eventually sold my half and followed my acupuncturist’s advice to enroll in graduate school to study a subject I knew nothing about — Chinese Medicine.

I dropped out twice before following an intuitive hit that led me to 88th generation Daoist Grand Master, Dr. Jeffrey Yuen. Thereafter I experienced a number of lucid dreams that affirmed I was on the right path.

Dr. Yuen’s teachings on Daoist healing and self-cultivation practices resonated deeply.

I enrolled in his PhD program in Classical Chinese Medicine and soon after connected with my now husband, Salvador Cefalu, in Dr. Yuen’s San Francisco teaching series on Classical Chinese Medicine and Stones. The rest, as they say, is history.

Together for nearly 17 years, Salvador and I have run the award-winning A Center for Natural Healing in Santa Clara, CA where we use Classical Chinese Medicine to support patients from all walks of life to regain wellness that may have been compromised through injury, trauma or chronic degenerative disease.

An Unexpected Shift

In 2024, I experienced an unexpected health crisis that brought my life to a complete halt and compelled me to reevaluate everything. After the discovery of a malignant abdominal tumor, I underwent a complex surgery that, while lifesaving, resulted in severe nerve pain in my right leg due to a necessary sensory nerve recession.

Through pain, I discovered a powerful teacher. With the support of Classical Acupuncture from Salvador, deep self-healing practices, and the unwavering care of my family, friends, students, and patients, I’ve been gradually regaining strength and mobility. By the end of 2024, I was blessed with a completely clear MRI.

Through deep introspection and the quiet guidance that held me throughout my journey, I was called to step away from clinical practice and toward a deeper purpose—to teach, inspire, and support others through the wisdom of Chinese Medicine, Yoga, and the lived experience of my own healing.

What Inspires Me

My multicultural upbringing inspires me to be a lifelong student of culture, language and medicine. I’m fluent in three languages (English, Farsi, German). I Iove to learn, and I’m committed to be a student of — and for — life.

I have a B.A. from UC Berkeley, an M.S. from Five Branches University, and a Ph.D. from the American University of Complementary Medicine where I continue my studies with Dr. Jeffrey Yuen.

I’m most in my element when I’m exploring the world, practicing yoga, writing, teaching, cooking, and spending time with loved ones, including our fur babies Crystal & Bodhi.

Let’s Work Together to Support Your Journey

I truly look forward to working with you. Here are some ways to make that happen, both virtually and in person…

As of 2025, I premiered a brand new Clear Guidance Coaching Mini Series that’s only available for a limited time.

In early 2026, you’ll be able to join the Yin & Yang of Nutrition course live — both in-person and online.

I’ll also be offering my one-of-a-kind From Surviving to Thriving online course.

In the meantime, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel and download one of my most empowering offerings — this free audio guide on How to Attract Endless Possibilities.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

I’d love to learn more about you, too. The best way to share and stay connected is to join our global community — just enter your name and email (and take a fun quiz) below.

I can’t wait to support you to create a healthy, meaningful life.

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