Today we’d like to introduce you to Polina Bowler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small town in Ukraine where folk medicine wasn’t alternative—it was simply medicine. Western drugs were scarce, so people relied on what they had: herbs, bee pollen, cabbage leaves for aching joints, and food as therapy. Doctors were called only when things became severe, and healing was something that happened at home, in kitchens and gardens.
When my family immigrated to the U.S., I watched my mother transition from those remedies to Western pharmaceuticals. At first, it felt miraculous—a small pill, no pain, no restrictions. But over time, the side effects accumulated and eventually led to far more serious illness. That experience planted an early, quiet question in me: what if healing didn’t have to be either-or?
In my twenties, driven by that question and a deep spiritual curiosity, I traveled through China, Southeast Asia, and India, studying yoga and Eastern philosophy. On a boat to Shanghai, I became violently ill with a high fever and delirium. A man I had never met offered me a handful of what looked like seeds, applied herbal compresses to my head, and placed a few acupuncture needles in my hands and arms. Within hours, my fever broke. By the next day, I was completely well.
That moment changed the trajectory of my life. I spent the rest of the journey talking with him about Chinese medicine and his dream of making it more accessible in the West—a dream that soon became my own.
I eventually moved from New York to Los Angeles and studied at Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine. In 1997, I opened East Meets West Holistic Center, where I’ve been in private practice ever since. Over the years, my work has evolved into a truly integrative approach, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with Functional Medicine and Western medical frameworks. I don’t see one system as superior to the other; I see healing as a collaboration.
My clinical work eventually led me to develop Divine Farmer, a line of herbal formulations born directly out of patient needs. While working alongside oncology nurses and women’s health clinics, I saw how powerful natural medicine could be when thoughtfully integrated with modern care. That challenge, combined with the mental and emotional strain many people experienced during the pandemic, led to the creation of Illuminate, a formula combining Chinese herbs with CBD to support emotional balance and nervous system health.
At the heart of everything I do is the same belief that has followed me since childhood: healing works best when we honor both ancient wisdom and modern science—and when we treat the human being, not just the symptom.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenge was finding my path. Once I did, things unfolded naturally. Some doors required a firm knock, but I never experienced that as a struggle – only as part of the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of East Meets West Holistic Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
East Meets West Holistic Center is an integrative health practice in Los Angeles offering a range of natural and functional medicine services. My work includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, functional medicine consultations, and advanced laboratory testing and assessments. I work extensively with hormone balance, digestive health, mental-emotional wellbeing, and healthy aging.
Treatments are highly individualized and may include a combination of hands-on therapies, herbal formulas, nutritional guidance, and functional medicine testing.
We also, offer other services – massage therapy, Reiki, Medicinal Yoga and plus, by other practitioners.
For a full list of services and fees, please visit my website – emwcenter.com.
What sets my work apart is the long-standing integration of Eastern and Western medical approaches. Rather than viewing them as separate or competing systems, I use them collaboratively to address root causes and support long-term health.
In addition to my clinical practice, I created Divine Farmer, a line of products combining Chinese herbal formulas with CBD to support mental and emotional balance. More information about my products, please visit- divinefarmer.com
I am most proud of creating a practice and product line rooted in depth, integrity, and real-world clinical application—bridging ancient medical wisdom with modern science in a way that is both thoughtful and practical.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Los Angeles is its diversity—of people, landscapes, and creative energy. Within ten minutes of my home, I can take my dog on a canyon hike or see a film, a play, or an art opening. The proximity to both nature and culture is rare and endlessly inspiring.
I also love that every neighborhood feels like a completely different city. If one area starts to feel familiar, there are countless others to explore. In that way, Los Angeles mirrors my work in Chinese medicine—there is always more depth, more nuance, and more to learn.
The creative pulse that once defined cities like New York and London now feels very alive in Los Angeles, and I find that energy deeply motivating. And of course, there’s the simple magic of being able to ski in the mountains and visit the ocean in the same day. The weather doesn’t hurt either. -:)
What I like least is how much the city has grown in recent years. Traffic has increased, and getting around can take far longer than it once did. Like any large city, Los Angeles has its challenges, and I hope to see continued progress toward solutions that support the wellbeing of everyone who calls it home.
Pricing:
- Acupuncture treatment -$125
- Functional Medicine Consultation $325-395 for 75-90 min
- Massage/Reiki $130 for 60min
- Microneedling $325
- Ear Candling $85
Contact Info:
- Website: My clinic: https://emwcenter.com/ Products: https://divinefarmer.com/
- Instagram: My Clinic: https://www.instagram.com/emwcenter Products: https://www.instagram.com/divinefarmerca
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polina-bowler-223b9a2b/
