She Survived Cancer — Here’s What Actually Helped Her Heal

Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, a board-certified integrative pulmonologist, shares her journey of being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 31 during pulmonary critical care fellowship.She combined clinical trials with acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and Reiki to survive and thrive through five months of chemotherapy and three surgeries.We explore how mindfulness (6,000+ published studies) changes stress response at the genetic level, her work supporting burned-out healthcare professionals through the Mindful Healthcare Collective, and evidence-based treatments for long COVID including graded exercise for POTS and post-exertional malaise.Key TakeawaysIntegrative (evidence-based) ≠ alternative (unproven/dangerous)Mindfulness = present moment awareness without judgment6,000+ studies prove mindfulness works at genetic levelLong COVID is multi-systemic and underdiagnosedAnti-inflammatory diet: 5-9 servings vegetables/fruits dailyGraded exercise for long COVID: 5 min recumbent, increase 1-2 min weeklyAvoid upright exercise with POTS/post-exertional malaiseGroup movement in nature = community + exercise + healingChair yoga accessible for bedbound patientsMindfulness practice: anytime, anywhere, doing anythingChapters & Timestamps02:00 Integrative Modalities During Chemotherapy04:00 Evidence-Based vs. Alternative Therapies10:00 What Is Mindfulness? Science & Practice14:00 Mindfulness Changes Stress at Genetic Level18:00 Mindful Healthcare Collective & Burnout21:00 Long COVID: Multi-System Effects24:00 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Movement26:00 Dragon Boat Racing: Community Healing30:00 Resources & Where to Find Dr. LiangGuest DetailsDr. Ni-Cheng Liang, MDBoard-Certified Integrative Pulmonologist, Cancer Survivor & Mindfulness TeacherCredentials:Pulmonary & Critical Care MedicineFellowship, University of Arizona Integrative MedicineFormer Executive Director, UCSD Center for MindfulnessCo-Host, Healing Medicine PodcastFounder, Mindful Healthcare Collective14+ year breast cancer survivorCo-Captain, Team Survivor San Diego dragon boat teamSpecializations: Long COVID, mindfulness-based stress reduction, asthma, COPD, cancer survivorship, healthcare burnout, graded exercise for POTSConnect with Dr. LiangWebsite: awakenbreath.org (free meditations)Podcast: Healing Medicine PodcastPractice: Coastal Pulmonary Associates (coastalpulmonaryassociates.com)Serving: California telemedicine availableFree Resources:UCSD Center for Mindfulness audio libraryMindful.org magazineSilver Age Yoga (silverageyoga.org) - chair yogaAbout Your HostDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMPFunctional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune AlchemyDr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the "why" behind their illness and find pathways to healing.Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – NewInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.