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 judgment 6,000+ studies prove mindfulness works at genetic level Long COVID is multi-systemic and underdiagnosed Anti-inflammatory diet: 5-9 servings vegetables/fruits daily Graded exercise for long COVID: 5 min recumbent, increase 1-2 min weekly Avoid upright exercise with POTS/post-exertional malaise Group movement in nature = community + exercise + healing Chair yoga accessible for bedbound patients Mindfulness practice: anytime, anywhere, doing anything Chapters & Timestamps02:00 Integrative Modalities During Chemotherapy 04:00 Evidence-Based vs. Alternative Therapies 10:00 What Is Mindfulness? Science & Practice 14:00 Mindfulness Changes Stress at Genetic Level 18:00 Mindful Healthcare Collective & Burnout 21:00 Long COVID: Multi-System Effects 24:00 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Movement 26:00 Dragon Boat Racing: Community Healing 30:00 Resources & Where to Find Dr. Liang Guest DetailsDr. Ni-Cheng Liang, MD Board-Certified Integrative Pulmonologist, Cancer Survivor & Mindfulness Teacher Credentials: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, University of Arizona Integrative Medicine Former Executive Director, UCSD Center for Mindfulness Co-Host, Healing Medicine Podcast Founder, Mindful Healthcare Collective 14+ year breast cancer survivor Co-Captain, Team Survivor San Diego dragon boat team Specializations: Long COVID, mindfulness-based stress reduction, asthma, COPD, cancer survivorship, healthcare burnout, graded exercise for POTS Connect with Dr. LiangWebsite: awakenbreath.org (free meditations) Podcast: Healing Medicine Podcast Practice: Coastal Pulmonary Associates (coastalpulmonaryassociates.com) Serving: California telemedicine available Free Resources: UCSD Center for Mindfulness audio library Mindful.org magazine Silver Age Yoga (silverageyoga.org) - chair yoga About Your HostDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy Dr. 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 alchemy AutoImmune 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 – New Instagram: @myautoimmunemd Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD YouTube: @myautoimmunemd Email: [email protected] Subscribe & 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.