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 Takeaways

1. Integrative (evidence-based) ≠ alternative (unproven/dangerous)
2. Mindfulness = present moment awareness without judgment
3. 6,000+ studies prove mindfulness works at genetic level
4. Long COVID is multi-systemic and underdiagnosed
5. Anti-inflammatory diet: 5-9 servings vegetables/fruits daily
6. Graded exercise for long COVID: 5 min recumbent, increase 1-2 min weekly
7. Avoid upright exercise with POTS/post-exertional malaise
8. Group movement in nature = community + exercise + healing
9. Chair yoga accessible for bedbound patients
10. Mindfulness practice: anytime, anywhere, doing anything

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 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 Details

Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, MD

Board-Certified Integrative Pulmonologist, Cancer Survivor & Mindfulness Teacher

Credentials:

1. Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
2. Fellowship, University of Arizona Integrative Medicine
3. Former Executive Director, UCSD Center for Mindfulness
4. Co-Host, Healing Medicine Podcast
5. Founder, Mindful Healthcare Collective
6. 14+ year breast cancer survivor
7. 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. Liang

Website: awakenbreath.org (free meditations)

Podcast: Healing Medicine Podcast

Practice: Coastal Pulmonary Associates (coastalpulmonaryassociates.com)

Serving: California telemedicine available

Free Resources:

1. UCSD Center for Mindfulness audio library
2. Mindful.org magazine
3. Silver Age Yoga (silverageyoga.org) - chair yoga

About Your Host

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: 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:

1. Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
2. Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
3. Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
4. YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
5. Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

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.