Breath of the Dao Holistic Medicine is a holistic healing center where we view each patient as a unique individual capable of taking an active role in the healing process. Each treatment is based upon the patient's particular imbalances, with a focus on determining and treating root causes, not just symptoms. For example, no two patients with the same diagnosis are treated alike. Instead, we survey the patient's physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs to determine the proper treatment plan for that individual.

The Center's healing modalities include acupuncture, medical qigong therapy, herbal medicine, mind-body cancer therapies, and nutritional counseling. Our qigong (chi kung) or meditation classes are recommended to enhance the body's natural healing abilities. We specialize in the treatment of cancer, pain, chronic illness, mood disorders (depression and anxiety) and fertility.

We sincerely hope that this site will lead you to welcome the time-tested benefits of Chinese and complementary medicine into your life.

The Director of the program, Dr. Suzanne Friedman, is a licensed acupuncturist, nationally certified herbalist, and a doctor of medical qigong therapy. She received her doctorate degree (D.M.Q.) in Medical Qigong Oncology from the Beijing Western District Medical Qigong Science and TCM Research Institute in Beijing, China.

Dr. Friedman has master's degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong Therapy. She completed a post-graduate medical qigong program in Beijing, China under Dr. Xu Hongtao at the Xiyuan hospital, and is one of the few Americans certified by Dr. Xu to teach his form of medical qigong (called Guigen Qigong). Dr. Friedman is the first non-Chinese to be inducted into her teacher Grandmaster Bing Fan YeYoung's lineage as a YeYoung Qigong and Neidan (Inner Alchemy) master.

Dr. Friedman is an acupuncturist for the San Francisco Ballet. She practices Shen/Hammer Chinese pulse diagnosis and Dr. Richard Tan's Balance Method for the treatment of pain. Dr. Friedman is a trained Cancer Guide, having received a scholarship to participate in the Center for Mind-Body Medicine's comprehensive Cancer Guide course in integrative oncology.

Dr. Friedman is the Chair of the Medical Qigong Science Department and Dean of the Medical Qigong Clinic at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California. View full Curriculum Vitae.

How Is Chinese Medicine Used In Cancer Treatment?

Traditional Chinese medicine can be added to standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, in order to facilitate the therapeutic effect of the conventional therapy. Chinese medicine can potentially increase the cancer-killing activity plus reduce toxic side effects.

The current understanding of molecular biology suggests that both herbs and acupuncture influence the local communicating hormones that transmit messages between cells. Therefore, select herbs and specific combinations of acupuncture points can modify an imbalance of these molecules, that in turn can increase the death of cancer cells and reduce the side-effects on normal tissue. Full Text

Topics: Herbs | Acupuncture | Meditation | Qigong

Mind-Body Cancer Approach

We now know that it is possible for us to take steps to improve various aspects of our lives regardless of the adversity that we may be experiencing. Our Mind-Body programs offer people living with stress and illness a groundbreaking opportunity to transform the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of their lives. More

We offer our Mind-Body program at various times throughout the year.
See our current schedule.

Acupuncture consists of the insertion of fine, hair-thin needles along the body’s energetic pathways, or meridians. These meridians cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. These needles are much thinner than vaccination needles, and are not hollow. Acupuncture points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years, and there are more than a thousand known acupoints. Western research has confirmed the existence of these points as areas of the body containing high electromagnetic flow. Disease is the result of a blockage of energy flow, or an imbalance of energy flow. Acupuncture adjusts the flow of energy, known as “qi” (chee), leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck or overabundant.

Acupuncture studies confirm acupuncture as an effective modality in the treatment of hundreds of disorders. See Examples.

Full-body acupuncture treatments can take from 30 to 60 minutes, with the patient lying comfortably on a massage table. The first appointment will take longer, as a full Shen/Hammer pulse workup takes approximately 30 minutes, and a complete consultation is necessary for proper diagnosis. Treatments are by appointment only.

Auricular acupuncture and Korean Hand Therapy are effective ways to treat the entire body via intricate microsystems on the hands and ears. They work based on direct neurophysiological links to the brain, which then sends messages to various parts of the body, or to the brain itself. Both are effective treatments for chronic or acute pain, stress and addiction (smoking, alcohol, and food), for example. Dr. Suzanne Friedman is a nationally certified acupuncture detoxification specialist.

Medical qigong therapy is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese medicine, and it is the energetic foundation upon which the other branches are based. "Qi" means life force energy, and "gong" means skill. Medical qigong is the skillful practice of gathering, circulating, and applying life force energy to promote health and healing. This treatment modality has been successfully used in hospitals throughout China for hundreds of years.

Disruptions in the electromagnetic energy of the body occur throughout our lifetime as a result of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, emotional and physical trauma, and environmental toxins. Medical qigong treatments correct bio-energetic imbalances and blockages that lead to pain and/or illness. The treatments stimulate the body's healing potential and help strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system and the immune system. Medical qigong therapy is particularly effective in facilitating the release of suppressed emotions that have become toxic to the body's tissues. The treatments consist of specific techniques that use the knowledge of the body's internal and external energy fields to purge, tonify (strengthen), and balance the body's energy flow.

Medical qigong therapy is commonly used to treat people with cancer and the side-effects from chemotherapy and radiation, as well as chronic pain, neurological disorders, stroke, depression, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, as well as a host of other imbalances.

The patient peacefully lies fully dressed on a massage table during a treatment, which lasts from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After the treatment, exercises are prescribed based on each individual's specific needs. More

"Because of Doctor Friedman's advanced clinical skills and practice, I refer all patients in Northern California to her very capable hands." -Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson, qigong grandmaster and author of "Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text"

Around the year 500 AD, after more than a thousand years of case study research, an herbal compendium called The Divine Husbandmans Classic of Materia Medica was published in China. This text contained the first references to the properties of herbs as well as a classification system. Herbal Medicine is an integral part of Chinese Medicine, and herbs are often prescribed after an acupuncture treatment to enhance the treatment and as a way for the patient to take a part in his or her own healing process.

The Chinese herbs prescribed at the Center include roots, stems, barks, leaves, flowers as well as some mineral and animal products. Animal products are not prescribed to vegetarians. The herbs come in a variety of prepared forms, so that the patient need not spend an hour or more a night on the boiling and decocting of their herbs. The herbs may be in the form of tinctures, powders or pills, for example.

Formulas are modified to suit each individual patients particular diagnosis. Thus, all formulas are personalized and customized depending on each patients entire health profile. All herbs prescribed are GMP certified to ensure quality, cleanliness, and proper preparation. In addition, western herbs and/or supplements are also prescribed on occasion, depending on the patient's particular condition.

It must be remembered that although they are relatively safe with few side-effects, herbs are used for their pharmacological compounds just like prescription drugs. In fact, many drugs (such as aspirin) were originally derived from herbs. The herbal formulas we prescribe are balanced and combined to prevent side-effects or unwanted results. Therefore, patients are warned against self-medicating with generic over-the-counter herbs that may not suit them or that may cause unwanted side-effects over the long term.

Herbal consultations, with or without acupuncture, are available by appointment.

Chinese dietary therapy is called yin shi zhi liao fa, literally, "drink and food treatment method." Dietary therapy can be divided into health preservation and remedial dietary therapy for illness or overweight conditions. Dietary changes for chronic disease should be implemented slowly over a period of time and integrated into one's lifestyle.

In order to get the most out of acupuncture or herbal medicine, it is important to support your treatment with proper diet and lifestyle. While herbs are taken on occasion, food is eaten every day, three times a day. Foods can also be used the way herbs are used, such as pears for lung disorders.

Foods, like herbs, have been categorized by Chinese Medicine doctors over thousands of years. Each food has a particular taste or tastes, and affects particular organs in the body. Each food also has a temperature which affects particular organs and the body's temperature balance as a whole.

Chinese dietary therapy prescribes foods based on each patient's diagnosis. For example, people who have digestive weakness (spleen qi deficiency) are told to avoid raw foods, frozen or chilled foods, pork, and buckwheat. Another example is that people with liver diseases are told to avoid sour foods.

A personalized dietary and supplement regimen is designed specifically for each individual; taking into account that individual's particular illness and lifestyle. For example, there are certain foods and supplements that have anti-tumor effects or immune-boosting effects (or both). If the digestive system is weak, we may begin with digestion-strengthening foods, herbs, and/or supplements before adding other types of foods and supplements. Likewise, there may be certain foods, herbs, or supplements that a patient should avoid. All of these issues are covered in a nutritional/dietary consultation.

Dr. Suzanne Friedman has advanced training in both Western and Chinese nutrition, with a particular emphasis on health-enhancing nutrition for cancer and chronic illness.

Qi is the body's life-force energy responsible for our vitality, and gong means skill or work. Qigong is therefore the practice of accumulating and cultivating vital life-force energy in the body. Qigong consists of physical exercises, meditation, creative visualization, and breathing exercises. Qigong developed into a systematic healing art for health preservation over 2,000 years ago.

There are three main schools of qigong; martial, medical, and spiritual. Medical qigong is the cultivation of energy specifically for health preservation and restoration. It is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Medical qigong consists of techniques that relax and integrate the mind and body, and strengthen the body's tissues and organ functions. It is a self-healing therapy that gives the practitioner greater control over the aging process. Spiritual qigong is taught at Breath of the Dao in our meditation classes. The effects of qigong practice include stress relief, improved mental focus, disease prevention and healing, improved physical strength, improved sexual function, and spiritual enrichment.

We offer a variety of qigong and meditation classes, all of which calm the mind while strengthening the body and immunity. When the body relaxes, the mind follows, and when the mind relaxes the body follows. For our current & future class schedule, CLICK HERE.

Dr. Friedman has created an organization to join laypeople, qigong practitioners & students, health care providers, and others who are interested in learning more about medical qigong and Daoist theory. She offers classes, workshops & training tools throughout the year. For more information & to receive our monthly podcast newsletter, CLICK HERE.

NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC! Dr. Suzanne Friedman's Guigen Qigong: Self-Healing Exercises for Body and Mind video. The first and only Guigen Qigong video available to the general public. This beautiful video, shot entirely in nature, clearly demonstrates the form in an easy-to-learn format. 35 minutes in length, Learn More.

See clips from the video: small-dial up (340k) | medium-DSL (864k) | large-T1 or DSL (4.5mb)

Medical qigong is one of the four main branches of Chinese medicine, and it is the energetic foundation upon which the others (acupuncture, herbal medicine, and medical massage) are based. Medical Qigong Exercise Prescriptions is one of the first medical qigong books that presents exercises prescribed to patients at qigong hospitals in China. The first half introduces medical qigong theory from a modern Western scientific perspective as well as from the traditional Daoist and Chinese medicine perspectives. The second half is practical exercises for self-healing categorized according to one's particular illness or imbalance. Intended for health care practitioners and people interested in taking an active role in their healing process.

The Yijing Medical Qigong System is a compilation of self-healing exercises and qi emission therapeutic treatment techniques based on Daoist medical qigong and Yijing (I-Ching) theories. Much of medical qigong, one of the main branches of Chinese medicine, originates from the practices of Daoist shamanic healers. This system introduces a Chinese medicine healing approach based on the principles of the Yijing that serve as the foundation of medical qigong and Daoist spiritual practices. This book is the text for Yijing Medical Qigong certification programs, and presents a unique medical qigong healing system for people interested in learning more about medical qigong and Yijing (I-Ching) theory.

Continue to next page for More Qigong Training Products and ordering information >>

Yijing Qigong Trigram (Bagua) Meditation CD: This CD takes the listener through a series of medical qigong meditations based on the eight trigrams of the Yijing (I-Ching). Strengthens the body's organ and energy systems while calming the mind. Companion CD to The Yijing Medical Qigong System text.

Yijing Medical Qigong Exercise Set DVD: This DVD presents a medical qigong exercise set based on the Jiji and Tai Hexagrams; two main hexagrams in Daoist spiritual practice. The first section balances the fire and water energy of the heart and kidneys. The second section balances the yin (earth) and yang (heaven) of the whole body.

To order these, and to see Dr. Friedman's full line of qigong products, CLICK HERE:

The herbs are working wonders! I feel much better. Just yesterday, I was talking about you and the acupuncture. The person I was talking to asked me how much do I believe in acupuncture. Before I answered, I thought about it and told them that I believed in the person administering the acupuncture. From the moment I first walked into your place, you have made my life so much better.
-M. T.

After a week of chemotherapy in the hospital, I was in considerable pain from mouth sores and a sore throat. I could not eat or talk, and felt very foggy. Suzanne came to the hospital and gave me a medical qigong treatment. After the session my pain decreased substantially. I was able to talk and eat, and I was able to mentally focus. The mouth sores healed within that week and never came back. The doctors still (four weeks later) remained baffled at the rate of healing that took place.
-Michelle N.

I hope that your practice is thriving and that all good things continue to come your way. Please know that there is a special place in my heart for you and your healing treatments. Suzanne you literally saved me from having a nervous breakdown and who knows what horrible fate I was headed for if I did not have your healing touch and wit and kindness.
-A.P.

Four years ago I injured my right foot. I was diagnosed with plantar fascitis and tendonitis. The pain in my heel persisted for several months. I went to my HMO for treatment and received anti-inflammatory drugs. When the pain continued, I tried a shot of cortisone from a podiatrist. Finally, after enduring the pain for so many years, I decided to visit Dr. Suzanne Friedman for treatment. Since I am a firm believer in Western medicine, I wasn't sure what to expect. After four or five treatments, I no longer had the sharp heel pain. In fact, now my foot is almost back to normal. I was really amazed at the results from the acupuncture treatments I received.
-Thomas L. Hiester, Esq.

More Testimonials

Breath of the Dao Holistic Medicine Clinic

650 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA 94131 (Get Map)

Clinic phone: 415.505.8855

Email: suzannefriedman@earthlink.net

We are located 1.5 blocks from the Glen Park BART station. When you exit BART, walk up Diamond Street and make a right on Chenery St. We are up the block on the left side. The clinic is also accessible via the 26 Muni bus line.

Street parking is easy and there are both metered and 2 hour limit unmetered spots all around the clinic.

Nien Nien Ju I
A charm to provide satisfaction year by year

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