Dr. Cynthia Li is a physician trained in integrative and functional medicine who has transformed her own healing journey into a powerful guide for others seeking wholeness. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Li is a certified teacher and workshop facilitator in qigong—an ancient mind-body practice rooted in the foundations of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tai chi. Her earlier work centered on public health, with a focus on HIV/AIDS and underserved communities. Dr. Li is the author of the bestselling memoir Brave New Medicine and her newest book, The Medicine of Flow, which crystallizes seven profound steps for entering a state of effortless healing.

In today's episode, host Shay Beider and Dr. Li explore the transformative shift from a biomechanical lens of healing to a bioenergetic one—a journey born from Dr. Li's own profound healing crisis with a complex autoimmune disease. Dr. Li shares how her practice of qigong taught her that true healing often comes through surrender and flow rather than force and fighting. Together, they discuss the revolutionary concept of the "flow state"—an activated calm and coherence that exists as a third state beyond the familiar "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" responses. Dr. Li reveals how we can learn to harmonize our energy, practice coherence, and access healing with less rather than more. From the heart-centering practices and inner smile techniques rooted in qigong to the science of brain wave synchronization, Shay and Dr. Li explore how effortless healing is both playful and humbling—and how the coherence we cultivate within ourselves naturally extends to those around us.

Listen to the complete episode by clicking the player above. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing

Show Notes:

• Learn more about Dr. Cynthia Li here

• Read Dr. Li's memoir, Brave New Medicine

• Read Dr. Li's book, The Medicine of Flow

• Learn about the Healer's Art program at UCSF

• Explore Rachel Naomi Remen's work here

• Discover qigong practices and resources through the National Qigong Association

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through connection, wellness and healing. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. The success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.

Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people online and in person through the Integrative Touch Healing Center, and national programs. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate and Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org