SBS Research Pillar Key Visual for Development, Disease and Target Discovery Mobile Version

Profile Photo of SBS Faculty Yang Mingxiao

Asst. Prof. Yang, Mingxiao

We are interested in: 

1) developing integrative medicine approaches, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tai Chi, and exercise, in improving the management of chronic health conditions, particularly addressing the side effects associated with cancer treatment, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases;

2) investigating the neurobiological, psychosocial, and behavioral foundations of sensory function, cognition, and memory interconnections and the impact of integrative medicine therapies, utilizing translational omics, neuroimaging, and quantitative sensory testing; and

3) advocate for the accessibility and evidence-based integration of integrative therapies into practical healthcare settings through digitization, artificial intelligence, virtual delivery, and implementation science.


Research Areas

Integrative oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture), Host-gut microbiota interactions, Evidence-based medicine, Technology-assisted healthcare
  • Yang, M., Li, Q.S., Baser, R.E., Li, X., Hou, J., and Mao, J.J. “Nocebo expectations rather than placebo expectations affect topical pain relief: A randomized clinical trial.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 175 (2024): 116728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024116728. PMID: 38733772.
  • Yang, M., Baser, R.E., Liou, K.T., Li, S.Q., Piulson, L., Panageas, K.S., and Mao, J.J. “Effect of acupuncture versus usual care on sleep quality in cancer survivors with chronic pain: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.” Cancer 129, no. 13 (2023): 2084–2094. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.34766. PMID: 36989257; PMCID: PMC10330176.
  • Yang, M., Baser, R.E., Khanin, R., Autuori, I., Li, Q.S., Panageas, K.S., Orlow, I., and Mao, J.J. “COMT Val158Met Affects the Analgesic Response to Acupuncture Among Cancer Survivors With Chronic Pain.” The Journal of Pain 24, no. 9 (2023): 1721–1730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2023.05.005. PMID: 37187218; PMCID: PMC11321469.
  • Yang, M., Liou, K.T., Garland, S.N., Bao, T., Hung, T.K.W., Li, S.Q., Li, Y.L., and Mao, J.J.* “Acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for pain among cancer survivors with insomnia: an exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial.” NPJ Breast Cancer 7, no. 1 (2021): 148. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41523-021-00355-0. PMID: 34848737; PMCID: PMC8633385.
  • Yang, M., Sun, M., Du, T., Long, H., Chen, J., Liang, F., and Lao, L. “The efficacy of acupuncture for stable angina pectoris: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 28, no. 13 (2021): 1415–1425. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319876761. PMID: 31529993.