With Dr. Dao’s Functional Medicine Solutions

A Personal Journey from Patient to Practitioner

Dr. Dao’s passion for holistic medicine is deeply rooted in her own health struggles. As a competitive swimmer in her teenage years, she battled severe asthma, chronic abdominal pain, and recurring injuries. Despite being prescribed multiple medications and inhalers, her symptoms persisted. A chance encounter with an osteopathic doctor in a grocery store introduced her to the benefits of selenium, proper hydration, and dietary changes—leading to a dramatic improvement in her health and inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine.

Initially set on attending medical school, Dr. Dao took a detour into the technology sector during Silicon Valley’s tech boom. During this time, she deepened her understanding of mind-body healing, studying Zen meditation at the SF Zen Center, training in Pranic Healing with Stephen Co, and earning a Master Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with Tim & Kris Hallbom. However, her journey took a profound turn when she developed Long Hauler Syndrome following Epstein-Barr Virus (Mono) and H1N1 in 2009. The experience left her with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain—pushing her to seek answers beyond conventional medicine.

Expertise in Functional Medicine and Acupuncture

In 2010, after being laid off from technology sales during the recession, Dr. Dao made the pivotal decision to dedicate herself fully to healing. She pursued a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine and later earned a Doctorate in Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine from the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA. During this time, she worked with integrative doctors who used advanced lab testing, ultimately uncovering her underlying conditions, including chronic Lyme infections, HHV-6, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Hypermobility Syndrome—initially misdiagnosed as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and later correctly diagnosed as Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).

Determined to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medicine, Dr. Dao began her studies in Functional Medicine and Nutrition at Functional Medicine University (FMU) in 2018, expanding her expertise in chronic illness management, nutrition, and advanced diagnostics.

A Holistic Approach to Patient Care

At Dao Integrated Health, Dr. Dao combines her extensive knowledge of Functional Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese-style acupuncture, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming to provide holistic, patient-centered care. She specializes in treating chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and complex health conditions, addressing the root causes rather than just symptoms. Her compassionate approach ensures that every patient feels heard, supported, and empowered on their healing journey.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Dao continually collaborates with leading experts in integrative medicine to refine her skills and offer cutting-edge treatments. Her personal experience with chronic illness allows her to connect with patients on a deeper level, providing not just medical expertise, but also empathy and understanding.

For those seeking a transformative approach to wellness, Dr. Christine Dao offers a unique blend of medical knowledge, personal experience, and innovative healing strategies.