The science behind our Recovery Program
Based on the methodologies of Dr. Richard P. Brown, our Intensive Recovery Program will go live in 2027. Please contact us below to discuss or add yourself to our waitlist.
Our Recovery Program is built on decades of clinical insights from those who first investigated what was then called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. We now see the patterns across multiple pathogens and etiologies, calling the conditions Long COVID, ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, Dysautonomia, POTS, EDS, and related post-infection chronic conditions.
There is a strong clinical overlap between contemporary chronic conditions and related ailments defined by the CDC nearly 40 years ago and described historically in the Western world as early as the 18th century. They cluster around harm to the immune system and reduced cellular energy production, often with extreme inflammation. Here are the names and descriptions widely used by researchers investigating the causes and remedies for Long COVID, POTS, ME/CFS, and lesser-studied conditions that compromise the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
The broadest term used is Infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs), the term the NIH and the ME/CFS research community have converged on since 2023–24, covering ME/CFS, Long COVID, post-treatment Lyme, and post-Ebola syndromes among others. Next are Post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), used more widely in the Long COVID literature when comparing patterns across pathogens, along with the narrow, COVID-specific term, Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).
How We Approach Recovery
Broadly speaking, Dr. Richard P. Brown’s clinical work over 40+ years has converged with current research findings into the potential causes and symptomatic relief of these conditions, most notably the reduction of inflammation and the ability for the body to regain strength at the appropriate pace and breadth. The addition of stimulating and energy-providing substances must be introduced correctly, only after the body and brain can handle the boost. In practice this means pacing first: working within an energy envelope, avoiding the post-exertional malaise that follows overreach, and stabilizing the autonomic system before any stimulating or energy-supporting agent is introduced. It is the reverse of the standard advice to push through — and getting the order wrong is what has set so many patients back. When patients slow down, significant relief occurs and increased exertion becomes possible, whereas if those agents are introduced too early they can be highly detrimental to recovery and daily life. Dr. Brown has perfected the art and science of guiding a compromised body and brain back to its full strength. There are too few clinicians who have mastered such a recovery process for patients.
Over the past five years, Rebecca has applied these methods with a growing number of patients living with post-infection and chronic fatiguing illness — many regaining strength, mental clarity, and their daily lives. The Intensive Recovery Program, launching in 2027, formalizes that clinical work into a structured protocol.
Emerging Therapeutics
Longevity and recovery medicine are moving fast, and some of the most interesting work is happening ahead of formal approval. We track it closely — the research, the trial data, and the regulatory status — so you don’t have to get it from a podcast.
If you’re considering a therapy that isn’t yet established, or you’re already taking one, we’ll review the actual evidence with you, screen for interactions and contraindications, and monitor you properly. We’ll tell you plainly what’s known, what isn’t, and where the honest uncertainty sits.
Where a therapy comes from matters as much as what it is — and we’ll show you how to tell the difference. Everything we prescribe comes from a licensed pharmacy: a named facility, a license number, a traceable batch. When something clears the evidence and regulatory bar, we’re ready to move, and we’ll tell you the day it does.
Specific therapies are discussed within an established clinical relationship, after evaluation.
Richard P. Brown, M.D. - A career of knowing early
Prior to pioneering the world of chronic health and recovery, Dr. Brown was among the first psychiatrists in the United States to champion treatments that were initially dismissed by his peers, including the use of valproic acid for bipolar disorder (years before it became the standard of care)5, DHEA for depression (later validated by three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies)6, and SAMe as an antidepressant, which he popularized in America despite being called a “public menace” before three decades of European research were finally acknowledged7. He helped introduce Rhodiola Rosea to Western medicine through a landmark 2002 paper co-authored with a former Soviet space researcher1, triggering a substantial rise in global scientific interest in the herb. This research was originally rooted in classified Soviet studies on protecting cosmonauts from the extreme stress of long-duration spaceflight.
Breath-Body-Mind & post-infection recovery
Beyond his pharmacological contributions, Dr. Brown developed a comprehensive neurophysiological theory of how yoga breathing affects the mind and body — particularly for anxiety, depression, and PTSD — and co-founded the Breath-Body-Mind program2,3: a unique fusion of practices drawn from Qigong, yoga, martial arts, and modern neuroscience. He and his trainees have brought these disaster relief techniques to survivors of the September 11th attacks, to survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami4, and to communities in Haiti, South Sudan, and Rwanda, including pro bono training of staff who use Breath-Body-Mind in the treatment of genocide survivors worldwide. More recently, his foundation launched free crisis and resilience programs with live translation for families affected by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Dr. Brown is a certified 4th Dan Aikido teacher, yoga instructor, and author of more than 100 scientific publications and multiple award-winning books. He is among the few physicians in the United States who has spent decades working seriously, with meaningful clinical outcomes, with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and related post-infection illnesses — a population for whom conventional medicine has largely failed.
Among his five books, Dr. Brown co-authored Stop Depression Now (1999) and The Rhodiola Revolution (2004). His 2009 book, How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care (W. W. Norton), includes chapters on integrative treatments for people suffering from fatigue, stress, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, depression, cognitive dysfunction, schizophrenia, addictions, and medication side effects. Dr. Brown’s full CV can be found here.
Relationship to Wellness Emerging Medical Group
For over 5 years, Dr. Brown has served as Rebecca Liskin’s primary clinical mentor in post-infection and chronic recovery medicine; the mitochondrial and chronic health recovery program at Wellness Emerging is built directly on his clinical methodology and reflects the training Rebecca has received under his guidance.
References
The first four references are Dr. Brown’s own work. The remainder are the independent studies that later validated positions he took years before the field did. Full CV and publication list: Breath-Body-Mind Foundation.
- Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview. HerbalGram. 2002;56:40–52.
- Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part I — Neurophysiologic Model. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(1):189–201.
- Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II — Clinical Applications and Guidelines. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(4):711–717.
- Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, et al. (incl. Brown RP). Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2010;121(4):289–300.
- Bowden CL, Brugger AM, Swann AC, et al. Efficacy of divalproex vs lithium and placebo in the treatment of mania. JAMA. 1994;271(12):918–924. Divalproex received FDA approval for acute mania in 1995.
- Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Keebler A, et al. Double-blind treatment of major depression with dehydroepiandrosterone. Am J Psychiatry. 1999;156(4):646–649. · Bloch M, Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia. Biol Psychiatry. 1999;45(12):1533–1541. · Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(2):154–162.
- Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:7–14. · Papakostas GI, Mischoulon D, Shyu I, Alpert JE, Fava M. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors for antidepressant nonresponders with major depressive disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(8):942–948.
What Rebecca’s patients say
“Rebecca Liskin, hands down, is the best medical provider I have ever had. She leads with warmth and compassion. She wants to know the whole you, and takes the time to truly listen. Her thoughtful, creative problem solving has made a meaningful difference in my health and overall wellbeing.”
— Patient
“For the first time in my life I feel as though I have a partner and mentor for my health care. I feel that she knows and treats me as a whole individual. I trust that she always has my best interests at heart.”
— Patient
“I’ve been a patient of Rebecca for over five years, and I can say without hesitation that she is the best medical provider I’ve ever had, and I wish I’d had more like her over the years. What sets her apart feels rare: she actually listens and provides collaborative discussion that empowers me in my medical decision making. Where other providers saw separate issues, she saw the whole picture — synthesizing years of complex medical history into one clear, cohesive plan. She caught oddities in bloodwork that others had missed, got me in front of the right specialists, and all the while kept my routine care running smoothly with genuine warmth and exceptional skill. If you are looking for a provider who brings both heart and clinical sharpness to every appointment, I recommend her without reservation (only you can’t take my spot in her schedule, she’s a gem I won’t let go of).”
— Patient
“I was originally referred to NP Rebecca Liskin by a close friend who is also a nurse practitioner. To me, that speaks volumes. There is no higher endorsement than a recommendation from a trusted colleague in the same profession. From our very first visit, Becca has consistently exceeded every expectation I have for a primary care provider. She is exceptionally attentive, compassionate, responsive, and deeply knowledgeable. What sets her apart is her ability to combine outstanding conventional medical care with a truly holistic perspective. She listens carefully, values collaboration, and approaches each patient as a whole person rather than a collection of symptoms. When I learned she was starting her own membership-based practice, there was no question that I would continue my care with her. I would gladly follow her anywhere. Finding a provider who seamlessly integrates evidence-based medicine with thoughtful functional medicine is incredibly rare, and Becca does so with wisdom, humility, and genuine care. Rebecca Liskin is one of those rare clinicians who makes you feel heard, respected, and confident that you’re receiving the very best care. I recommend her wholeheartedly. She is an absolute gem!”
— Patient
“To recommend [Rebecca] is to say that a kangaroo has a pouch, or that water is wet! As in, a resounding YES! She is hands-down the best healthcare provider I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is thoughtful, empathetic, caring, and healing. She takes her time with each appointment and truly listens and asks the right questions. She takes a holistic view on health and is engaged in women’s health — thinking about what other providers may miss or gloss over. I feel so cared for, relaxed and calmed after all of my appointments with her (hard to believe but THAT’s how good she is). She has guided me through so many life moments that I was able to navigate because of her care. And to top it all off she is funny and has the best bedside manner. She is truly, truly wonderful.”
— Patient
“As a Registered Nurse, I hold a high standard for care — and I can confidently vouch for Rebecca as an exceptional NP. She provides thorough, personalized care and looks at the full picture, not just symptoms. Working with Rebecca feels collaborative, reassuring, and empowering.”
— Patient
“I actually credit Rebecca with saving my life. I had become less concerned about my long-term follow-up, and I was willing to delay an exam to avoid COVID. But, thankfully, I am still alive today because Rebecca would not allow it — she insisted I come in for the annual blood work that mattered.”
— Patient
“It took only one phone visit with Rebecca to know she was a gift for us. She is a good listener, kind, patient, and wise. We are both so grateful to have Rebecca in charge of our medical care.”
— Patient
“She is incredibly attentive, always taking the time to listen carefully and address every concern without making me feel rushed. Her honesty and trustworthiness truly stand out. I feel very fortunate to have her as my provider and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for compassionate, reliable, and dedicated care.”
— Patient
“She takes the time to listen, remembers details over time, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. She doesn’t brush things off or make you feel like you’re overreacting.”
— Patient
“Her personal attention, care, and consideration of my medical needs is truly astounding. Certainly at the top of my list of healthcare people I have ever dealt with.”
— Patient
“Rebecca Liskin has been the best primary care provider I have ever had. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, empathetic, and truly dedicated to every aspect of her patients’ health. What sets her apart is her holistic approach — she doesn’t just focus on physical health, but also genuinely cares about her patients’ emotional and mental well-being. Over the years, she has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure I receive the support, testing, and treatments I need. She advocated for me and pushed to make sure I got the right care. She outshines any standard for what patient care should be.”
— Patient
“Appointments never feel rushed — she allows time for candid conversations about the day-to-day, navigating middle life, sexual wellness, and holistic wellbeing. My favorite thing is talking to friends about how amazing my provider is, only to find out they’re her patients too — and we collectively gush about how lucky we are.”
— Patient
“Rebecca is the exceptional exception to the typical standard of care. I trust her with my life — a trust she has very much earned. She has helped me navigate thyroid disease, cancer, and a multitude of infections, amongst other things. I always feel heard, and she always takes the time to make sure I understand what’s happening with my care and why. As an admittedly anxious patient (with good reason), I need a thorough explanation to feel safe, and Rebecca makes sure that I do. She truly is one of a kind. She goes above and beyond in her care for her patients, and I regularly find myself telling people how lucky we (my husband and I) are to have her as our PCP. I could not recommend her more highly.”
— Patient
