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Our Legacy

Our founders Daoshing Ni and Mao Shing NI established Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to “pass on the teachings of their father, Hua-Ching Ni, their grandfather, Yo San Ni, and the ancient teachers of Chinese Medicine to future generations . . .

Our FoundersYo San Founders, Dr. Daoshing Ni and Dr. Mao Shing Ni

The Ni family enjoys a rare and unbroken lineage of 38 generations of healers practicing Chinese Medicine. The University was established to carry on this lineage . . .

Our HistoryHistorical photo of students In Class

Founded in 1989, Yo San University has grown from eight students in the first class to more than 200 with two fully accredited programs of study and a comprehensive acupuncture clinic.

Our PhilosophyYo San Philosophy

The essential art of Chinese medicine is the foretelling and prevention of disease rather than the treatment of illness . . . .” ~ The Subtle Universal Law, Lao Tzu

Discover the legacy of Grandmaster Yo San Ni

Our founders, Dr. Dao Ni and Dr. Mao Ni established Yo San University in 1989 to pass on the teachings of their father, Hua-Ching Ni, their grandfather, Yo San Ni, and their ancient teachers of Chinese Medicine to future generations.

The Ni Family has a rare and unbroken lineage of 38 generations of healers practicing Chinese Medicine. From Yo San Ni’s humble beginnings as a TCM educator in 1879 to a trusted and leading University of Traditional Chinese Medicine today, you’ll be immersed in practices that have been passed down for centuries and integrate them into modern medicine.

Discover the legacy of Grandmaster Yo San Ni

Our founders, Dr. Dao Ni and Dr. Mao Ni established Yo San University in 1989 to pass on the teachings of their father, Hua-Ching Ni, their grandfather, Yo San Ni, and their ancient teachers of Chinese Medicine to future generations.

The Ni Family has a rare and unbroken lineage of 38 generations of healers practicing Chinese Medicine. From Yo San Ni’s humble beginnings as a TCM educator in 1879 to a trusted and leading University of Traditional Chinese Medicine today, you’ll be immersed in practices that have been passed down for centuries and integrate them into modern medicine.

Yo San University was founded by brothers Dr. Daoshing Ni and Dr. Mao Shing Ni, who named the University after their grandfather, Master Yo-San Ni, a healer and teacher in the Taoist tradition. The Ni family enjoys a rare, unbroken lineage of 38 generations of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. YSU was established to carry on this lineage; to promote standards of educational excellence in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and to establish a program in this country that fosters the medicine’s Taoist roots. The Ni brothers’ father, Master Hua-Ching Ni, a well-known practitioner and educator in Los Angeles, served as University Chancellor in the early years. Our first first class of eight students began their studies in January 1989.

From those modest beginnings, the University now has some 200 students in our Master’s and Doctoral degree programs. They come from around the globe and bring a richness of experience and perspective to every class. The Yo San University Community Clinic not only serves as a training center for our students, but also provides residents of the West Los Angeles area with affordable acupuncture and TCM.

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YSU Today

OUR MISSION 

Yo San University is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and inspiration of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners with an emphasis in the Taoist healing arts and collaborative care. The university facilitates the development of students’ spiritual and professional growth to unite the power of ancient wisdom and modern science, and provide the community with integrative medical care and services.

OUR VISION

Inspiring the next
generation of healthcare

OUR CORE VALUES

Yo San University through its faculty and staff is committed to serving our students, the healthcare professions, and the community by fostering an environment that promotes:

  • The Pursuit of excellence
  • Compassion and care
  • Professionalism
  • Integrity
  • Awareness of Taoist principles: Self-reliance, Self-responsibility, Self-discipline.
  • Cultivating and transforming lives

OUR EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

  • Yo San University graduates demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Yo San University graduates will have acquired the clinical skills and; proficiency to competently evaluate patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine examination techniques, formulate a medical diagnosis and treatment strategy, and carry out the treatment in a skillful and professional manner.
  • Yo San University graduates understand the importance of Qi­-cultivation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and demonstrate practical skills in the various techniques of Qi-­cultivation.
  • Yo San University graduates will have acquired the necessary skills to begin their professional practice and be able to effectively communicate, educate and work with the public in integrative medical care models.
  • Yo San University graduates recognize the importance of conducting their practice in an ethical and professional manner, and engage in the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine within the appropriate federal and state legal requirements.

Leadership

Founded in 1989, Yo San University is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization organized and devoted to educating all those who seek to become practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are fully accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

Our President

Robert Hoffman, DAOM, L.Ac

Dr. Robert Hoffman is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Yo San University in Los Angeles where he also serves on both the master’s and doctoral faculties. In these roles, Dr. Hoffman is responsible for the growth and strategic planning of the University in addition to curriculum development, online education development, faculty recruitment, assessment of accreditation standards, marketing and branding. Along with his work at the university, Dr. Hoffman serves on the board of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), responsible for the creation of standards and accreditation for all Chinese medicine schools in the United States, and sits on the board of the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA).

Dr. Hoffman has written numerous articles on Daoism and Chinese medicine, and serves as editor and peer reviewer for several integrative medicine journals. He received his master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University, and completed his doctoral degree (DAOM) at Five Branches University in San Jose.

In addition, he is currently a PhD candidate at Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University in Hangzhou, China. Dr. Hoffman travels to China several times a year for additional study and clinical rotations at the Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University Hospital and other area out-patient clinics. His current research is in the use of mushrooms as adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment, and the role of Chinese herbs in T cell regulation. Dr. Hoffman is an ordained 23rd generation Daoist Priest in the Quanzhen, Longmen tradition studying with Josh Paynter and Jack Schaefer of Parting Clouds Daoist Education.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Yo San University Board is comprised of community leaders who bring a wealth of personal and professional experiences and dedication to steering the University toward inspiring the next generation of healthcare.

ADMINISTRATION & STAFF

Our dedicated staff work each day to make our students YSU’s first priority and our partners in implementing the strategic vision.

TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

As a non-profit educational provider located in the State of California, Yo San University strives to be transparent and accountable to our constituents and all California residents.