Read More about our Members Incredible Healing Stories
Marie's Story: Breaking Free from Decades of Pain
Key Highlights:
Opioid-Free Living
Avoided Surgery
Functional Recovery
Life-Changing Results
Brief Overview:
“Marie struggled with back pain for 28 years, relying on opioids and steroid injections. After joining the program, she eliminated opioids, avoided surgery, and regained mobility. WaQi gave her a renewed sense of control and hope for a healthier future.”
Marie’s Story (Chef): Breaking Free from Decades of Pain
"I first heard about the Tai Chi and Qigong for Back Pain program through the Weill Cornell Medical Center Spine Zoom Seminars during the Covid shutdown. I was thrilled to be accepted into the study in August 2022. Initially, I was randomized into the control group, meaning I didn’t begin the Tai Chi training until January 2023. At the time, I had been struggling with back pain for 28 years. I had my first herniation at 40, and by 2022, I had already undergone a microdiscectomy for L5-T12.
The pain was constant. I was taking 100mg of Tramadol 2–3 times a day, receiving at least three steroid injections per year for herniations ranging from L2 to T9, and relying on opioids to manage the pain.
“Within just six weeks of starting the program and practicing almost daily, I began to feel real relief—not just physically but mentally, too. For the first time in years, I felt hope. I started thinking of it as ‘the pain’ rather than ‘my pain,’ as though I was no longer its prisoner.”
“After completing the 3-month program in April 2023, I knew I had found something life-changing. If I stayed consistent with the practice, I believed I could truly heal—or at least stop hurting myself further. Since then, I’ve stayed with the practice, continuing in the program for about a year: attending weekly live classes on Tuesday and using the class recordings regularly to practice on my own.
About a year and a half ago, I eliminated opioids entirely for back pain and haven’t taken any since then.
It’s been 2 full years since I needed an injection in my back.
I’ve reduced my pain medication by 75–80%.
I returned to work part-time, and my employer even got me a standing desk, so I don’t have to sit.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to really listen to my body. I read once that anger isn’t good or bad—it’s an emotion that signals change is needed. I’ve come to feel the same way about pain. It was telling me I needed to make a change.
“I still practice every day: I do my lying-down meditation at 4 PM and at least 10 minutes of Tai Chi, more when I can. Thanks to this practice—and to Master Yang’s teachings—I smile all the time now.”
Julie’s Story: Regaining Strength and Hope Amid Pain and Cancer
Key Highlights:
Chronic Pain Relief
Cancer Recovery Support
Mobility Improvement
Emotional Resilience
Brief Overview:
“Julie battled chronic back pain compounded by cancer treatments, including neuropathy and lymphedema. With WaQi, she found relief, improved mobility, and reduced fatigue. Today, she feels stronger, more hopeful, and more in control of her well-being.”
Julie’s Story: Regaining Strength and Hope Amid Pain and Cancer
For years, I lived with chronic back pain and, seven years ago, faced an additional challenge: breast cancer. During chemotherapy and radiation treatment, I developed severe neuropathy in my hands and from my knees to my toes, as well as lymphedema in my right arm. This compounded the difficulties of managing my back pain, leaving me physically drained and emotionally overwhelmed.
In 2022, during a wellness visit, my doctor recommended a joint study between the Weill Cornell Spine Center and the Center for Tai Chi and Qigong Studies. It was an online program, which made it accessible for me, and I decided to give it a try. I joined the study in September 2022, despite initial doubts about whether it would make a difference.
At first, I struggled to feel optimistic. The pain was persistent, and I lacked energy. I even considered dropping out. But Master Yang’s encouragement and the “no pain, more gain” philosophy kept me going. By the fourth class, I began to notice subtle improvements—not just physically but mentally. I felt more positive, less tense, and more willing to engage with the practice.
The daily movements and meditations were life-changing. Simple exercises, like arm stretches and postural corrections, made a big difference in reducing my back pain. The program also helped me combat fatigue by easing tension and building strength. Even when I couldn’t follow every instruction due to lymphedema, Master Yang’s accommodating approach allowed me to modify movements without losing the benefits.
One of the most transformative outcomes was my ability to stop relying on a cane inside my home. When I first joined the study, I needed my cane for support everywhere I walked. However, as the program progressed, my feet and legs grew stronger. By the time I completed the study in April 2023, I was able to move comfortably around my apartment without my cane. Today, I walk back and forth to the laundry and mailrooms, and I am proud to say I can walk my long hallway 15-20 minutes two to three times a week without any support. While I still rely on my cane outside, this progress has given me newfound confidence and independence.
I continue to practice with the WaQi for Back Pain program weekly and have gained significant relief from my back pain. My mobility has improved, and I feel more in control of my well-being.
WaQi has become an essential part of my journey—not just for physical recovery but for emotional resilience. The program and its supportive community have been a lifeline, helping me move forward with hope and strength.
Rob Hammer: Finding Life-Changing Relief with Tai Chi
Key Highlights
Avoided Second Surgery
Pain-Free and Medication-Free (Including Opioids)
Eliminated Dependence on Walker and Increased Mobility
Renewed Energy and Mental Resilience
Brief Overview
Rob joined WaQi to manage chronic back pain after years of failed treatments and severe mobility challenges. Through the program, he avoided a second surgery, eliminated pain medications, and regained full mobility. Now pain-free and medication-free, Rob enjoys renewed energy and a fulfilling, active life.
Full story: My Incredible Journey to a Pain-Free Life
In 2015, I first experienced back pain with numbness down both legs and balance issues when walking or standing. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, and after eight weeks of physical therapy with no improvement, my local orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery. Imaging showed severe narrowing in my lower spine and a synovial cyst pressing on my spinal cord.
I underwent surgery, followed by 12 weeks of physical therapy, which aimed to strengthen my lower back. While I managed the post-surgical pain with Tramadol, I struggled with withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication. A year later, the back pain returned. Although imaging showed no obvious reason for the pain, I was sent back to physical therapy. Frustrated with minimal results, I decided to continue the exercises at home, which worked for a while.
By 2019, my condition had worsened significantly. I relied on a walker to move, suffered severe muscle spasms, and faced the prospect of a 2-3 level spinal fusion surgery. Determined to avoid surgery, I pursued injections and medications at a pain clinic, but these interventions brought no lasting relief. I felt disheartened and believed I was experiencing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)—a condition I now know many others struggle with as well.
A Turning Point
In 2019, desperate for answers, I contacted the Mayo Clinic. After reviewing my case, their medical team gave me two options: another round of physical therapy or an epidural injection. I reluctantly tried the injection, but the relief was short-lived. During a follow-up, I expressed my frustration with the lack of results. That’s when the team told me about a joint study by the Spine Center at Cornell Medicine and Master Yang on Tai Chi for back pain.
I was accepted into the study and randomized in August 2022. Although I was initially assigned to the control group and did not begin training immediately, I started the Tai Chi and Qigong program in January 2023. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was willing to give it a try.
A Life-Changing Experience
From the very beginning, I made a firm commitment to the program. During the 12-week research trial, we met twice a week and were encouraged to practice daily. By week six, I began noticing significant improvements:
My muscle spasms disappeared.
I no longer needed prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
I was able to move more easily and with confidence.
By the end of the program, I was completely pain-free.
Why This Program Is for Everyone
While this Tai Chi program is designed to relieve chronic pain, its comprehensive approach—addressing posture, sleep, balance, core strength, and cultivating a calm, positive, and resilient mind—offers benefits that extend beyond pain management. For those without pain, these same elements can enhance overall health, improve vitality, and build long-term resilience. Whether recovering from pain or simply looking to build strength and vitality, this program is for everyone.
Life After the Program
After the study ended, I continued with Master Yang’s program for a year, attending weekly classes and using recordings to practice daily. Now, I practice Tai Chi on my own with three routines I’ve developed:
A 1-hour session I do daily when time allows.
A 30-minute version for busier days.
A 10-minute routine I use while traveling or during short breaks.
Where I Am Today
I am completely pain-free.
I no longer take any pain medication.
I’ve added strength training to my routine and can lift up to 100 pounds.
I’m active again, enjoying all of the outdoor activities I love.
This program has truly changed my life. I never thought I’d be free from pain or off medications, but this Tai Chi program gave me my life back.