October 2026 Newsletter

Dear friends,

Tai chi teaches that four ounces can move a thousand pounds. Most of us live it in reverse, meeting four ounces of daily challenge with a thousand pounds of tension, in the body and in the mind.

This month our online Saturday class turns to sōng (松), releasing what we do not need. For those of us in pain, that extra holding feeds the pain. For those without pain, letting it go is a freer, steadier way to live.

With warm regards,

Yang

Now in its second month, Spine 7 ties each practice more clearly to how it helps, and members tell us they like the changes. Our four October classes, beginning Saturday, October 10, explore releasing in stillness and in movement.

Already in the Saturday class? Just come on Saturday. New? Join any time.

"I have experienced a major benefit by reminding myself to relax the painful muscle in my shoulder and upper arm. I experienced this pain for years. Amazingly, the pain was almost gone within two days of consciously applying it. By paying attention to this area of my body, I noticed that every time, right before the moment of exertion, the area tensed. Now, being mindful of it, I let go of this tension. It made a world of difference! It also had a side effect: staying in the present more often. It promotes release of mental stress and thus allows me to relax even more."

Spine class member

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Know someone with back pain? Forward this email to them.

Cannon Fist: There Is Still Time to Join

Live online, every other Sunday, 10 to 11 AM ET, for intermediate and advanced students

Our fall semester is underway, and you can still join. Class recordings let you catch up on the forms covered so far. Cannon Fist, the second routine of Chen tai chi, is taught here with the health benefits and martial applications of every form, a rare chance to study it in depth.

Kripalu, November 20 to 22: Our Last In-Person Gathering of 2026

Tai Chi and Qigong for Back Pain: Improve Sleep, Reduce Stress, and Restore Balance. In person, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Three days in the Berkshires with Dr. Roger Härtl of Weill Cornell, senior author of our back pain trial. Enrollment is strong, and the weekend falls just before Thanksgiving, a good time to set down what you carry before the holidays.

In 2027 we begin a new back pain study with New York Medical College and leading spine centers, offered to employees as a workplace benefit, free to both the employer and its employees. We are looking for one or two large employers, with 50,000 or more employees and many of them working at desks.

The best path is a personal introduction to a CEO or head of human resources. If you know someone in that role, please reply to this email. We would be very grateful.

Master Yang and Dr. Neel Mehta will present our trial results, with a brief guided practice, at the New York and New Jersey Pain Medicine Congress on Saturday, November 7, at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City. The session is for pain medicine clinicians, with registration through the Congress.

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