Tai Chi for Pain Management
- Courses
- Tai Chi for Pain Management
Course introduction
Pain poses a huge public health challenge. Globally, it has been estimated that 1 in 5 adults suffer from pain and that another 1 in 10 adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year. Pain has multiple, serious sequelae including but not limited to depression, inability to work, disrupted social relationships and suicidal thoughts. Of those living with chronic pain, the median time of exposure is 7 years.
There is growing evidence that Tai Chi is effective in reducing chronic pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomised control trials (RCTs) demonstrated that Tai Chi had significantly greater effects on patients with fibromyalgia than standard care. Another recent systematic review and meta-analysis of ten RCTs concluded that Tai Chi significantly decreased low back pain and improved function disability index.
Based on research evidence, informed by exercise science and guided by exercise prescription principles and safety guidelines, the Tai Chi for Pain Management Program is designed to increases muscle strength and endurance, improve motion range, mobility and posture, reduce pain and pain-related symptoms, and improve functional ability and the quality of life.
What to learn
The course contains practical and theoretical module
Practical Module
- Step by step teaching and practice of the evidence-based and targeted Tai Chi intervention program
- How to teach the program safely and effectively
Theoretical Module
- Epidemiology of pain
- Types of pain and risk factors of pain
- Objectives of the Tai Chi for Pain Management Program
- Research evidence and exercise science underpinning the Tai Chi for Pain Management Program.
- Teaching and practice guidelines
Why choose this course by EMI
- Based on compelling research evidence
- Informed by exercise science
- Guided by exercise prescription principles and safety guidelines
- Accredited/approved by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), among other national or international professional governing bodies
- Over 20 years of dedication to continuing education for health and exercise professionals
- High level of course participants’ satisfaction
- Gaining certification to practice/teach the program in healthcare, community or residential settings
- Expanding your professional skills and gaining 15 CPD / CECs for your processional development
- Complete learning resources (course manual and step-by-step teaching video) provided
- Ongoing professional development support

Dr Henry Zheng
Dr Henry Zheng is a professor in exercise medicine. He received a doctoral degree from the Faculty of Medicine, the University of New South Wales, Australia. His doctoral research focused on quantification of the effect size and dose-response of physical activity interventions in reducing the risk of and preventing coronary heart disease.
Dr Henry Zheng’s research and teaching interests span exercise interventions for prevention, rehabilitation and management of chronic conditions and fall, improvement of mental health and cognition, and promotion of active and healthy ageing. He has published in international peer-reviewed journals including the British Medical Journal, the European Journal of Epidemiology, the American Journal of Infection Control, the Journal of International Body Composition Research, the Journal of International Institute on Ageing (BOLD), the United Nations, and Wound Practice and Research.

Alice L Yuan
Alice L Yuan is an exercise specialist and leading international authority in evidence-based Tai Chi, Qigong and Mulan exercise programs for health. Alice has conducted professional development courses for healthcare and exercise professionals in Australia and internationally for over 20 years.
Alice was also the head instructor of Tai Chi for health courses at the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. She is also a past gold medallist in international competitions held in Australia and judge for national and international Tai Chi and Qigong competitions.