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Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine ›› 2011, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (10): 1094-1100.doi: 10.3736/jcim20111010

Special Issue: Acupuncture & Moxibustion

• Original Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

To accomplish preliminary Qigong simulation state by acupuncture

Feng-Ming Ho1, Hsiou-Yu Ding2, Charng-Cherng Chyau3, Hui-Yen Kuo2, Ming-Tsung Yen4, Tsun-Cheng Kuo2()   

  1. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, China
    2. Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan, China
    3. Department of Biotechnology, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan, China
    4. Department of Applied Life Science and Health, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan, China
  • Received:2011-06-23 Accepted:2011-08-22 Online:2011-10-20 Published:2011-10-15
  • Contact: Kuo Tsun-Cheng E-mail:kuotsung@mail.chna.edu.tw

Objective: The purpose of the study was to find out how to enter the preliminary Qigong simulation state in a short period of time.

Methods: This is a non-randomized, human experiment with healthy participants. A multi-channel digital physiological data recorder was used to detect whether the participants had entered the Qigong state. Participants were assisted to enter the Qigong state (relaxation, tranquility and naturalness) by being given the sore (sour) feeling produced by acupuncturing Hegu (LI4), and suggestions (repeating words “relax” and “heat” from the hypogastrium).

Results: About 72.2% of the participants who had no Qigong experience were found entering the preliminary Qigong simulation state. Most of the physiological parameters measured after the participants entering the Qigong state showed significant changes compared with the baseline data.

Conclusion: This study revealed that acupuncture-made sore feeling is able to induce the participants to quickly enter the preliminary Qigong simulation state; hence this can be seen as no longer a limited phenomenon, but can be commonly applied to everybody.

Key words: Qigong, point LI4 (Hegu), acupuncture

"

Group n With acupuncture Without acupuncture
Qigong experience
(Neiyang Gong)
28 8.2±6.4 25.4±10.7
No Qigong experience 36 15.6±10.8 29.5±12.6

"

Physiological parameter Baseline Qigong state
Electroencephalogram (16.8±5.9)% (38.5±13.5)%*
Skin temperature (33.31±0.13) ℃ (33.79±0.24) ℃*
Electromyogram 9.4±4.3 116.5±35.6*
Skin conductance level (13.2±4.9) μs (30.2±11.7) μs*
Finger pulse amplitude (32.5±7.8) pulses/min (65.5±14.3) pulses/min*
Heart rate (72.9±8.6) beats/min (70.8±11.9) beats/min

Figure 1

Effects of Qigong state on the change of dorsum of skin temperature at the right palmAfter the participants entered the Qigong state (indicated by arrow), the skin temperature of their palms increased. A representative curve of 36 experiments is shown. "

Figure 2

Changes of mean relative power of α wave during Qigong state at the right frontal lobe of cerebrum site(A) Typical spectra of control (baseline) stage and Qigong state. (B) The raw electroencephalogram signals were displayed (the Qigong state being achieved). A representative curve of 42 experiments is shown."

Figure 3

The pattern of the electromyogram at the dorsum of the right hand for each stage during control (before Qigong state) and the Qigong state (indicated by arrow)A representative curve of 30 separate experiments is shown."

Figure 4

Effects of the Qigong state on the change of finger pulse amplitude When the participants entered the Qigong state (indicated by arrow), the finger pulse amplitude and frequency were increased. A representative curve of 49 experiments is shown."

Figure 5

The change of the skin conductance level pattern for each stage during control (before Qigong state) and Qigong state (indicated by arrow) A representative curve of 52 experiments is shown."

Figure 6

Effects of the Qigong state on the heart rateArrow indicated the participants entered the Qigong state. A representative curve of 56 experiments is shown."

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