Acute effect of qigong training on stress hormonal levels in man

We observed the acute effects of Qigong training on the levels of human endogenous opioid peptides, such as beta-endorphin, and other stress hormones Íadrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)Í in a group of ChunDoSunBup
Qigong trainees. At pre (-10 min), mid (40 min) and post (70 min) time of training, blood was taken for the determination of plasma level of hormones. The level of beta-endorphin was significantly increased during the mid-time of training while the level of ACTH declined at the mid-and post-time of training. Cortisol and DHEA-S were not significantly changed during training. This result suggests that Qigong training, as a stress coping method, affects and plays a role in hormonal regulation related to the maintenance of homeostasis in man.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Chonbuk, Republic of Korea