Effect of qigong state and emitted qi on the human nervous system

Author: Liu Guolong
Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China [1]
Conference/Journal: 1st Int Cong of Qigong
Date published: 1990
Other: Pages: 107 , Word Count: 430


The Qigong state is a special functional condition of the human body refers to a mental and physical phenomena induced by suggestion from others or the self. The observed phenomena related to Qigong are due to mechanisms originated in the central nervous system. on other hand, the emitted Qi may contain a complex spectrum of biological and physical energies produced by the human body in the normal or the Qigong meditation. The effect of emitted Qi may be more pronounced in the Qigong state than in the normal state.

The function of central nervous system may be altered under the Qigong meditation as well as under the emitted Qi.Based on results from our experimental studies, the effects of Qigong meditation as follows: The alpha rhythm of the prefrontal association cortex was enhanced and the dominant areas of alpha wave moved from the occipital lobe to the frontal. The large areas of the cerebral cortex were inhibited to variable degrees and it is obviously different from the sleep. The structures in the brainstem and hypothalamus were facilitated significantly. The spinal cord was found to exhibit inhibition or facilitation in different individuals.

The emitted Qi also could alter functions of the nervous system, not only in human but also in animal. The activity of EEG was synchronized to the alpha rhythm and its powerspectrum showed increases in certain frequencies , which is similar to the changes of EEG during the Qigong meditation, i.e. the 'Reversal of Frontal-Occipital' of the alpha dominant peak frequency. The emitted Qi caused changes in auditory brainstem evoked responses(ABER) in anesthetized cats. in most of the cats , the ABER amplitude increased, particularly those components generated at the level of mesencephalon. But in some animals, the ABER amplitude decreased.

The infrasonic radiation was measurable in the emitted Qi. The dominant peak frequency of the infrasonic radiation was between 8.0 Hz and 12.5 Hz, overlapping with the frequency of the alpha waves in EEG. For the person receiving the emitted Qi, the frequency of alpha wave often became synchronized to the infrasonic radiation. It is suggested that the infrasonic radiation in the emitted Qi may be cause the observed changes in EEG.

From our results of these experimental studies, we can not say with certainly that the Qigong meditation is quite beneficial or not harmful for human health. Because any excessive inhibitory or excitatory activation may be actually induce the functional disorder of the nervous system. This may explain the frequently reported psychosis and other mental disorder associated with those who may have practised Qigong meditation in an improper manner.