Experimental research on the braking phenomenon of the upper limbs evoked by qigong waiqi (emitted qi)

Some qigong masters can immobilize the upper limbs of people sensitive to the waiqi. As a result, a 'braking phenomenon' appears. The aim of this experiment is research the objectivity and reliability of 'the braking phenomenon' and on its mechanism.

13 subjects who were very sensitive to waiqi were selected. They pulled the strain transducer tightly by right hand according to IBM-AT computer's instruction every ten seconds. At the same time a myoelectric record of musculus extensor carpi ulnaris and musculus flexor carpi ulnaris was made and the changes of myodynamia were recorded, lasting 5 seconds each time.

Waiqi was emitted by a qigong master or a person who had never practised qigong (the control) to the right upper limbs of the subjects. The subjects were blindfolded during the experiment to avoid any effects of psychological suggestion.

There were no obvious changes in both myoelectric and myodynamic record in 6 subjects, while the changes of the other 7 were considerable, when the qigong master emitted qi, the wave amplitudes of electro myogram recorded on both musculus extensor carpi ulnaris and musculus flexor carpi ulnaris and the myodynamia were decreased.

Statistics indicated a marked difference (P<0.05) before and after emitting qi. A comparison made between the qigong group and the control indicated an obvious difference (P<0.001). When emanant qi was emitted, the subjects had feelings of pain, tingling and distention and disorder in voluntary motor function occurred to certain extent.

We found that the emanant qi increased muscular tone and muscles became rigid, resulting in involuntary movement. But how emanant qi produces an effect on the increase in muscular tone remains to be further studied.