A 'Stress Meter' assessment of the degree of relaxation in qigong vs. non-qigong mediation

An experiment evaluating the degree of relaxation by means of a 'stress meter' was conducted in Hangzhou, China. Chinese qigong, a form of mediation, was used to induce the state of relaxation in this experiment. But, the subjects using qigong training were able to reach deeper leverls of relaxation than those using non-qigong subjects. However, when the inducement language of experienced qigong masters was used with the non-qiogng subjects, they were able to reach deeper levels of relaxation. The results also show that the degree of relaxation in mediation can be objectively assessed and monitored by the 'stress meter' technique employed in this study.

The working principle of the 'stress meter'is based on the measurement of body onductivity under 5 volts direct current. The meter has 128 negative electrodes in the shape of small pins 1 mm in diameter and 1 mm in length within an area of 8 cm2. This size cover the covers the palm of the hand. A round positive electrode is attached to the index finger of the other hand.