Changes of Oxygen Metabolism in the Cerebrum during Shaolin Internal Qigong

In this study, the states of oxygen metabolism in the cerebrum were analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in order to clarify the mechanisms of physiological changes during exercises of Shaolin Internal Qigong. The subject was a 55-year old man, who has practiced Shaolin Internal Qigong almost every day for over 40 years. At rest in the sitting position, the average oxygen saturation(StO2), total hemoglobin (TotalHb) and oxyhemoglobin(OxyHb) were 79.6%, 393.0cm?g/l, and 312.9 cm?g/l, respectively, whereas during Shaolin Internal Qigong exercises, they were within 77-79%, 390-396cm?g/l, and 299-312cm?g/l, respectively. These results mean that the three characteristics did not change significantly between at rest and during Shaolin Internal Qigong. The subject seemed to maintain the oxygen density and hemoglobin density in the brain blood flow as constantly as possible. In addtion, Shaolin Internal Qigong may promote oxygen consumption economically to inhibit the increase of DeoxyHb in the blood.