Endocrine and Immune Effects of ChunDoSunBup Qi-training

Qi-training is an Oriental, traditional psychosomatic training for the development of physical balance through isotonic, isometric slow motions as well as psychological stabilization through meditation. The uniqueness of Qi-training has been distinguished from physical exercise. Cross-disciplinary approaches, which are based on the psychology, neuroendocrinology, and immunology, have shown that Qi-training influences the holistic health state in men. We found that ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training acutely increased the plasma level of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I during and after CDSB Qi-training. The increase of IGF-I followed the secretion of GH at mid-time and immediately after Qi-training. The plasma level of IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 was also increased significantly at the mid time of Qi-training. These results suggest that Qi-training might modulate the secretion of growth factors and hormone in men. In addition, the respiratory function of neutrophil was rapidly increased in isolated neutrophils during and immediately after Qi-training. CDSB Qi-training was sufficient to elevate the capacity of circulating neutrophils to produce the superoxide anion (O2- ) upon stimulation in aged men. In an in vitro analysis, GH primed and increased the function and adhesion of neutrophils through the phosphorylation of Janus kinse (JAK)2, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, focal adhesion kinas (FAK), and paxillin. Taken together, in vivo and in vitro data suggest that Qi-training influences the secretion of GH, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and neutrophil function, which may enhance the immunological response against infection and inflammation through the modulation of an innate defence function. It is possible that the beneficial effects of Qi-training on psychological and immunological functions are mediated via neuroendocrine responses.