QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOENERGETIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH

The many different styles and schools of Chinese mind/body practices involving regulation of mind, body, and respiration (i.e., Qigong and Tai Chi), are traditionally thought to enhance health and healing by improving the level and circulation of ?Qi?, the Chinese term for vital energy). Because Qi is an ancient concept that does not have a precise scientific definition, the goal of our research is to apply modern biomedical technologies to develop experimental approaches, protocols, and instrumentation that can be used to quantify physiological and bioenergetic changes associated with the practice of Qigong and Tai Chi. We hope that this work will lead to a better understanding of the scientific basis of the beneficial effects of these practices, and thus accelerate their integration into the healthcare community on a global scale.