Cortisol, catecholamines and beta-endorphin levels in plasma during and after qi mobilization in qigong.

It is reported that natural killer cell activity increase and various harmones change curing qigong, but there are few data for these changes. In the present study, we have tried to clarify the changes of cortisol, catecholamines and beta-endorphin levels in plasma during and after the mobilization of qi by qigong master.

Methods

Subjects were six healthy male volunteers for this study. Only one subject had been trained in qigong for seven years. Blood samples were extracted three times. The first samples were drawn after ten minutes sitting on the chair, and then qigong master emitted external qi during 20 minutes to the subjects with closed eyes. Second and third samples was extracted immediately and after an hour qi mobilization.

Results

After 20 minutes sitting with closed eyes, cortisol level decreased immediately about 20% to the control level, and decreased clearly 30% after an hour. Adrenaline decreased immediately about 20% and recovered to the control level after an hour. Noradrenaline, dopamine and, beta-endorphin levels showed no significant changes.

It showed the same tendency during qi mobilization by qigong master. However, dopamine and, beta-endorphin levels increased about 20% apparently on the one subject who have trained qigong for 7 years.

Discussion

There were no significant changes between qi mobilization by qigong master and on sitting position with closed eyes. It is suggested that the decrease of cortisol and adrenaline levels showed a relaxation from the stress and the decrease of the mental tension. Beta-endorphin is released in the state of deep meditation and pleasure, and then dopamine is released in the anterior lobe by A-10 fiber.

It is considered that one subject who have trained qigong for 7 years obtained the responsibility to the emitted qi of qigong master, and enhanced himself the internal qi.

It is necessary to study furthermore and use the high level qigong master.