(NOTE: This analysis is not intended as a definitive resource that “proves” anything on the topic. People love to argue about this stuff, despite my scientific leanings in terms of writing and research, I don’t like to argue as it often is aligned with belief on subjects like this. Regardless of what side you are on regarding the topic of externally emitted energy, I hope you enjoy this post. I am also not claiming to be able to emit Qi or heal people with these techniques.)
Recent reports on external Qi have sparked significant controversy. The main debate revolves around whether the effects of external Qi are due to psychological or physical factors. This debate arises from the fact that the theoretical understanding of external Qi is not always consistent with its observed clinical effects.
A. Theoretical Meaning of External Qi
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, external Qi results from the emission of internal Qi. Since internal Qi is considered the basic and vital substance necessary for life activities, external Qi should similarly be regarded as having life-sustaining properties. From a modern scientific perspective, external Qi could be viewed as a "field" in physics, posited in laboratory research as an unknown physical factor capable of producing effects. This experimental assumption suggests that external Qi is a non-contact influential factor emitted and controlled by the intention or consciousness of experienced Qigong practitioners. It is distinct from non-contact effects in a human's natural state due to its unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Numerous scientific studies have documented the non-contact effects of external Qi on various sensors used in its study. These findings indicate that external Qi, from both TCM and modern scientific perspectives, is not purely psychological, and its effects should not be considered solely psychological.
Chen's (2004) analytic review of studies on measuring effects of external Qi in China highlights this perspective by examining major research on the topic over the past 20 years. His review categorizes detectors into five groups: physical signal detectors, chemical dynamics methods, detectors using biological materials, life sensors, and the human body. Chen concludes that the studies confirm measurable effects of external Qi, suggesting it is more than a psychological phenomenon.
Yan and his colleagues (2006) have conducted rigorous experiments on the effects of external Qi on various materials, demonstrating its impact on physical structures. Their experiments reveal that external Qi can produce significant structural changes in water and aqueous solutions, alter the phase behavior of liposomes, and facilitate the growth of protein crystals. These results suggest that external Qi possesses material properties that can be objectively measured and analyzed.
Yan et al. (2002) conducted a series of experiments showing that external Qi emitted by Dr. Yan Xin affects various physical systems. These experiments demonstrated significant responses in LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters, changes in the structure of aqueous solutions as observed via laser Raman spectroscopy, and alterations in the half-life of Americium-241 (Yan et al., 2002). This research supports the physical reality of external Qi and its measurable influence on physical systems.
B. Clinical Effects of External Qi Healing
From a psychological viewpoint, every interaction between humans inevitably includes some degree of psychological suggestion. Treatment with external Qi, being such an interaction, also has psychologically suggestive effects. External Qi treatment shares similarities with suggestive therapeutics in leveraging the psychological predisposition towards suggestion. Psychological suggestion subtly influences a person's psychology and behavior through the therapist's words, gestures, and attitudes, as well as the treatment environment.
However, external Qi treatment differs from suggestive therapy in significant ways. While suggestive therapy typically involves the therapist providing suggestions with the patient as a passive receiver, Qigong treatment actively involves the patient through self-regulation, self-treatment, and self-preservation. It's important to note that psychological suggestion is present in all therapeutic relationships, not just Qigong treatment. Even the act of visiting a hospital and seeing doctors in white coats can have a calming and hopeful effect on patients, contributing to treatment success.
External Qi treatment does not exclude psychological effects; rather, it emphasizes and extends them. By focusing on conviction, inducing varied sensations, and affirming mental and physical responses, patients can be influenced by the power of suggestion. These methods are valid if they enhance therapeutic outcomes but are less credible if the effects are solely attributed to external Qi. Psychological suggestion alone can induce potent physical and psychological reactions and achieve curative effects for certain conditions. For example, hypnosis, based on psychological suggestion, has historically induced strong analgesic effects and was used for surgical anesthesia.
Some researchers argue that external Qi treatment is primarily psychological suggestion, similar to a placebo, and that without suggestion, the effect would be lost. However, clinical evidence shows that external Qi treatment has improved and even cured some difficult and complicated diseases. Further studies reveal that patients responsive to external Qi treatment are often more sensitive to suggestion. While psychological suggestion may partly explain therapeutic responses to external Qi, it does not rule out the possibility of other contributing factors.
Yan's (2013) experiments using biological detectors demonstrate the substantial effects of external Qi on biological systems. For instance, studies have shown that external Qi can alter the conformation of biomolecules, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and even affect the immune functions of tumor-bearing mice. These findings support the notion that external Qi has real, measurable effects beyond psychological suggestion.
Additional studies by Yan and colleagues (2012) revealed that external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQ-EQ) induces cell death and gene expression alterations in cancer cells. Their research showed that YXQ-EQ treatment leads to apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and glucose metabolism of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. These results were linked to specific changes in gene expression, including the upregulation of apoptotic proteins and the downregulation of oncogenes and cell migration-promoting proteins. Furthermore, YXQ-EQ was found to induce apoptosis and inhibit the migration and invasion of estrogen-independent breast cancer cells by suppressing the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway (Yan et al., 2012).
Feng Bai et al. (2024) conducted a study on the effects of externally projected Qi energy on plant DNA and cellular growth. Their experiments demonstrated that Qi energy could induce rapid germination and root growth in wheat and pea seeds within about 20 minutes. The RAPD method revealed polymorphisms in the DNA of treated seeds, suggesting that Qi energy may alter the structure of germination-related gene sites, accelerating their expression. This remarkable effect on seed development has been observed repeatedly in various scientific and research institutions, supporting the influence of Qi energy on genetic material and cellular growth (Bai et al., 2024).
Further studies have explored the effects of Qi-therapy on various health parameters in humans. Lee et al. (2003) conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of Qi-therapy on blood pressure, pain, and psychological symptoms in elderly subjects. The study found that Qi-therapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain levels, and blood pressure compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that even a brief application of Qi-therapy may exert positive psychological and physiological effects (Lee et al., 2003).
Additionally, Yang et al. (2005) studied the efficacy of Qi-therapy in improving symptoms of pain and mood states in elderly people with chronic pain. The intervention group received four weeks of Qi-therapy, and compared to the control group, they experienced significant improvements in positive mood and psychological variables. These benefits persisted even after two weeks of follow-up, suggesting that Qi-therapy may help elderly individuals cope with pain and associated mood disturbances (Yang et al., 2005).
Lee et al. (2005) investigated the effects of Qi-therapy on heart rate variability (HRV) using nonlinear analysis. Their study found that Qi-therapy reduced heart rate and increased HRV, indicating improved autonomic nervous system balance. The results showed that Qi-therapy stabilizes the sympathovagal function and cardiac autonomic nervous system by inducing positive emotions, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for enhancing cardiovascular health (Lee et al., 2005).
Jung et al. (2006) conducted a pilot study to evaluate differences in the effects of Qi therapy with and without touching on anxiety, mood, neurohormones, and cellular immune function. Their study found no significant differences between the effects of Qi therapy with and without touching. However, both forms of Qi therapy significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood, as well as modulating cortisol levels and enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that Qi therapy is effective regardless of physical contact, potentially broadening its applications (Jung et al., 2006).
Another study by Lee et al. (2005) demonstrated that Qi-therapy could improve cardiac autonomic tone. In a randomized placebo-controlled study, the researchers found significant time and group × time interactions in heart rate (HR), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratios. These findings suggest that Qi-therapy reduced HR and increased HRV, indicating stabilization of sympathovagal function (Lee et al., 2005).
Since the 1970s, experiments have neither fully confirmed nor denied the substantiality of external Qi, partly due to the complexities in experimental design and implementation. Proving external Qi's substantiality without psychological suggestion is challenging, as excluding suggestion might disrupt the subtle substance and information conveyed by external Qi. Therefore, it remains difficult to entirely exclude suggestion in clinical treatment with external Qi. Given the limitations of modern technology and the complexities involved, settling the debate over the physical nature of Qi still seems distant.
Conclusion
In Qigong therapy, both self-regulation and external Qi treatment are relevant to modern psychological therapy. In the Qigong state of "void and nothingness," the practitioner's reactions are akin to self-actualization and peak experiences in humanistic psychology. The calm and peaceful state achieved through Qigong practice benefits psychological and physical health. Recent studies using various psychological assessments have found that Qigong practitioners score significantly better on indicators such as interpersonal relations, depression, anxiety, hypochondriasis, hysteria, psychopathic personality, and social introversion. Thus, Qigong practice positively influences individual psychology and can optimize personality.
Today, some techniques from TCM Qigong therapy are integrated into modern psychological treatment and have gradually become part of modern psychology. Some textbooks even include chapters dedicated to "Qigong therapy."
Chen's (2004) comprehensive review of external Qi studies underscores the necessity for further research using advanced methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to fully understand the mechanisms and potential of external Qi in healing.
Yan's (2006) work on the structural and material effects of external Qi adds another layer of evidence supporting its substantial nature. His findings on the influence of external Qi on water, liposomes, and protein crystals provide a compelling case for the physical reality of Qi. The integration of such research into clinical practices could bridge the gap between traditional Chinese medical theories and modern scientific understanding, paving the way for innovative therapeutic techniques (Yan et al., 2012; Yan et al., 2013; Bai et al., 2024).
For more information on how practices like Qigong and meditation influence mental and physical health, please head over to www.jadedragon.org.
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References
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