Peer-Reviewed Research: Difference of EEG in Methods of Qigong Practice and in Length of the Training Period
The study by Kawano et al. (1997) explores the neurophysiological effects of Qigong practice through electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis, comparing internal and external Qigong methods as well as differences in practitioners’ experience levels. Drawing on cross-national collaboration between Japanese researchers and Chinese Qigong institutions, this early neurophysiological investigation into Qigong offers compelling preliminary evidence for specific alterations in brainwave activity based on style and training duration.
Introduction to the Study and Context
Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body practice, includes both dynamic and meditative forms aimed at cultivating “Qi” or life energy. While a number of studies in the early 1990s had begun to report physiological changes associated with Qigong—such as increased parasympathetic tone, alterations in EEG rhythms, and changes in immune markers—few had systematically examined how different Qigong forms (e.g., internal vs. external) or the duration of training influenced these changes. Kawano and colleagues sought to address this gap, leveraging EEG data to analyze electrical activity in the brains of Qigong masters and trainees during practice.
Study Design and Experimental Conditions
The researchers conducted three separate experiments:
Internal Qigong by Masters: Two Chinese Qigong masters, aged 33 and 43, performed Zhan Zhuang Gong (a standing, meditative internal Qigong) for 20 minutes while EEGs were recorded.
External Qigong Session (Therapist and Receiver): Two highly experienced 64-year-old Qigong masters practiced Kongjin Gong (external Qigong used therapeutically) while sending Qi to their patients (aged 71 and 69), who had conditions like lumbago and cataracts. Both therapist and receiver EEGs were measured.
Internal Qigong by Trainees: Four Qigong trainees (aged approximately 68) with training durations ranging from 17 months to 3 years practiced Zhen Qi Yun Xing Fa (a seated internal Qigong focused on stillness). EEG recordings were taken over 30 minutes.
Measurements were taken from 12 electrode sites using a monopolar configuration with the ears as references. The data were subjected to fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis and focused on the amplitude and frequency of alpha (α, 8–13 Hz), theta (θ, 4–8 Hz), and beta (β, 13–30 Hz) waves, especially in the frontal (Fp2) and occipital (O2) regions.
Key Findings
1. Alpha Wave Amplitude: Increases in Trainees and Receivers, Decreases in Masters
One of the central findings was that alpha waves in the occipital region increased during internal Qigong among trainees and during external Qigong among receivers. Interestingly, these same alpha waves decreased among the Qigong masters during external Qigong. This divergence suggests a directional flow of Qi—or at least a measurable difference in cognitive or energetic states—between practitioners and recipients. The increase in occipital alpha activity in the receivers and trainees might reflect relaxation and inward attention, while the reduction in masters could indicate a shift to more focused or effortful cognitive engagement during Qi emission.
2. Frontal-Occipital Alpha Ratio: Increased with Training and Qigong Mastery
To better localize brainwave activity, the study calculated the ratio of alpha wave amplitude in the frontal region (Fp2) to that in the occipital region (O2). Among Qigong masters practicing Zhan Zhuang Gong, this ratio significantly exceeded 1.0, indicating greater alpha activity in the frontal lobe than in the occipital cortex. This pattern was interpreted as a marker of advanced meditative or energetic control, suggesting the masters could shift alpha power forward in the brain.
In contrast, the ratio in trainees was lower, and although not dramatically different from rest, there was a clear trend: the longer the training duration, the higher the frontal-to-occipital alpha ratio. This finding supports a developmental perspective of Qigong training, wherein more experienced practitioners begin to manifest more frontal brain activation during meditative states.
3. Alpha Frequency: Faster During External Qigong, Slower During Deep Meditation
Another critical observation was the change in alpha wave frequency. During external Qigong (Kongjin Gong), the alpha frequency tended to accelerate, especially in the masters. This may indicate heightened alertness or intentional mental effort during the emission of Qi. On the other hand, during internal Qigong among the trainees, the alpha frequency slowed down, particularly among those entering deep meditative states.
This slowing was often accompanied by the appearance of theta waves (4–8 Hz) in the mid-frontal region (Fz), a pattern commonly associated with deep meditative states and hypnagogic consciousness. The presence of these theta waves suggests that prolonged internal Qigong may facilitate access to altered states of consciousness or deep internal awareness.
4. Beta Waves: Generalized Increase Regardless of Method
Across all forms of Qigong and levels of training, beta waves increased during practice. However, no specific patterns differentiated between internal vs. external Qigong or between masters and trainees. While beta waves are often linked to mental activity, focused attention, or sensorimotor processing, their generalized elevation may simply indicate a general increase in cognitive activity during Qigong, regardless of the style or experience level.
Interpretation and Broader Implications
The findings from this study suggest that Qigong practice induces measurable shifts in EEG activity, and these changes are modulated by both the method of practice and the level of practitioner experience. The consistent increase in occipital alpha among beginners and receivers implies a state of calm or sensory disengagement, potentially reflecting the foundational relaxation response in Qigong. As practitioners gain more experience, alpha power seems to migrate toward the frontal regions, perhaps reflecting more refined internal attention and energetic control.
Moreover, the increase in frontal alpha and theta activity among experienced practitioners aligns with findings in other meditative disciplines. Studies of Zen, TM (Transcendental Meditation), and Vipassana meditation have shown similar frontal EEG shifts associated with attentional focus, emotional regulation, and altered states of awareness. Thus, the neural effects of Qigong appear to parallel, and possibly complement, other meditative systems.
The appearance of theta activity during deep internal Qigong among some subjects is particularly intriguing. Midline frontal theta is a known marker of meditative depth and cognitive quieting and may reflect a shift into parasympathetic dominance, decreased cortical arousal, or access to subconscious material. These effects offer fertile ground for future research into Qigong’s therapeutic applications for stress-related disorders, mood regulation, and perhaps even cognitive rehabilitation.
Methodological Strengths and Considerations
This study benefits from its multi-method design, comparing different Qigong forms and including both masters and trainees. The simultaneous recording of both therapists and receivers during external Qigong is a particular strength, enabling a dynamic exploration of bi-directional energetic exchange. Additionally, the use of multiple EEG channels and frequency band analysis allows for a granular view of brainwave changes across time and spatial locations.
However, the sample sizes were relatively small, especially within each subgroup, and some variation—such as the differing response in the female trainee—requires larger cohorts to explore gender, age, or individual differences. The authors themselves note the importance of conducting longitudinal studies to track EEG changes over time within the same individuals as their training progresses.
Future Directions
The results presented by Kawano et al. point toward several important directions for future research:
Longitudinal EEG tracking of novice practitioners to examine whether and how their frontal alpha activity increases over time.
Controlled clinical studies using Qigong as a non-pharmacologic intervention for anxiety, PTSD, or attention disorders—conditions often marked by abnormal EEG rhythms.
Cross-comparative analysis between Qigong and other meditative or bioenergetic practices, to delineate both shared and unique neurophysiological markers.
Incorporation of HRV, fMRI, and neurofeedback into Qigong research to create a more comprehensive model of how the practice affects brain-body interaction.
Conclusion
Kawano et al.’s (1997) study presents early but foundational evidence that Qigong practice modulates EEG patterns in a method- and experience-dependent manner. Internal Qigong appears to gradually shift alpha activity toward the frontal cortex and induces meditative theta rhythms over time, while external Qigong shows a different pattern more consistent with active energetic output. These findings reinforce the neurological basis of Qigong as a mind-body practice and establish EEG as a promising tool for evaluating the depth and quality of meditative and energetic states. The study's careful methodology and nuanced insights mark it as a valuable contribution to the early neuroscience of Qigong.
Reference
Kawano, K., Yamamoto, M., Kokubo, H., Sakaida, H., Hirata, T., Huang, J., & Chai, J. (1997). Difference of EEG in methods of Qigong practice and in length of the training period. Journal of International Society of Life Information Science, 15(2), 364–370.
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