Peer-Reviewed Research: What is External Qi in Qigong Therapy?
Peer-Reviewed Research: What is External Qi in Qigong Therapy?
The paper titled "What is External Qi in Qigong Therapy? A Hypothesis Based on Bioelectricity and Its Verification Experiments" by Takashi Aoki presents a unique exploration into the bioelectric nature of external Qi (氣) as employed in traditional Qigong therapy. This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional Qigong practices and modern scientific understanding by hypothesizing that external Qi, a fundamental concept in Qigong, can be explained through the lens of bioelectricity and electromagnetic fields. The author’s experimental approach seeks to validate this hypothesis by examining the effects of various electromagnetic fields on both living and non-living matter, simulating the effects typically attributed to Qigong therapy.
Hypothesis and Experimental Design
Aoki posits that the external Qi emitted by Qigong practitioners is essentially a form of bioelectromagnetic energy generated by the human body. He hypothesizes that specific electromagnetic fields, which he refers to as B, B₀, A, A₀, E₁, and E₂, are produced by the body during Qigong practice and that these fields have measurable biological effects on other living organisms. To test this hypothesis, Aoki designed several devices capable of emitting controlled electromagnetic fields that mimic the hypothesized external Qi.
The study involved the use of four different generators: ENIC (Emission from Non-Induction Coil), ETC (Emission from Toroidal Coil), EQR (Emission from Quartz Resonance), and ESC (Emission from Solenoid Coil). Each generator emitted different combinations and intensities of electromagnetic fields. The effects of these fields were then tested on various biological subjects, including human skin, rats, and mineral water, to observe any physiological changes.
Key Findings
The results of the experiments demonstrated that all four types of electromagnetic field generators induced physiological effects similar to those observed in traditional Qigong therapy. For instance, the ENIC generator was shown to influence electrodermal activity in humans, suggesting an effect on the autonomic nervous system. It also caused a significant increase in rectal temperature in rats, although this effect was not observed in non-living materials like water, indicating a biological specificity in its action.
The ETC generator affected optical absorption in mineral water, a phenomenon also reported in Qigong therapy, where changes in water properties are attributed to external Qi. Furthermore, the EQR generator exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in rats by significantly reducing carrageenin-induced foot edema, a response that parallels the healing effects attributed to Qigong therapy.
Another notable finding was that the EQR generator influenced brain wave patterns and autonomic nerve system activities in humans, including changes in heart rate variability and increased levels of frontal hemoglobin, which are also common observations during Qigong practice. These results strongly suggest that the electromagnetic fields generated by the devices could replicate the effects of external Qi.
Discussion
Aoki's research provides compelling evidence that the effects of external Qi in Qigong therapy might be mediated by bioelectromagnetic fields. The similarities between the effects produced by the experimental generators and those reported in traditional Qigong practices suggest that the bioelectric hypothesis has substantial merit. The study supports the idea that specific electromagnetic fields can influence biological processes, potentially explaining the curative effects of Qigong therapy.
However, the research also highlights several limitations and areas for further study. Aoki acknowledges that while his hypothesis appears valid, the dominant components of these fields and the most effective conditions for their application remain unclear. He suggests that future research should focus on refining the understanding of these electromagnetic components and their interactions with biological systems.
The author also points out that the generators used in his experiments did not cause any side effects, unlike more invasive medical treatments such as chemotherapy. This finding opens the door to the possibility of developing non-invasive therapeutic devices based on the principles of Qigong therapy, which could be particularly valuable in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Conclusion
Takashi Aoki's study offers a groundbreaking perspective on the nature of external Qi in Qigong therapy. By exploring the bioelectric and electromagnetic underpinnings of this ancient practice, the research not only provides a plausible scientific explanation for its effects but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in non-invasive medical treatment. The study’s findings are promising, though further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to optimize the therapeutic potential of bioelectromagnetic fields.
Reference
Aoki, T. (2003). What is External Qi in Qigong Therapy? A Hypothesis Based on Bioelectricity and Its Verification Experiments. Journal of the International Society of Life Information Science, 21(2), 416-422
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