{"id":2812,"date":"2011-07-05T09:19:13","date_gmt":"2011-07-05T14:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=2812"},"modified":"2011-12-20T18:28:51","modified_gmt":"2011-12-20T23:28:51","slug":"scientific-qi-exploration-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=2812","title":{"rendered":"Scientific Qi Exploration-12"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 12: Qigong and the Cardiovascular System<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Marty Eisen Ph. D. <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>1.\u00a0 Introduction<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The effects of Qigong on blood pressure appear in Section 2.\u00a0 Section 3 presents studies on heart rate and rhythm.\u00a0\u00a0 Cardiac output effects appear in Section 4.\u00a0 Some results for heart output and blood supply of the whole body appear in Section 5.\u00a0 Section 6 describes effects on the mic\"\"<\/a>rocirculation.\u00a0 The alterations in the blood supply to the brain and its vessels are explored in Section 7.\u00a0 Finally, the effect on rapid, large changes in altitude appears in Section 8.\u00a0 These physiological effects depend on the type of Qigong, the intensity of practice, and the level of expertise of the practitioner. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Effects on Blood Pressure<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chinese researches have been treating hypertension using Qigong for about 50 years.\u00a0 Thirty-two patients, intolerant to anti-hypertensive drugs, were treated at the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension by practicing Qigong for 6 months.\u00a0 A 1959 report concluded that their symptoms were somewhat improved (1).\u00a0 Another study was conducted in 1962 on the effects of Qigong on 415 hypertensive subjects.\u00a0 The conclusion was that 80.5%, who practiced Qigong regularly, and 17% of those practicing irregularly maintained a stable blood pressure (1). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Another impressive study (2), because of its time extent and number of participants was also carried out at the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension.\u00a0 Subjects were randomly divided into a Qigong group (n = 122) and a control group (n = 120) of non-practitioners.\u00a0 Standard hypertensive drugs were given to both groups.\u00a0\u00a0 The patients were observed for 30 years.\u00a0 At the end of this time, 47.76% of the control group had died, but only 25.41% of the Qigong group had died.\u00a0 The incidence of stroke in the Qigong and control groups was 20.49% and 40.83%, respectively.\u00a0 The incidence of death due to stroke in the Qigong and control groups was 15.57% and 32.50%, respectively.\u00a0 All of these results were statistically significant.\u00a0 Ultrasound diagnosis on 40 patients revealed that members of the Qigong group had stronger heart muscles and better left ventricular function.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A similar 6- year study with 204 hypertensive subjects was conducted at Xiamen University in Fujian Province.\u00a0 It concludes that a combination of hypertensive drugs and Qigong was 19% more effective than the drugs alone.\u00a0 The mortality rate from all causes was 17.33% and 32% in the Qigong and control groups, respectively.\u00a0 After 6 months of practice, the Qigong practitioners\u2019 blood contained higher levels of \u201cgood\u201d high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and had less of a tendency to form clots than the control group\u2019s blood.\u00a0 The qigong group was also less reactive to stress, with more stable blood pressure (3).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A 1991 research concluded that Qigong practice didn\u2019t influence normal systolic pressure but could increase a low diastolic pressure to its normal value.\u00a0 Further research showed that Qigong had a homeostatic effect, restoring balance from either direction, by improving dysfunctions of the nervous system (1). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Another study on the blood pressure of 312 patients, using Health Qigong, was conducted in 2002.\u00a0 After six months, subjects were reported to have decreased blood pressure both while resting and practicing Qigong.\u00a0 These results were more pronounced in patients consistently practicing Qigong, compared to those who did not (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A combination of Qigong and biofeedback was used at the Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, to treat 639 primary hypertensive patients.\u00a0 Some patients had a significant drop in blood pressure after only one session.\u00a0 Most patients had a significant drop in blood pressure after 8 weeks.\u00a0 The combined therapy was effective for 85.13% of the patients.\u00a0 Most patients followed 3 years did not have access to the biofeedback equipment.\u00a0 However, those who still practiced Qigong, 97.7% had stable, lowered blood pressure (4).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Another modern method for lower blood pressure by squeezing a hand-held device is described in (5).\u00a0\u00a0 Blood pressure can also be lowered by a simple breathing exercise, which can be aided by a timing device suitable for patients who can\u2019t concentrate (6).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Dean of the Beijing Medical School reported in (7), that Tai chi students have lower blood pressure. Greater cardiac efficiency, as measured by a treadmill test and less abnormal EKG patterns than controls.\u00a0 Other research on the benefits of Tai Chi for the cardiovascular system can be found in (8).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Breath holding or inspiring longer for longer periods than expiring can raise ones blood pressure.\u00a0 This can be dangerous as shown by the following case study (9).\u00a0\u00a0 A sixty-five year old woman was an avid Qigong practitioner to regulate her blood pressure.\u00a0 After practicing Qigong one morning, she had a stroke.\u00a0 She gradually improved in the hospital, stopped practicing Qigong, and eventually recovered.\u00a0 She wanted to practice Qigong again.\u00a0 For safety, her blood pressure was monitored every 3 minutes during one of her Qigong exercises. In the first three minutes of exercise, her blood pressure increased and remained at an unusually high level for approximately the next thirty-five minutes.\u00a0\u00a0 It was thought that this was the result of the type of Qigong practiced, which consisted of many isometric elements while holding ones breath.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The study (8) suggests that patients with hypertension should only practice Qigong under the supervision of a physician.\u00a0 They also suggest that hypertensive patients should not practice breath holding while exercising. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Effect on Heart Rate and Rhythm<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Qigong has a homeostatic effect on heart rhythm\"\"<\/a>.\u00a0 Research (1) has shown that proper Qigong practice by patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia decreased their heart rate from 180-200 beats per minute (bpm) to 70-80 bpm.\u00a0 The heart rate of sinus bradycardia patients would rise to normal limits after practicing Qigong.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Research by Cao et al, published in 1989, studied the heart rate of Qigong practitioners on reaching tranquility (1).\u00a0 After 20 minutes their heart rate decreased statistically significant from an average of 83.5 bpm to 75.3 bpm, and decreased further to 71.2 bpm after 30 minutes.\u00a0 The hear rate decrease lasted for 20 minutes after stopping Qigong.\u00a0 The hear rate of the control group also decreased but was not statistically significant.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Proper Qigong practice can regulate cardiac dysrhythmias such as: premature ventricular contraction, bigeminy, trigeminy, pre-excitation, and conduction block (1).\u00a0 Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an early depolarization beginning in the ventricle instead of the usual place, the sinus node. They are very common, and are sometimes perceived as a palpitation. They often occur without the patient being aware of it at all. By themselves, PVC\u2019s do not present any problem.\u00a0 Ventricular bigeminy is the occurrence of a PVC every other beat; trigeminy is every third beat. The main point with these types is that the PVC\u2019s are more frequent, but are otherwise little different from PVC\u2019s.\u00a0 Ventricular tachycardia is defined as three or more consecutive PVC\u2019s. This may extend for hours. If it is prolonged and at a high enough rate, it can be serious.\u00a0 However, some people who have these frequently and tolerate them for years. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Normally, the atria and the ventricles are electrically isolated.\u00a0 The electrical contact between them exists only at the atrioventricular node.\u00a0 The normal electrical depolarization wave is delayed at the\u00a0 atrioventricular node to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles.\u00a0\u00a0 In all pre-excitation syndromes, at least one more conductive pathway is present.\u00a0 There is no such delay in an abnormal pathway.\u00a0 Hence, the electrical stimulus passes to the ventricle by this tract faster than via normal atrioventricular system.\u00a0 Therefore, the ventricles are depolarized (excited) before (pre-) normal conduction system.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A simple breathing exercise may also alleviate arrhythmias (6). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Cardiac Output Effect<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cardiac output is the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta in one minute.\u00a0 During the practice of Relaxing Quiescent Qigong the cardiac output declines, probably because of the lower energy consumption.\u00a0 However, research shows that this effect may not be permanent.\u00a0 Once again, Qigong has a homeostatic effect.\u00a0 Cardiac output eventually decreases for those Qigong practitioners with previously high values and increases for those with previously low levels (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In a 2006 paper Du et al used an ultrasonic Doppler diagnostic device on 39 subjects practicing Muscle\/Tendon Changing Qigong.\u00a0 After 6 months of practice, they discovered that the blood volume per heartbeat, ejection fraction (the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heart beat), and cardiac output of the subjects increased in a statistically significant way (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Effect on Pulse and Total Blood Supply<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Once of the first things beginners notice when first starting Qigong is that their fingertips pulsate.\u00a0 This blood flow phenomenon has been used to measure Qigong proficiency.\u00a0 Twenty-two Qigong practitioners and five controls had their fingertip blood flow measured by a laser microcirculation flow meter, while sitting quietly, at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.\u00a0 There was a statistically significant increase in blood flow in \"\"<\/a>the Qigong group, but no significant change in nth control group.\u00a0 When 10 subjects were given 5 sessions more of Qigong training, their new test results were much higher than previously (10). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

While practicing Quiescent Qigong, there is a decrease in the pulsations of the temporal artery and an increase in the resistance of the cerebral vessels, besides the fingertip pulsations.\u00a0 This reduction in cerebral blood flow shows an alteration of blood flow in the body (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hand warming often accompanies fingertip pulsations.\u00a0 Some individuals can learn to warm their hands at will.\u00a0 This technique can sometimes result in alleviating migraine headaches and other vascular diseases.\u00a0 Voluntary hand warming was also proposed to allow air force mechanics to work under frigid weather conditions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The photoelectric earlobe sphygmograph measures blood volume by passing a light beam through the earlobe.\u00a0 Decreased light intensity results from increased blood volume and is displayed as a higher amplitude in the graph on the sphygmograph screen.\u00a0 This device was used in an experiment by researchers from 3 major Chinese laboratories (11).\u00a0 The peripheral blood flow was measured during 48 subjects\u2019 waking state and during Qigong meditation.\u00a0 The average amplitude of the sphygmograph wave increased significantly by 30% during Qigong practice, as compared to just being awake.\u00a0 In 8 subjects the amplitude increased over 100% and seemed associated with the ability to enter a deep state of Qigong tranquility. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

TCM pulse diagnosis is done by palpating 3 locations on both wrists over the radial artery:\u00a0 Cun (Inch): distal or front at the wrist crease, Guan (Bar): middle, just medial to radial styloid, and Chi (Cubit): proximal or rear.\u00a0 An experienced practitioner can determine the state of the body and its\u00a0 organs, according to TCM theory.\u00a0 According to TCM theory \u201cThe slippery pulse comes as soon as Qi arrives and disappears as soon as Qi goes away.\u201d\u00a0 Research shows that during Qigong practice subjects usually had a slippery pulse. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The TCM pulses of 2 Qigong Masters were measured using an electropulsograph while one practiced Internal Nourishing Qigong and the other a hard, martial art type.\u00a0 They were asked to direct Qi to the chest, upper and lower abdomen and a variance in the related pulse locations was observed.\u00a0 The variances in the hard Qigong Master were more significant than those observed in the Internal Nourishing Qigong Master (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These results suggest a method of exploring the connection between qigong and TCM theory.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Effect on Microcirculation<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Microcirculation is the blood flow between micro-arteries and micro-veins (capillaries).\u00a0 Studies show that Qigong practice can improve practitioners\u2019 microcirculation by changing blood viscosity, increasing elasticity of blood vessels, controlling platelet concentration, accelerating blood flow, raising skin temperature, and increasing the number of micro blood vessels.\u00a0 In 1966, Huang found that cancer patients practicing Guo Lin Qigong increased the microcirculation in their lungs (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Other research indicates that the percentage of hypertensive patients suffering from abnormal microcirculation via capillary loops in a nail bed is 67%, much higher than normal, but this abnormality is reduced to 31% after practicing Qigong.\u00a0 Qigong also reduces thickened artery vessels (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The change in nail microcirculation was observed for normal subjects after 30 days of Qigong training in another experiment.\u00a0 Before training, 42 out of 154 observed capillaries were crossed and 34 we deformed.\u00a0 After Qigong practice, the number of crossed and deformed capillaries was reduced by 14.3% and 11.2%, respectively.\u00a0 The speed of blood flow was also increased (1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 Effects on Elasticity of Cerebral Vessels and Blood Supply<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The rheoencephalogram (REG) is a graphic registration of the changes in conductivity of tissue of the head caused by vascular factors.\u00a0 Qigong can improve both the elasticity of cerebral blood vessels and cerebral circulation as shown by REG measurements (1).\u00a0 This may be some of the reasons for Qigong\u2019s ability to improve memory, delay senility, prevent cerebral disorders and increase longevity.\u00a0 Brain cells may live longer if they have a better supply of oxygen.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Greater cerebral blood flow may also improve intelligence as shown by the following experiment.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In a fourth grade, 85 boys and 85 girls were divided into 4 groups.\u00a0 Two groups did Qigong abdominal respiration while quietly sitting for 2 minutes before each class every day.\u00a0 The control groups were not given any Qigong training.\u00a0 After 6 months, the test scores in language mathematics, and geography increased by 11.95% in the Qigong groups, but did not change significantly in the control groups (12).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0 Effect on large, Rapid Changes in Altitude<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Research (13) has been done to determine if Qigong would protect pilots from altitude stress.\u00a0 A group of 32 young men did Qiyuan Qigong for 4 weeks, while a control group of 34 young men did exercise to music.\u00a0 The two groups rapidly ascended into the Tibetan highlands from a low altitude.\u00a0 Before and after entering the highlands, symptoms of altitude sickness and physiological <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Parameters were recorded.\u00a0 The Qigong group suffered less altitude stress according to measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, micro-circulation on the tongue tip and nail bed, and temperature at the left Laogong point (Pericardium 8).<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

References<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0 Liu, T., Chen, K. et al., Eds.\u00a0 Chinese Medical Qigong.\u00a0 Singing Dragon, London, 2010.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wong, C. et al.\u00a0 Effects of Qigong on preventing stroke and alleviating the multiple cerebro-cardiovascular risk factors \u2013 a follow-up report on 242 hypertensive cases for 30 years.\u00a0 Second World Conf. for Academic Exchange of Med. Qigong, Beijing, p. 123, 1993.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Xian, B.H.\u00a0 Clinical observation of 204 patients with hypertension treated with Chinese Qigong.\u00a0 Fifth International Congress of Chinese Medicine and the First International Congress of Qigong, Berkeley, CA, p. 101, 1990.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A group observation and experimental research of the prevention and treatment of hypertension by Qigong.\u00a0 First World Conf. for Academic Exchange of Med. Qigong, Beijing, China, p. 113, 1988.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eisen, M.\u00a0 Mechanisms of Qigong and a Modern Blood Lowering Application.\u00a0 Qi Dao<\/em>,\u00a0 July\/Aug., 21- 22, 2007.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eisen, M.\u00a0 Breathing Exercises for Hypertension, Enlarged Prostate and Arrhythmias.\u00a0 Qi Dao, <\/em>Jan.\/Feb.,20, 2007.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Qu, M.\u00a0 Taijiquan \u2013 a medical assessment.\u00a0 Martial Arts of China Magazine.1;5, pp.203-304, 1990.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eisen, M.\u00a0 Qigong and Taiji Application in Stress Management.\u00a0 Part 3: Tai Chi for Stress, <\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
Qi Dao, March<\/em>.\/April,14 – 19, 2008.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Leung, K. P. et al. Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Qigong.\u00a0 Hong Kong Medical Journal<\/span> 7.3 , pp 315-318, 2001.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
10.\u00a0 Chai, Z. and Wang, B.\u00a0 Influence of Qigong state on blood perfusion rate of human microcirculation.\u00a0 Third National Academic Conference on Qigong Science, Guangzhou, p 116, 1990.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
11.\u00a0 Wang, B.\u00a0 The influence of Qigong state on the volume of human peripheral vascular blood flow.\u00a0 Ibid, pp 11-12.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
12\u00a0\u00a0 Tong, S. and Xe, P.\u00a0 Qigong for increasing learning ability.\u00a0 Fifth Int. Congress of Chinese Medicine and First Int. Congress of Qigong, Berkeley, CA, p. 124, 1990.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
13.\u00a0 Mo, F. et al.\u00a0 Study of prevention of cardiac function disorder due to immediate entry into the highlands by Qigong exercise.\u00a0 Proc. Second World Conf. on Academic Exchange of Medical Qigong, Beijing, China, p.76, 1993. <\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
<\/address>\n
————————————————————————————— <\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>[Dr. Eisen is a retired scientist, who constructed mathematical models in medicine. He has studied and taught Judo, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Qigong, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Tai Chi in different places.\u00a0 He took correspondence courses in Chinese herbology and studied other branches of Chinese medicine with a traditional Chinese medical doctor.\u00a0 He was the Director of Education of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Institute in Upper Darby, PA.]<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
Do you like this? Please share it:<\/div>
Tweet<\/a>