Qigong & science
Latest research.
Neuroscience, quantum physics, biophysics — Qigong research.
With the development of neuroscience, psychology, biophysics and quantum physics, the effects of Qigong are beginning to be described in the language of science as well: biofield interactions organize biological processes from the subatomic, molecular and cellular levels to the interpersonal and cosmic ones.
The biofield
Qigong may bring about the regulation of cellular, biochemical and neurological processes through ways related to electromagnetism, quantum fields or other means of modulating biological activity and information flow. These interactions are thought to operate in part via low-energy or "subtle" processes, such as weak nonthermal electromagnetic fields and processes potentially related to consciousness.
How it is measured: gas discharge visualization
Modern science has many ways to observe the human electric field, such as electroencephalography and electrocardiography; the study of Qigong, however, requires more advanced equipment. Gas discharge visualization (GDV), for example, uses a high-frequency, high-voltage field to stimulate a weak photon emission, which is then turned into images through optics, electronics and computer processing. GDV techniques are currently used diagnostically, correlating the characteristics of the images with acupuncture systems or other means of assessing the biological state.
Early results
One study reported significant changes in the GDV scans of cancer patients compared with healthy participants, and a change trending toward healthy GDV profiles after six weeks of treatment. These intriguing data suggest that biofield measurement devices such as the GDV may help gain a deeper understanding of disease states and guide practitioners and their patients towards states of greater wellness.