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PubMed2006

[Experimental research on the liver-qi stasis induced erectile dysfunction by mouse model].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a mouse model of erectile dysfunction (ED) induced by liver-qi stasis for observing the changes in the mouse's sex organs and investigating the possible mechanism of ED. METHODS: Seventy-two Kunming mice, 24 males and 48 females, were randomly divided into a liver-qi stasis group, a severe liver-qi stasis group and a control group. A stressing box was used to exert gradual stress on the mice of the two experimental groups by confining them to the box and gradually reducing their room of movement so as to induce liver-qi stasis. In addition, the males of the severe liver-qi stasis group were further prohibited from any sexual activities to repress their sexual desire and intensify their liver-qi stasis. RESULTS: Obvious differences were observed in the autonomous behavior, sexual activity and body weight of the mice of the three groups. Pathological examination showed that the sex organ indexes descended in the liver-qi stasis group and even further in the severe liver-qi stasis group as compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: The stressing box can induce and intensify ED associated with liver-qi stasis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Observation of qi-gong treatment in 60 cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension].

Qi-gong relaxation exercise was used for treatment of pregnancy induced hypertension(PIH). Patients exercised 3 times a day until labor. In this study, there were two groups with 60 cases of PIH who had delivered in each group, they were treated by Qi-gong for one group and by medicine for another used as control. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to PIH combined scores showed effective for 54 cases (90.0%) in Qi-gong group and 33 cases (55.0%) for the control group (P less than 0.01). Meconium stain in amniotic fluid was present in 12 cases (20.0%) in Qi-gong group and 29 cases (48.3%) in the control group (P less than 0.05). The incidence of abnormal hematocrit (greater than 35%) before treatment was 52.4% and decreased to 23.8% (P less than 0.05) in Qi-gong, while in the control group was 35.7% before treatment and 45.2% after treatment (P greater than 0.05). The mean value of blood E2 by RIA showed increased from 22.97 +/- 13.16 micrograms/ml to 33.74 +/- 34.01 micrograms/ml after Qi-gong treatment in 29 cases. The microscopical observation of finger nail capillaries showed various degrees of improvement of microcirculation after Qi-gong exercise for 17 cases and after a course of Qi-gong treatment for 11 cases in Qi-gong group. While for the control group, there was no changes after sit-still for some time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed2006

External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong differentially regulates the Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways and is cytotoxic to cancer cells but not to normal cells.

Long-term clinical observations and ongoing studies have shown significant antitumor effect of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong which originated from traditional Chinese medicine. In order to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong, we have examined its cytotoxic effect on BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells and its effect on the Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. We found that external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong dramatically inhibited basal phosphorylation levels of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases, epidermal growth factor-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong also inhibited constitutive and inducible activities of nuclear factor-kappa B, a target of the Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways. Furthermore, a single 5min exposure of BxPC3 cells to external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induced apoptosis, accompanied by a dramatic increase of the sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation, and cleavage of caspases 3, 8 and 9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Prolonged treatment with external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong caused rapid lysis of BxPC3 cells. In contrast, treatment of fibroblasts with external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induced transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and Akt, and caused no cytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong may differentially regulate these survival pathways in cancer versus normal cells and exert cytotoxic effects preferentially on cancer cells, and that it could potentially be a valuable approach for therapy of pancreatic carcinomas.

Breathing Exercises↗
PubMed2001

Effects of emitted Qi on in vitro natural killer cell cytotoxic activity.

The present study investigated the effects of Korean Qi-therapy, ChunSoo Energy Healing, on natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro depending on Qi-treatment time and the types of cells treated. NK cell cytotoxicity was assayed by measuring LDH release from tumor target cells (K562 cell lines). NK activity was significantly increased by emitted-Qi treatment of 30 sec duration. Three and 5 minutes of Qi projection created the greatest increase in NK cell activity when mixtures of NK cells and K562 cells were treated (1.81 and 2.12 fold for 4 hr culture; 1.54 and 1.36 for 16 hr culture, respectively). NK cell activity increased significantly in Qi-treated K562 cells alone (1.13 fold, p<0.05) compared to control. These results are consistent with in vivo Qi-therapy on humans and suggests that emitted-Qi has an acute stimulatory effect on NK cell activity. This study provides direct scientific support that Qi as such may positively affect human cellular immunity.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1998

Effects of chundosunbup Qi-training on psychological adjustments: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional investigation evaluated the trend of psychological changes by ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training using a self-report inventory of emotional distress, Symptom Check List-90-Revision (SCL-90-R). 41 normal healthy subjects (mean age = 20.98 +/- 5.39) and 123 CDSB Qi-trainees (divided into three groups, Q1, Q2 and Q3) participated in this study. Group Q1 has received 1-4 months CDSB Qi-training (age 21.95 +/- 7.82, n = 41); Q2 has 5-12 months Qi-training (age 20.0 +/- 7.75, n = 41); and Q3 has more than 13 months Qi-training (age 22.68 +/- 6.72, n = 41). Our results show that Qi-trainees over 13 months had significantly lower scores compared to controls. A significant negative correlation was found between the Qi-training period and all SCL-90-R subscales except phobic anxiety. These results suggest that CDSB Qi-training is effective in protection as well as reduction of psychological symptomatology.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Qi-training (qigong) enhanced immune functions: what is the underlying mechanism?

The authors observed that Qi-training enhances immune function and modulates neurohormone concentrations. The exact signal and priming mechanism for enhanced neutrophil function by Qi-training has not yet been demonstrated. This study investigated the effect of Qi-training on intracellular signaling leading to the enhancement of immune function. The growth hormone (GH) concentrations and O2- production by neutrophils (PMNs) was significantly increased after 1 h of Qi-training compared with the basal state. To verify that endogenous GH mediates the priming of PMNs, serum obtained from elderly subjects in the basal state and after Qi-training was incubated with neutrophils isolated from young subjects for 60 min and triggered with N-formyl-1-methionyl-1-leucyl-1-phenylalanine (fMLP). Significant O2- production was observed in the PMNs incubated with serum collected after a Qi-training (p < .05). On the other hand, the priming effect on the PMNs was abolished in Qi-training sera depleted of endogenous GH with anti-human GH polyclonal antibody (p < .01) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (p < .01). The authors suggest that the endogenous GH released during and immediately after Qi-training mediates the priming events through tyrosine kinase activation in PMNs.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Effects of Qi-training on heart rate variability.

This study investigates changes in autonomic nervous function through Qi-training. The power spectrum of heart rate variability (HRV) was examined in 20 sedentary healthy subjects and 20 Qi-trainees. It was found that Qi-training in healthy young subjects during controlled respiration increases the high frequency (HF) power and decreases the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio of HRV. These results support the hypothesis that Qi-training increases cardiac parasympathetic tone. In addition, Qi-trainees were found to have higher parasympathetic heart modulation compared with their age-matched, sedentary counterparts. This augmented HRV in Qi-trainees provides further support for long-term Qi-training as a possible non-pharmacological cardio-protective maneuver. In conclusion, Qi-training may stabilize the autonomic nervous system by modulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Modulation of neuroendocrinological function by psychosomatic training: acute effect of ChunDoSunBup Qi-training on growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in men.

The neuroendocrine system is regarded as the major link between the psychological state and the immune system in man. The present study was undertaken to examine the acute effect of ChunDoSunBup Qi-training, a traditional psychosomatic training, on the plasma level of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and insulin like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in young men. To characterize the plasma level of hormones and the pattern of IGFBP-3 at pre- (-10 min), mid-time (40 min), and immediately after (post-time, +10 min) Qi-training, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and western ligand blot (WLB) analysis were used. The plasma level of GH at the mid-time was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to the level at pre-time of Qi-training. The plasma level of IGF-I was also increased at mid-time (P<0.05) and immediately after Qi-training. There was a significant correlation between the levels of GH and IGF-I immediately after Qi-training (r=0.69, P<0.01). In this study, the change of IGFBP-3 among the several IGFBPs was determined. There was a relative shift in IGFBP-3 for the 43-kDa fraction during mid-time of Qi-training (P<0.05). These results suggest that Qi-training influences the growth hormone, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 status via brain-target organ axis in men.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Requirement of histidine 217 for ubiquinone reductase activity (Qi site) in the cytochrome bc1 complex.

Folding models suggest that the highly conserved histidine 217 of the cytochrome b subunit from the cytochrome bc1 complex is close to the quinone reductase (Qi) site. This histidine (bH217) in the cytochrome b polypeptide of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus has been replaced with three other residues, aspartate (D), arginine (R), and leucine (L). bH217D and bH217R are able to grow photoheterotrophically and contain active cytochrome bc1 complexes (60% of wild-type activity), whereas the bH217L mutant is photosynthetically incompetent and contains a cytochrome bc1 complex that has only 10% of the wild-type activity. Single-turnover flash-activated electron transfer experiments show that cytochrome bH is reduced via the Qo site with near native rates in the mutant strains but that electron transfer between cytochrome bH and quinone bound at the Qi site is greatly slowed. These results are consistent with redox midpoint potential (Em) measurements of the cytochrome b subunit hemes and the Qi site quinone. The Em values of cyt bL and bH are approximately the same in the mutants and wild type, although the mutant strains have a larger relative concentration of what may be the high-potential form of cytochrome bH, called cytochrome b150. However, the redox properties of the semiquinone at the Qi site are altered significantly. The Qi site semiquinone stability constant of bH217R is 10 times higher than in the wild type, while in the other two strains (bH217D and bH217L) the stability constant is much lower than in the wild type. Thus H217 appears to have major effects on the redox properties of the quinone bound at the Qi site. These data are incorporated into a suggestion that H217 forms part of the binding pocket of the Qi site in a manner reminiscent of the interaction between quinone bound at the Qb site and H190 of the L subunit of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Effect of qi training on neutrophil function in young and elderly males.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of qi training on neutrophil bactericidal function (superoxide generation and adhesion). METHODS: We studied the effects of one session of qi training on superoxide generation and adhesion of neutrophils immediately after (Post I), and 2 hours after qi training (Post II), in nine young and nine elderly male subjects. RESULTS: The qi training significantly enhanced the superoxide generation and adhesion of neutrophils, and there were significant differences at Post I compared to before qi training (Pre) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our current observations show that qi training enhances superoxide generation and adhesion of neutrophils. It is supposed that qi training may increase the resistance of trained individuals against common infection and inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Acute effects of chundosunbup qi-training on blood concentrations of TSH, calcitonin, PTH and thyroid hormones in elderly subjects.

The present study investigated how the systemic treatment of a programmed exercise, ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training, affects the secretion of thyroid and parathyroid hormones in elderly subjects (10 male and 5 female). Plasma concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium, and calcitonin were determined. CDSB Qi-training induces a slight increase in TSH. Both T4 and T3 were increased at the mid-time of CDSB Qi-training (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations only between T3 and T4 at mid-training. This shows that increase in the plasma level of T3 was associated with the secretion of T4. The plasma concentrations of calcitonin and PTH were increased at mid-time and post-time of CDSB Qi-training. But ionized calcium was decreased slightly by CDSB Qi-training. These results suggest that Qi-training modulates the secretion of thyroid hormones, calcium metabolism, and parathyroid hormones in the elderly. However, whether the long-term practice of CDSB Qi-training might change bone metabolism and have longitudinal effects on the thyroid hormone of the elderly need further investigation.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Effects of Qi-therapy on blood pressure, pain and psychological symptoms in the elderly: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Recently, we reported that Qi-therapy may be beneficial in reducing negative psychological symptoms and increasing melatonin levels, neutrophil function and natural killer cell cytotoxicity in young subjects. However, there is little scientific evidence of its efficacy in elderly subjects. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of Qi-therapy on anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain and blood pressure in elderly subjects. Ninety-four elderly subjects were randomly assigned to either Qi-therapy (n=47) or mimic therapy (n=47) groups. Both groups received a 10-min intervention period once using similar procedures. The Qi-therapy group exhibited greater reduction in anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain level and blood pressure compared to the placebo group; the difference in anxiety was significant (P=0.014). These results suggest that even a brief application of Qi-therapy may exert a positive psychological and physiological effect. However, further research is necessary in order to fully understand the long-term impact of Qi-therapy on psychological health and the cardiovascular system.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Effects of Qi-therapy on premenstrual syndrome.

This study investigated the effects of Qi-therapy (nine sessions over two menstrual cycles) on pain and other symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-six women who were attending college were randomly allocated to receive Qi-therapy (Qi-therapy group: n = 23) or placed on a waiting list as controls (n = 22: 1 dropped out). Qi-therapy had a significant effect on pain and water retention. In addition, there were significant short-term effects on pain, mental depression, and anxiety. These results suggested that Qi-therapy might be useful as a nursing intervention for women who suffer from PMS to maintain or restore a balance of Qi.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The electrophysiology of de qi sensations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effect of three different modes of stimulation on: (1) the electrical conductance of a known acupuncture point (AP) and a point with no known acupuncture function (NP); and (2) the corresponding characteristics of de qi sensations. DESIGN: The design was prospective. SETTINGS AND LOCATIONS: Healthy subjects were recruited for the study at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Subjects and Study Interventions: Fifteen subjects were enrolled. Two locations of the subjects' nondominant hand were marked: (1) AP (Li4); and (2) NP, a control location with no known acupuncture function. The following different stimulation paradigms were applied to the testing sites in a randomized fashion: (1) transcutaneous electrical stimulation via an ECG electrode; (2) manual stimulation via an acupuncture needle; and (3) electrical stimulation via an acupuncture needle. All electrical stimulation was provided at 12 V and 5 Hz for 30 seconds. OUTCOME MEASURES: The conductance before and after each stimulation were measured. The subjects were asked to choose four most predominant descriptors of the de qi sensation after the stimulation and to rate the corresponding intensity on a linear VAS. RESULTS: The conductance values at the AP site are generally a bit higher than conductance values at the NP site for each given stimulation type. The de qi VAS score increased significantly after needle electrical stimulation (EA) in comparison to electrode or manual stimulation at both sites. The most predominant (incidence >30%) de qi sensation with electrical stimulation in either electrode or needle electrical stimulation was tingling, whereas in the manual stimulation, aching was the most predominant sensation of de qi. CONCLUSIONS: The de qi sensation appears to be qualitatively and quantitatively different between manual and electrical stimulation. The observed difference in transcutaneous electrical conductance between.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2001

Qi therapy as an intervention to reduce chronic pain and to enhance mood in elderly subjects: a pilot study.

Qi therapy (or external Qi) is an oriental complementary therapy preventing, curing disease and strengthens health and improving the human potentiality through regulation of body. It is increasingly being used to improve the quality of life, but there is little direct evidence of its efficacy. This study assessed the effects of Qi therapy (QT) on reducing pain and enhancing mood states in elderly subjects with chronic pain. We studied 40 elderly participants with chronic pain, who were randomly allocated to receive QT (n=20) or standard care (n=20). The experimental group receives Qi therapy twice a week for 2 weeks (total 4 times), and control group received general care at the same time and the same amount of duration. We measured pain level and Profile of Mood State (POMS) to explore participants' response to Qi therapy. There was a significant reduction in pain (p<0.0001) after QT and an improved positive mood state (p<0.0001). These findings suggest that Qi therapy may have a role in helping the elderly to cope with their pain and mood disturbances.

Affect↗
PubMed2003

[On "the heart also governs Qi"].

As the organ of supreme superiority over any other organ of the body, the heart controls the function of the whole body. The lung governs the motions of Qi(vital energy), as have long been established in the basic theories in traditional Chinese medicine, but in this paper, the authors attempt to define the close relations between the heart and Qi by proposing that the heart also governs Qi, through either immediate and indirect actions. The heart plays an important role in the motion, generation and function regulation of Qi, with also impact on the changes of Qi ji, it is therefore of great importance to obtain a thorough comprehension of the associations between the two facets of Qi government by the lung and the heart, for the purpose of accurate clinical identification of the diseases and consequently appropriate treatment.

Heart↗
PubMed2005

[Analysis on ebb-flow of ying-qi].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate practical significance of the ebb-flow theory of ying-qi. METHODS: Based on The Yellow Emperior's Internal Classic, the comparisons of the number of channels, collaterals and their bone-length measurement participating in ebb-flow of ying-qi, ying-qi ebb-flow theory with the practically respiratory-pulse ratio, human heart rate and pulse rate, human respiratory times, ying-qi ebb-flow theory with early channel theory, ying-qi ebb-flow theory with degrees of whole day, were tested and verified. CONCLUSION: Practically, the ying-qi ebb-flow theory conforms few to human body, which possibly is an assumption of the ancients.

Heart Rate↗
PubMed2004

[Is Qi Gong suitable for the prevention of low back pain?].

Low back pain is one of the main problems of health care, and has many causes. To prevent low back pain daily activities are highly important--static work as well as dynamic movement--carried out in an ergonomic and economical way. Studies have shown that the compliance of patients with regard to exercise training and ergonomic recommendations is not very high. The main posture of Qi Gong training is similar to the recommended posture by low back schools. Qi gong exercises respect basic physiological and ergonomic principles of movement in every way. Qi Gong fulfils the most important criteria for the prevention and therapy of idiopathic low back pain. Qi Gong training requires no special equipment. It is simple and can be undertaken everywhere. A growing number of people have become interested in Qi Gong, and train regularly and effectively. Low back pain rarely occurs in such people, and therefore Qi Gong should be considered as one of the most effective means of prevention.

Breathing Exercises↗