Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™ 

All Abstracts

The Qigong Institute's Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™ contains abstracts of scientfic research on Qigong, Tai Chi, and Energy Medicine which have been collected since 1984. This database is the first and only online repository for early scientific research on Qigong from China.

Introductory Books on Qigong, Energy Medicine and the Physics of Biology

QIGONG INSTITUTE STORE

An Introduction to Energy Medicine and Energy Healing

Research into the scientific basis of Qigong and Energy Medicine can be found in at least the following disciplines: Psychoneuroimmunology, Epigenetics, Quantum Biology, Biophotonics, Biophysics, Clinical Psychology, Complex Systems Biology, Neurobiology, Molecular Dynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Bioenergy, Proteomics Bioengineering, Frequency Therapy, Transcriptomics, Mind-Body Practices, Neurophysics, Psychotherapy, Non-linear Biomedical Physics, Integrative Medicine, Energy Psychology, Bioimaging, Chemical Kinetics, Kinesiology, Metabolomics, Theoretical Physics, Connectomics, Integrative Medicine Research, Molecular Genetics, and Signal Transduction. Each of these fields at some level is addressing bioenergy.

Energy Medicine is the diagnostic and therapeutic use of energy

A fundamental unanswered question concerning Western medical science and practice is: What is the relationship between physiology and bioenergy (i.e. the physics of physiology)? At a basic level, bioenergy (which Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to as "qi", pronounced "chee") includes the function of the biochemicals in the body, yet bioenergy also includes electricity, magnetism, heat, sound, and light which are broadcast and received by molecules, cells, and organs.

Although 'qi' cannot be measured and is not recognized by Western medical science, bioenergy can be measured. See Bioenergetic Effects of Qigong.

Energy Medicine: Current Status and Future Perspectives. If Western medicine applied the principles of modern physics, it would understand human beings are composed of information (energy) interacting with other energy (environment) to profoundly impact our physical and emotional health. The future of EM depends on the ability of Western medicine to merge physics with biochemistry. Western medicine uses physics to diagnose and then immediately reverts to a biochemical model to treat. It is widely accepted that physics drives the energy behind diagnostic equipment. Biophoton emissions as well as signal transduction and cell signaling communication systems in the body are also widely accepted in today’s medicine. However, the idea of a cellular and molecular global communication system involving energy fields is beyond the central dogma of Western medicine. PMC6396053.

Understanding the Feedback Loops between Energy, Matter and Life. This review gathers recent findings in biophysics that shed light on the biological principle of self-organization. PMID: 36575844. 

Exploring Energy Medicine: Reflexology. 

Qi Gong & Tai Chi - Evidence Based Medicine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GamaTgi7gvc

Dr. Shin LIn of UC Irvine's Laboratory for Mind/Body Signaling and Energy Research gives a short introduction to scientific research on Qigong and Tai Chi. 

Introductory Articles on Qigong and Energy Medicine

Six Pillars of Energy Medicine: Clinical Strengths of a Complemenatary Paradigm. PMID: 18251321. 

Toward an Electromagnetic Paradigm for Biology and Medicine. PMID: 15025877.

A Short History of Energy Medicine. An excellent introduction to the history of Energy Medicine and how it is starting to play a fundamental role in the delivery of 21st Century medicine. From  Energy Psychology: Self-Healing Practices for Bodymind Health Energy Psychology by Michael Mayer published by North Atlantic Books, copyright © 2009 by Michael Mayer. Reprinted by permission of publisher.

Healing with Electromedicine and Sound Therapies. A very complete introduction to Electromedicine, including a description of the electromagnetic spectrum and how it manifests in and affects biological organisms, and a description of EM therapeutic methods and tools. Reprint courtesy of author. - Nenah Sylver, PhD.

Physiological Effects of Qigong and Yoga/Pranayama. A description of the affects of Qigong on body oxygen levels, the lymph system, and nervous system - Dr. Roger Jahnke, OMD.

The Science Behind Taiji & Qigong: Why They Work. The physiological and energetic basis for Qigong's benefits - Jim Loretta.

Bioelectricity, Qi, and the Human Body. An overview of the bioenergetic nature of the human body by Don Brown, Mindful Life by Design School of Chi Energy Heals.

An Analytic Review of Studies on Measuring Effects of External Qi in China. Scientists have long been interested in measuring external qi (EQ or wai qi) during qigong healing, and have produced a large body of literature over the past 20 years. This paper reviews the major research on measuring EQ in China and tries to help other researchers to get a picture on what has been done so as to eliminate the simple replication of already verified results. Starting with the historical background of EQ studies in China, this paper analytically reviews the major studies of EQ effects from five different categories of detectors: 1) physical signal detectors; 2) chemical dynamics methods; 3) detectors using biological materials; 4) detectors using life sensors; and 5) detectors using the human body. By Kevin Chen, Director of Research, Qigong Institute.

Qigong Institute Commentary on "Mind-Body and Relaxation Research Focus" collection by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (www.novapublishers.com). Explores the fundamental problems with the current western medical model and proposes specific initiatives to research and promote Qigong as a primary health modality. The Qigong Institute.

Obstacles to the Use of Energy Medicine

In spite of the slowly increasing acceptance of energy medicine, there are many reasons why its adoption is not as quick as it should be. Much of the problem is the existing western medical paradigm that is focused on the use of drugs and technology to treat symptoms instead of being focused on prevention of illness and treating the true cause of illness holistically, taking into account the mind and the body. This view is changing as the healthcare train-wreck is slowly coming into focus. Many government agencies have been at the forefront of trying to change the existing paradigm. See the United States Government and Qigong for more information. Although the government realizes the benefits of prevention of illness, there are many interest groups that are threatened by new medical paradigms. See The Suppression of Energy Medicine and the lack of science behind modern medical practice (How Scientific is Modern Medicine Really?).

Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Qigong

Research by the Harvard Medical School and others has demonstrated that the practice of Qigong affects gene expression, and immune, nervous system, and cellular function. Qigong positively affects telomeres and telomerase, which allows cells to live longer -- true "anti-aging" and the legendary "fountain of youth". Oxidative stress, inflammation, and a lower dietary antioxidant capacity are associated with telomere attrition. Proper nutrition plus the mind and body practice of Qigong address this fundamental problem. Exercise alone lowers chronic inflammation. Qigong also changes which genes are expressed, thereby promoting gene transcription for stress reduction and improvement of immune function. The scientific basis of Qigong is explained in part through the convergence of epigenetics (cell biology) and psychoneuroimmunology ( neuroscience): Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Qigong.

Coherence and Entrainment

The bioenergetic basis of life is comprised of overlapping, interacting energy fields. Coherence (constructive interference) and entrainment are terms used to describe the interaction and synchronization of the fields.

Buddhism and Neuroscience

In November 2005, The Stanford School of Medicine hosted a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and neuroscientists from Stanford and other universities, as well as Buddhist scholars in a day long discussion of the nature of the phenomena of craving, suffering, and choice. Read a summary of this seminar on neuroscience with the Dalai Lama . Project Compassion at the Stanford School of Medicine's Center for Compassion & Altruism Research and Education is an innovative initiative within the Stanford Institute for Neuro-Innovation and Translational Neurosciences that will undertake a rigorous scientific study of the neural, mental and social bases of compassion and altruistic behavior that draws from a wide spectrum of disciplines including psychology, neuroscience, economics and contemplative traditions. The Dalai Lama also appeared in November 2005 in Washington DC at The Science and Clinical Applications of Meditation Conference.

An example of scientific collaboration between Buddhists and neuroscientists can be found in 
Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice. Besides exhibiting gamma synchrony which is a component of the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC), one of the main outcomes of this study is that meditation can create permanent changes in neural pathways. PMC526201. 

Shanghai Qigong Research Institute

The Shanghai Qigong Research Institute, founded on March 12, 1985, is affiliated  to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As the largest professional Qigong research institution acrossChina, it involves scientific research, education, medical treatment and cultural communication. The institute contains departments such as Comprehensive Medical Qigong  Laboratory, Qigong Teaching & Research Office, Qigong Document Information Office, Qigong Health Culture Center and Qigong History Museum.

The past decades witnessed the fruitfull achievements of the Institute in basic study, clinical observation and cultural communication.  In addition, the Institute has undertaken qigong-related scientific research projects and cross-sectional studies funded by the  National Natural Science Foundation of China, General Administration of Sport of China, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission , Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and Shanghai Municipal  Health Bureau . By hosting the annual International Symposium on Qigong Science, the institute plays a significant role in popularizing Qigong and further developing the  excellent traditional culture.

"From a Western medical scientific research and clinical practice perspective, there is no evidence for the Chinese cultural and philosophical concept called qi. However, it is a basic fact of physics that energy and matter are interchangeable. Therefore, qi can be considered as life force, or energetic information, exchanged constantly through the human body's energy fields by cells and organs to provide function."

Tom Rogers. President, Qigong Institute.

The Science of Qigong

Qigong Institute President Tom Rogers and Meditative Movement teacher and Qigong teacher for pain Josie Weaver discuss the Science and Practice of Qigong as part of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Level 2 Qigong and Tai Chi Teacher Training. 

The Physiology of Tai Chi and Qigong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJRtZAwVwgo

This is a short, very practical introduction to the physiology of Qigong and "qi"

Medical Benefits of Qigong Meditative Movement Exercise

Qigong forms involving movement, especially Tai Chi, have been strongly endorsed by numerous organizations including Harvard Medical School based upon years of research and practice (Wayne 2013) (Harvard 2019). A Veterans Administration review reported statistically significant effects for Qigong and Tai Chi for hypertension, falls outside of institutions, cognitive performance, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pain, balance confidence, depression, and muscle strength (Hempel et al., 2014). The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends QT in their Position Stand for neuromotor fitness: "Neuromotor exercise training, sometimes called functional fitness training, incorporates motor skills such as balance, coordination, gait, and agility, and proprioceptive training. Multifaceted physical activities such as tai ji (tai chi), qigong, and yoga involve varying combinations of neuromotor exercise, resistance exercise, and flexibility exercise. Neuromotor exercise training is beneficial as part of a comprehensive exercise program for older persons, especially to improve balance, agility, muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls” (Garber et al., 2011). A 2019 systematic review found independent research evidence that was sufficient to support Tai Chi performed as Qigong as a primary intervention for balance training and fall prevention (Klein et al., 2019).

A compelling body of research has also shown the benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi done as Qigong for a very wide range of health challenges and chronic conditions including, but not limited to, bone health, cardiopulmonary fitness, physical function, falls risk and balance, general quality of life, immune function and inflammatory responses, management of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiac and cardiovascular disease, mortality and stroke, blood pressure, stress and disease, heart function and microcirculation, asthma, respiration, allergies, neuromuscular disorders, cancer, use of drugs, anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy (Oh et al., 2020)(Sancier, 1996) (Sancier, 1996 Mar) (Feng et al., 2020) (Jahnke et al., 2010) (Klein et al., 2019) (Rogers et al., 2009) (McGee 2020). Meditative movement practices have also been recommended as a way to learn mindfulness for those who struggle to sit still during the more commonly taught mindfulness practices (Russell et al., 2015). Other researchers argue for conceptualizing and promoting physical activity as Mindfulness-Based Movement (Lucas, Porges, et al., 2018).

Feng F, Tuchman S, Denninger JW, Fricchione GL, Yeung A. Qigong for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 15]. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;10.1016/j.jagp.2020.05.012. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.05.012

Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb

Harvard Medical School. An Introduction to Tai Chi. 2019. Harvard Health Publishing

Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, et al. Evidence Map of Tai Chi. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2014

Jahnke R, Larkey L, Rogers C, Etnier J, Lin F. A comprehensive review of health benefits of qigong and tai chi. Am J Health Promot. 2010;24(6):e1-e25. doi:10.4278/ajhp.0810-LIT-248

Klein PJ, Baumgarden J, Schneider R. Qigong and Tai Chi as Therapeutic Exercise: Survey of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Addressing Physical Health Conditions. Altern Ther Health Med. 2019;25(5):48-53 

Lucas AR, Klepin HD, Porges SW, Rejeski WJ. Mindfulness-Based Movement: A Polyvagal Perspective. Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(1):5-15. doi:10.1177/1534735416682087

McGee, Robert W. 2020. A Bibliography of Recent Medical Research on Qigong, Fayetteville State University, Broadwell College of Business and Economics, The Economics of Qigong Series, No. 2, August 31.

Oh B, Bae K, Lamoury G, et al. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines (Basel). 2020;7(7):E39. Published 2020 Jun 30. doi:10.3390/medicines7070039

Rogers CE, Larkey LK, Keller C. A review of clinical trials of tai chi and qigong in older adults. West J Nurs Res. 2009;31(2):245-279. doi:10.1177/0193945908327529

Russell TA, Arcuri SM. A Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Consideration of Mindful Movement: Clinical and Research Implications. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015;9:282. Published 2015 May 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00282

Sancier KM. Medical applications of qigong. Altern Ther Health Med. 1996;2(1):40-46

Sancier K. Anti-Aging Benefits of Qigong. J. ISLIS. 1996 Mar. 14(1)

Wayne, P. 2013. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi. Shambhala

Selected Medical Research on Qigong, Tai Chi, and Energy Medicine

Individual Stress Prevention through Qigong. The main objective of this paper is to offer a comprehensive, narrative review of the effects of Qigong and its core components. PMCID: PMC7579037.

Meditative Movement as a Category of Exercise: Implications for Research. Although thousands of years old, Qigong belongs to a new category of exercise called meditative movement. Tai Chi done for health is meditative movement and is equivalent to Qigong. PMID: 19420401. 

A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. PMC3085832. 

Groundbreaking review of the "evidence base" for Qigong and Tai Chi.

Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis. Comprehensive book on Energy Medicine by Dr. James Oschman.

Laboratory for Mind-Body Signaling & Energy Research at University of California, Irvine.

Meditation Practices for Health: State of Research, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This report was requested and funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Objective: To review and synthesize the state of research on a variety of meditation practices, including: the specific meditation practices examined; the research designs employed and the conditions and outcomes examined; the efficacy and effectiveness of different meditation practices for the three most studied conditions; the role of effect modifiers on outcomes; and the effects of meditation on physiological and neuropsychological outcomes. June 2007.

Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Research page.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind (Harvard Health Publications) 

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Tai Chi Research Database.

Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine Journal Archive. The abstracts from these journals pertaining to Qigong and Energy Medicine research were added to the Qigong and Energy Medicine Database™ by Qigong Institute Founder Ken Sancier starting in 1990. Many other noteworthy articles have appeared here including Presidential addresses given at ISSSEEM Annual Conferences and research and presentations by leaders in the field including: Robert O. Becker, Daniel J. Benor, Larry Dossey, Konstantin Korotkov, Jeff Levin, Hiroshi Motoyama, Dean Radin, Elizabeth Rauscher, Norm Shealy, Charles Tart, William Tiller, John E. Upledger, B. Alan Wallace, and many more.

Comparison Between Mind-Body and Physical Exercise

Tai Chi and Qigong can increase bioenergy (as indicated by Bioenergetic Markers) to a greater degree than ‘hard' Kung Fu styles, riding a stationary bicycle, or lifting weights. The bioenergy increase produced by Tai Chi practice can also be measured as an increase in physical strength. Tai Chi and Qigong practices can increase both blood flow and bioenergy markers, consistent with the Chinese concept of “blood is the mother of Qi”. 

The following table lists the difference (increase) in bioenergy between mind-body and physcial exercise, as indicated by the bioenergetic marker:

Dr. James Oschman on Energy Medicine

Highlights from Dr. James Oschman's presentation at the Annual World Congress of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Oschman believes that a new milestone in medicine is upon us, harnessing the diagnostic and therapeutic use of energy. This new technology which is entering mainstream medical use stimulates the repair and regeneration of tissues.

"Energy Medicine is the diagnostic and therapeutic use of energy"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFN32U69LBk

Denying the 'direct electromagnetic interactions [among] living molecules would be to deny the fundamental reaction upon which all life depends, namely the absorption of sunlight by green plants.' James Oschman in Energy Medicine - The Scientific Basis

Electromedicine and Frequency Therapy

"Every molecule, cell, living body, and object is comprised of energy that manifests as physical matter. Some of that energy is detectible as frequencies that belong to one or more radiation bands in the electromagnetic spectrum. And these frequencies correspond to biochemical and biological processes in the body." Nenah Sylver, PhD.

Healing with Electromedicine and Sound Therapies. An overview of Electromedicine, the science behind electromagnetic frequencies used for therapy and healing, and specific EM therapeutic methods and tools.

For even more comprehensive information on energy-based technologies, devices, and their use for therapy, complementary therapies and how to use them, and holistic health, see

• The Rife Handbook of Frequency Therapy and Holistic Health
• Bioelectromagnetic Healing: A Rationale for its Use.

Qigong is a traditional Chinese exercise combining movement, breathing, and awareness. It belongs to a new category of exercise called Meditative Movement, a practice that includes biological, social, and psychological aspects of health. As a scientifically proven biopsychosocial practice with therapeutic benefits, Qigong addresses shortcomings of the standard western biomedical model of health care that have been identified by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIH) whole person health initiatives. Both organizations are actively promoting the expansion of health care beyond symptom identification and management to include disease prevention and provide active treatment for chronic diseases and comorbidities. 

Qigong Health Care can be a powerful component of Western models of healthcare systems which prioritize biopsychosocial whole person health and where prevention and wellness are primary aspects of care. The practice of Qigong combines physical exercise with the proven benefits of meditation and can be promoted to the public as an essential life skill. This publication describes the scientific research progress, issues, and challenges of integrating Qigong Health Care into Western medicine and healthcare.

An Introduction to Qigong Health Care: Meditative Movement Exercise for Whole Person Health

Dao Yin (a.k.a. Qigong): Origin, Development, Potential Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications

Dao Yin is a form of exercise combining physical movements, mental focus, and breathing that originated in ancient China. This review introduces the history in the development and the scope of Dao Yin, the relationship of Dao Yin to Taoist culture and Qigong, and the potential mechanisms of how Dao Yin promotes health and alleviate illnesses.  This paper gives an excellent introduction to the neuropsychological, immunilogical, therapeutic, and musculoskeletal effects of Qigong practice.  PMC6854271.

Western Medicine's Increasing Acceptance of Qigong and Energy Medicine

Qigong is a mind-body discipline. As a result of the effectiveness of Qigong and other energy-based therapies (e.g. see D. Benor, M.D.'s Energy Medicine for the Internist), western medicine and scientists are beginning to realize that a person's state of mind can affect their health. 

Up until recently, placebos and "psychosomatic" illnesses were dismissed as byproducts of "legitimate" therapies, usually involving drugs, or made up problems that had no real physical basis or effect upon a person's health. Not anymore. It's been proven without a doubt that mental state can and does affect your health. Candace Pert's ground-breaking Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine describes the genesis of an entirely new discipline in the field of neuroscience and medical biology: Psychoneuroimmunology, the interaction of the mind, body, emotions, and the immune system via the body's own internal chemical signaling system. Understanding the combination of the protein-receptor cellular level communication mechanism (the endocrine system) and psychoneuroimmunology is the goal of psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology. Endocrinology is the study of the protein-based chemical communcation system that controls the body's physiological processes. These processes are set in motion by a feedback system based upon energy where environmental signals affect molecular activity in the body. There is increasing evidence of the efficacy of mind-body therapies for common clinical conditions: Mind-Body Medicine: State of the Science, Implications for Practice.

More information on the documented effects of thoughts and emotions on health: Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Qigong.

Placebos have been embraced as a legitimate field of study by neuroscientists -- see Pain and the Placebo. It is encouraging that more researchers in biomedicine, biophysics, neuroscience, and complementary fields are turning their attention to Energy Medicine research and the scientific basis for Qigong's profound integrated mind-body medicine and stress reduction effectiveness.

This is an interview with Mind Body Week speaker Ted Cibik, Ph.D., ND, DMQ (China), a visionary, speaker, healer and author has been passionate about Chinese medicine, meditation, and healing since childhood. A survivor of incurable asthma and cancer, he has dedicated his life to healing himself and others. Dr. Cibik discusses the incorporation of mind-body medicine into western medical practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFXmmGXuh8E

A Short History of Energy Medicine

A Short History of Energy Medicine (.PDF ). Modern science has demonstrated that electromagnetic fields of the body are generated during various biological processes, including rapid cell division; during natural growth processes, such as growth of bone cells; as well as following fracture, intense nervous activity associated with mental processes, and various pathological conditions, such as abnormal cell growth with diseases like cancer. The distinction between conservative medical practitioners and the new proponents of energy medicine is summed up well by one of the early researchers in the field, Dr. Glen Rein (1992), who wrote: "It is now well known that the human body emits a broad spectrum of electromagnetic and acoustic radiation. Traditional medicine looks at these as by-products of biochemical reactions in the body. They are not considered by most biomedical researchers to be involved with the basic functioning (or healing) of the body. The basic tenet of energy medicine is that these fields are not only involved with functioning of the physical/chemical body but regulate these processes. (From Energy Psychology by Michael Mayer published by North Atlantic Books, copyright © 2009 by Michael Mayer. Reprinted by permission of publisher).

For more in-depth information on the incorporation of Qigong and related Energy Medicine therapies in clinical psychology, see Energy Psychology: Self-Healing Practices for Bodymind Health  by Dr. Mayer.

Also see Energy Psychology.

A Bridge of Light: Toward Chinese and Western Medicine Perspectives Through Ultraweak Photon Emissions. PMC6558537.

15TH World Congress on Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Symposium (2013)

Dr. Shin Lin, Ph.D. Director of the Laboratory of Mind-Body Energy & Signaling Research and Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering at UC Irvine. Measurements were carried out with Electromyography, EEG, Photon Migration Spectroscopy, Laser Doppler Flometry, and Gas Discharge Visualization.

• "Qi" cannot be measured, but bioenergy (heat, light, and electricity) can be measured.

• Coordinated breathing and movement produces the highest blood-flow. Blood flow raises electrical energy flow. Even when the blood flow stops or slows, electrical energy goes higher. Slow Tai Chi produces more electrical energy flow than fast Tai Chi.

• Theta, Alpha, and Beta brain waves increase during meditation.

• Research shows that Qigong produces measurable changes in physiological and bioenergy markers. Increased blood flow and conscious control of the autonomic nervous system account for many of these changes.

• A low level D.C. electrical field similar to that emitted by the human body can enhance wound healing in a cell culture.

For more information see Publications on the Laboratory for Mind-Body Signaling & Energy Research website.

Dr. Peter Wayne, Ph.D. Director of Research for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

• Medical research is a significant factor in the evolution of Tai Chi in the West. There has been exponential growth in clinical and basic research evidence on Tai Chi from 1977 - 2012. The most common types of research in Randomized Controlled Trials involved Tai Chi for balance in older adults, fall prevention, cardiovascular conditions, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, reheumatoid arthritis, respiratory (COPD, asthma), Parkinson's, MS, stroke, depression, anxiety, mood, cognitive function, cancer and sleep.

• Tai Chi complexity contributes to the challenges of running clinical trials. What exactly are the active ingredients of Tai Chi? Tai Chi has aspects of aerobic exercise, musculoskeletal strengthening, flexibilty, active relaxation, awareness, mindfulness, focused attention, natural breathing, philosophy, spiritual, and ritual aspects as well as social interaction and community. In addtion, what is the proper dose of Tai Chi for therapy? Are there differences between different types of Tai Chi?

• There is a strong need for eastern asian medicine practitioners to understand western evidence-based research to be able to collaborate on research and integrated clinical care. This will help to address methodological limitations which are common in studies of all CAM therapies.

• More in-depth information can be found in Wayne's The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind (Harvard Health Publications).

Dr. Ju Lin, Ph.D. Research Biochemist in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics at UC San Francisco and Co-Founder and Research Director of Telome Health Inc.

• Exercise and mind-body practices buffer the negative impact of stress on telomere maintenance. Lifestyle factors are associated with telomere length.

• Cells with short telomeres can harm neighboring cells.

• Telomore shortness is associated with common diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, alzheimer's disease, plumonary fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. Telomere length also correlates with mortality and increased years of healthy life.

Dr. John Longhurst, M.D. Ph.D. Director of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine and Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Physiology & Biophysics and Pharmacology at UC Irvine.

• There is not much difference between manual and electro-acupuncture (EA). EA is a little stronger and more precise.

• Pain threshold can go up with acupuncture and this effect can be blocked with drugs, proving the physiological effects of acupuncture.

• 70% of experimental subjects are responsive to acupuncture. The 30% who are not responsive are affected by CCK, particularly its octapeptide CCK8, which inhibits the action of opiods in the central nervous system.

• Manual stimulation of nerve fibers leads to local chemical production, and this may be responsible for catalyzing remote acupuncture effects. Electroacupuncture has some effect upon hypertension, even four weeks after treatment. Acupuncture points physically migrate, but the effect of needling the moving point stays the same.

• Acupuncture Mechanisms: low frequency or manual acupuncture stimulates nerve fibers thus affecting many neuotransmitter systems in the brain and spinal cord, such as the opiod system. Excitatory neurotransmitters include acetylcholine. Example inhibitory neurotransmitters include opioids and serotonin. Acupuncture responsive neurons in the brain can be identified.

• The World Health Organization diseases and symptoms for which acupuncture is proven effective include pain, depression, nausea and vomiting, blood pressure abnormalities, and stroke.