THE BIOENERGY ANALYSIS OF TAI CHI CHUAN:A LONGITUDINAL CASE STUDY

• CHENG, CHIEN MIN1

• NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES1

• KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN• HUANG, SHIN THO2

• NATIONAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS2

• TAOYUAN, TAIWAN

TAI CHI HUAN

Introduction

Introduction

• In oriental medicine, studies on meridian phenomena have been well established in the field of Chinese medical science.

• Acupuncture meridian system theory is one of the main features of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Introduction

• The meridians are thought to be the pathways for Qi (or bioenergy), which then circulates throughout the human body.

• They originate in the internal organs and from there travel up to the skin (Lu et al., 1999).

Introduction

• Through the application of sophisticated instruments and clinical treatments, experts in this area have accumulated their knowledge about physiological and pathological symptoms along with these phenomena.

• Information of this kind would enable us to realize the medical functions of

Chen-Style Tai Chi Chuan (CSTCC) and its potential contributions to public health.

Introduction

• CSTCC is a kind of Chinese traditional martial art. It is a traditional Chinese conditioning exercise, consisting of 83-step graceful movements linked together in a continuous sequence, so that the body is constantly shifting from one foot to the other.

• The regular Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practitioners have better postural stability, especially in the more complicated conditions with disturbed visual and somatosensory conditions (Lin et al, 2000).

Introduction

• A series of studies was designed to investigate the effect of TCC for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory function in elderly individuals.

• The results implied that TCC was beneficial to the cardiorespiratory in the middle-aged and elderly individuals. In the longitudinal studies, researchers demonstrated that long-term TCC practice might delay the decline of cardiorespiratory function and increase VO2max.

• (Wong et al., 1990; Lai et al., 1993; Lai et al., 1995; Lan et al, 1996).

Introduction

• The electrical properties of human skin are largely dependent on body part, environmental conditions and measuring system.

(Martinsen et al., 1997, 1999).

• The variations are extensive not only between body parts, however, but also within a smaller area on the skin. Various instruments for small area electrical measurements have been presented, based e.g., roller electrodes and a suction microelectrode.

(Yamamoto et al. 1988; Panescu et al. 1993).

Introduction

• Cheng and Huang (2002) revealed that the benefits of CSTCC practice can be measured by using Ryodoraku theory, which spread by Yoshio Nakatani was chosen as the theoretical basis for investigation.

Introduction

• The result indicated that for the prior practice, the bioenergy value was significantly lower than that of the post practice. Additionally, the meridian electric resistance decreased. And then the value of bioenergy decreased as the resting times.

• This phenomenon is related to the vitalized neural transfer mechanism and smoothed neural potential, which are triggered by T C C exercises.

Introduction

• Theoretically we have proved the effect of capability for curing disease relevant to the “power” of CSTCC. It is worthy to conduct more investigations (Cheng and Huang, 2002).

• In this article, we carried out bioenergy analyses by employing Ryodoraku as the theoretical base for the study, which was proposed by Yoshio Nakatani.

(Nakatani, 1956; Tseng, 2000).

SubjectSubject

Male Male Aged 43Aged 43Practice aged of Practice aged of

6 years OF 6 years OF CSTCC since CSTCC since 1996.1996.

Height 167 cm Height 167 cm Weight 63.5 kg. Weight 63.5 kg.

Practicing programsPracticing programs

CSTCCCSTCC of old form, first sort, and of old form, first sort, and combine 83-step movements. combine 83-step movements.

The subject practiced The subject practiced CSTCCCSTCC

3-5 times per week .3-5 times per week .Audio-video assisted instruction was Audio-video assisted instruction was

provided to facilitate his practice, provided to facilitate his practice, with individualized instruction also with individualized instruction also emphasized.emphasized.

Research instrument Research instrument

The research instrument The research instrument was the Detecting Systewas the Detecting System of Channel and Acupum of Channel and Acupuncture Points and Bioenncture Points and Bioenergy.ergy.

The design is based on tThe design is based on the principles of the theohe principles of the theory of Ryodoraku made bry of Ryodoraku made by Yoshio Nakatani (Tseng,y Yoshio Nakatani (Tseng, 2000). 2000).

Methods and procedureMethods and procedure

24 channels and acupuncture points were measured us24 channels and acupuncture points were measured using the ing the DSCAPBDSCAPB with the attained values treated as the with the attained values treated as the index indicating changes in bioenergy. index indicating changes in bioenergy.

These indexes also indicated the longitudinal These indexes also indicated the longitudinal CSTCCCSTCC pr practicing benefits prior and 5, 10, 20 minute of post exeracticing benefits prior and 5, 10, 20 minute of post exercise. cise.

This method combines together an A/D interface, a micThis method combines together an A/D interface, a microcomputer, and artificial intelligence technology.rocomputer, and artificial intelligence technology.

It enabled us to automatically calculate, analyze, and jIt enabled us to automatically calculate, analyze, and judge the conditional change of bioenergy values, whicudge the conditional change of bioenergy values, which was a reflection of the meridian phenomena. h was a reflection of the meridian phenomena.

Methods and procedureMethods and procedure• About two hours before the measurement About two hours before the measurement

process, Subject was requested to avoid process, Subject was requested to avoid acute exercise. He then took rest for at least acute exercise. He then took rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before he was further 15 to 20 minutes before he was further measured with the other acupuncture points.measured with the other acupuncture points.

Methods and procedureMethods and procedure

Methods and procedureMethods and procedure

Data AnalysisData Analysis Using the Using the DSCAPBDSCAPB, we collected the subj, we collected the subj

ects’ bioengery values of 24 points. ects’ bioengery values of 24 points. A dependentA dependent t- t-test was carried out to cotest was carried out to co

mpare difference both before and after mpare difference both before and after CCSTCCSTCC practice, and pre- and 5, 10, 20 min practice, and pre- and 5, 10, 20 minutes post-exercise of the experiment. utes post-exercise of the experiment.

The significance level was set to be .05. TThe significance level was set to be .05. The statistical package of SPSS was selectehe statistical package of SPSS was selected as the tool for analysis. d as the tool for analysis.

Results, Discussion Results, Discussion and and

ConclusionsConclusions

ResultsResults

The results showed that there was significThe results showed that there was significantly difference in four levels (Pre, Post 5, Pantly difference in four levels (Pre, Post 5, Post 10 and Post 20 minute) of ost 10 and Post 20 minute) of CSTCCCSTCC practi practice by bioenergy.ce by bioenergy.

The Table 1 show that the difference in fouThe Table 1 show that the difference in four periods time of r periods time of CSTCCCSTCC practice points bio practice points bioenergy value from A Pre (23.42μA) to B Post energy value from A Pre (23.42μA) to B Post 5 minute (95.96 μA).5 minute (95.96 μA).

We suspected that the subjects’ Practice We suspected that the subjects’ Practice time of CSTCC is the focus factors. time of CSTCC is the focus factors.

ResultsResults

TimeTimeMean Value of meridiaMean Value of meridians electric conduction ns electric conduction

(μA)(μA)P ValueP Value

B PreB Pre

A PreA Pre80.2180.21

23.4223.42 0.000*0.000*

B Post 5 minB Post 5 min

A Post 5 min A Post 5 min 95.9695.96

80.1380.13 0.032*0.032*

B Post 10 minB Post 10 min

A Post 10 min A Post 10 min 77.5477.54

57.1257.12 0.045*0.045*

B Post 20 minB Post 20 min A Post 20 minA Post 20 min

69.2969.29

45.0845.08 0.009*0.009*

Table 1 t-test of Points bioenergy of Pre, post 5, post10 and post 20 minuteTable 1 t-test of Points bioenergy of Pre, post 5, post10 and post 20 minute

Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999) * p <. 05

ResultsResults

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

lh1 rh1 lh2 rh2 lh3 rh3 lh4 rh4 lh5 rh5 lh6 rh6 lf1 rf1 lf2 rf2 lf3 rf3 lf4 rf4 lf5 rf5 lf6 rf6 Mean

Hands and Feet Points

(μA)V

alue o

f meri

dians

electr

ic con

ductio

n

BPRE

BPOST 5 MIN

BPOST 10 MIN

BPOST 20 MIN

Figure7. Various distributions of bioenergy value in 2002 CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

ResultsResults

Figure8. Various distributions of bioenergy value in 1999 CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

lh1 rh1 lh2 rh2 lh3 rh3 lh4 rh4 lh5 rh5 lh6 rh6 lf1 rf1 lf2 rf2 lf3 rf3 lf4 rf4 lf5 rf5 lf6 rf6 Mean

Hands and Feet Points

(μA)

Valu

e of m

eridia

ns el

ectric

cond

uctio

n

APRE

APOST 5 MIN

APOST 10 MINAPOST 20 MIN

ResultsResults

Figure9. Comparisons of bioenergy value between 2002 and 1999 Pre CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

82.578 76 77

93 91.588 88.5

6972.5

92

55

80.21

32.5

46.0

35.5

19.0

13.016.5

54.5

13.010.0

27.5

7.0 6.5

23.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

rlh1 rlh2 rlh3 rlh4 rlh5 rlh6 rlf1 rlf2 rlf3 rlf4 rlf5 rlf6 Mean

Hans and Feet Points

(μA)

Val

ue o

f med

ridia

ns e

lect

irc c

ondu

ctio

n

BPRE

APRE

ResultsResults

Figure10. Comparison of bioenergy value between 2002 and 1999 Post 5 min CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

82.578 76 77

93 91.588 88.5

6972.5

92

55

80.21

32.5

46.0

35.5

19.013.0

16.5

54.5

13.0 10.0

27.5

7.0 6.5

23.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

rlh1 rlh2 rlh3 rlh4 rlh5 rlh6 rlf1 rlf2 rlf3 rlf4 rlf5 rlf6 Mean

Hans and Feet Points

(μA)

Val

ue o

f med

ridia

ns e

lect

irc c

ondu

ctio

n

BPRE

APRE

ResultsResults

Figure11. Comparison of bioenergy value between 2002 and 1999 Post 10 min CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

94.5 92.588.0 89.5

104.0108.5

61.5

86.0

32.0

42.0

71.0

61.5

77.5

96.5

44

64.5

94.5

81.5

113

36

47.5

28.535.5

2519

57.12

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

rlh1 rlh2 rlh3 rlh4 rlh5 rlh6 rlf1 rlf2 rlf3 rlf4 rlf5 rlf6 Mean

Hands and Feet Points

(μA)

Value

of m

eridia

ns ele

ctric c

ondutio

n

BPOST 10 MIN

APOST 10 MIN

ResultsResults

Figure12. Comparison of bioenergy value between 2002 and 1999 Post 20 min CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

91.5

84.5

77

64.5

87

93.5

57 56.5

46

61.5 59.553.5

69.2967.5

35.5

61

7882.5

89.5

22

29

14.5

32.5

13.5 16

45.08

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

rlh1 rlh2 rlh3 rlh4 rlh5 rlh6 rlf1 rlf2 rlf3 rlf4 rlf5 rlf6 Mean

Hands and Feet Points

(μA)

Valu

e of

mer

idia

ns e

lect

ric c

ondu

ctio

n

BPOST 20 MIN

APOST 20 MIN

ResultsResults

Figure12. Comparison of bioenergy value between 2002 and 1999 Post 20 min CSTCC practice. Note: (B= 2002; A= 1999)

91.5

84.5

77

64.5

87

93.5

57 56.5

46

61.5 59.553.5

69.2967.5

35.5

61.0

78.082.5

89.5

22.0

29.0

14.5

32.5

13.5 16.0

45.1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

rlh1 rlh2 rlh3 rlh4 rlh5 rlh6 rlf1 rlf2 rlf3 rlf4 rlf5 rlf6 Mean

Hands and Feet Points

(μA)

Valu

e of

mer

idia

ns e

lect

ric c

ondu

ctio

n

BPOST 20 MIN

APOST 20 MIN

DiscussionDiscussion

The result indicated that for the prior practice, tThe result indicated that for the prior practice, the bioenergy value was significantly lower than he bioenergy value was significantly lower than that of the post practice. that of the post practice.

These exercises manage to bring up intracellulaThese exercises manage to bring up intracellular neural transfer and cause the polarization of cr neural transfer and cause the polarization of cell membrane.ell membrane.

This finding was compatible with that of Cheng This finding was compatible with that of Cheng and Huang (2002). Cheng also found that, the pand Huang (2002). Cheng also found that, the practice of any kind of TCC would generate similractice of any kind of TCC would generate similar effects for wellness and health promotion. ar effects for wellness and health promotion.

DiscussionDiscussion

Additionally, the meridian electric resistance deAdditionally, the meridian electric resistance decreased. And then the value of bioenergy decrecreased. And then the value of bioenergy decreased as the resting times. ased as the resting times.

To summarize, this study found that there was To summarize, this study found that there was a significant difference in bioenergy due to diffea significant difference in bioenergy due to different practice accumulated time (Cheng and Hurent practice accumulated time (Cheng and Huang, 2002). ang, 2002).

DiscussionDiscussion

This phenomenon is related to the vitalized This phenomenon is related to the vitalized neural transfer mechanism and smoothed neural transfer mechanism and smoothed neural potential, which are triggered by Tai neural potential, which are triggered by Tai Chi Chuan exercises. Chi Chuan exercises.

The research findings suggest that CSTCC The research findings suggest that CSTCC practicing enables metabolic improvement practicing enables metabolic improvement and contributes to smooth blood and contributes to smooth blood circulation. circulation.

DiscussionDiscussion

The results provided implications for health preThe results provided implications for health preservation science. servation science.

We can find out the effects of CSTCC practice by We can find out the effects of CSTCC practice by bioenergy analysis and there have positive effebioenergy analysis and there have positive effects to prevent disease. cts to prevent disease.

Future Future

The feature bioenergy research will focuThe feature bioenergy research will focus on the top athletic sportsman of special s on the top athletic sportsman of special item during training period time.item during training period time.

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION! AUTHOR: AUTHOR: CHENG CHIEN MIN CHENG CHIEN MIN

(JIMMY)(JIMMY) E-MAIL:E-MAIL:

cmjimmy.cheng@msa.hinet.netcmjimmy.cheng@msa.hinet.net

COAUTH0R: COAUTH0R: HUANG SHIN THOHUANG SHIN THO E-MAIL:E-MAIL:

shintho@mail.ncpes.edu.twshintho@mail.ncpes.edu.tw

WELCOME WELCOME TO TAIWANTO TAIWAN