Researchers in China investigated the effects of Qigong on pain using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) (Yu et al., 2007). They examined four male Qigong masters with more than 30 years experience of Qigong practice. The researchers observed the change of brain function via the peripheral pain stimulation, before and after Qigong practicing. They also monitored the heart and respiration rate.
The study found that before the Qigong practice, brain areas including the cigulate cortex, the thalamus, and the cerebellum were activated. Such activations were decreased after the Qigong practice. The SII-insula region was activated in these two states, and the response amplitude in the state of Qigong was greater than that before the Qigong practice.
These findings suggest that Qigong may lead to functional suppressing of the brain. However, in some regions such as SII-insula region, the response amplitude was promoted. More studies are needed to find out the mechanisms of Qigong.
Reference:
Yu, W. L., Li, X. Q., et al. (2007) fMRI study of pain reaction in the brain under state of “Qigong”. Am J Chin Med 35, 937-945.
