Studies of Physiological Effects During Practices of Alternative Mediicine
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 2
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Temperature variation during meditative practice
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The temperature on selected points of the hands has been monitored during meditative practices. The practitioner is in complete rest for the time of the measure, and only mental activity is carried out. The purpose is to verify if the heat sensation, that is normally felt, is a real, measurable physiological effect, or if it is just a subjective feeling. Quantitative data analysis is foreseen.
Detailed Description
Qigong is a traditional Chinese method for wellness and healing. During practice, which is based on the Qi circulation, it is usual to feel warmth, especially at the hands. The main purpose of this study is to verify if the sensation of heat is not just a subjective feeling but is a real, measurable physiological effect. Quantitative information will be hopefully derived from a simple data analysis. The study will be extended also to deep prayer meditation.
The measurement sessions will consist of two periods of practice separated by one pause period, to ensure that the temperature variation is not due to spurious effects.
T type thermocouples will be used for the temperature measurements, with sensors in the form of small copper disk. The thermocouples will be connected to a data logger, and the results analyzed. The sensors will be positioned in different points of the hands, either on the palm and on the dorsum. The Laogong (PC8) acupuncture point will be preferentially chosen, because is a very important point, from the energetic point of view, of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. and because the sensation of heat is more acute in this point. Other points will be also measured, and compared with the Laogong.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Cross Sectional
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •. Experience in meditative practice
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Temperature variation during meditative practice
Time Frame: 1 hour
The variation of the temperature in specific points of the hands will be obtained during meditative practice. In general the study will consist in two periods of practice separated by a pause
Secondary Outcomes
- Comparison of temperature variation in different points of the hands(1 hour)