The Effect of Exercise with Deep Breathing(Qi-Gong) on Stress-Related Hormones in the Blood.
10.3937/kampomed.45.887
- VernacularTitle:血中ストレスホルモンに及ぼす気功保健体操の効果
- Author:
Eiichi MIKUNI
;
Shizuo TODA
;
Yoshiyuki MORITA
;
Kyoichi KUROIWA
;
Toshizhi SAKAGUCHI
;
Masazumi KAWAMOTO
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Exercise with Deep Breathing;
health-maintenance method;
stress hormones;
body/mind balance;
stress-reducing effects
- From:Kampo Medicine
1995;45(4):887-892
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
The levels of stress-related hormones in the blood were measured before and after doing Qi Gong health-maintenance exercises, and a control group of walkers with a similar level of movement selected for the basis of a comparative study. The adrenaline, noradrenaline and growth hormone responses of the Qi Gong group were compared with the pre-exercise values. Although no significant difference was observed immediately after exercise, there was a significant drop in all values 30 minutes after exercising. Similar changes in the blood cortisol were noted in the Qi Gong group and walker group. Compared with the pre-exercise value, both group exhibited significant reduction in blood cortisol both immediately following exercise and 30 minutes after exercise, with the lowest value occurring 30 minutes after exercise. In contrast to the increase in stress-related hormones typical after light exercise that was seen in the walker group, the significant reduction response seen in the stress-related hormones of the Qi Gong group with the similar amount of movement was seen as unusual. This suggested that Qi Gong may be a positive means of stress-reduction and a useful health-maintenance method in today's stressful society.
