Electrodermal measurements for monitoring the effects of a qigong workshop

Objectives: Electrodermal measurements with a Ryodoraku instrument were used to monitor the effects of a 2-day qigong workshop on the body energy of participants. Methods: Measurements were made of the relative electrical conductivity of 24 acupuncture points on the wrists and feet of 29 subjects. Each subject was measured in the morning and afternoon of each day, and the subjects served as their own control. Results: The standard deviation of the mean values of the Ryodoraku responses of individuals and of the group were less in the afternoons than in the mornings with p-values of 0.004 and 0.0001 for the first and second days, respectively. The decreases in the values of the standard deviations indicate that the balance of the body energy of individuals and the group had improved, presumably as a result of the workshop. We also found that all Ryodoraku responses were significantly greater in the afternoons than in the mornings, a result that is attributed to a circadian rhythm. Conclusions: The improved balance of qi energy in the body of the participants indicates that qigong practice has the potential to improve health. Electrodermal measurements for monitoring Eastern and Western therapies are discussed.