A new generation 3D-PET device, which is characterized by high sensitivity and high resolution, allows a series of eight to ten scans in a single subject within a short period of time. We applied this device for the study of cognitive processes of the human brain during subliminal stimulation, or visual exposures of ultra-short duration. The results revealed areas of positive or negative correlations between the length of the exposure time and cerebral blood flow changes in the subjects. Regions of activation found common across subjects may include foci which are actually involved in subliminal perceptions. Common areas of the positive correlation across two subjects were as follows : right visual association, the primary visual, primary motor, left motor association and left temporal area (Brodmann 22 area).

View full abstract

The authors seek to establish the existence of non-visual color recognition processes, such as the dermat-sight and chairvoyance. Two psychic persons participated in non-visual color recognition experiments conducted using colored papers, colored sponges and LEDs. Tests using 17 different colored papers, 5 different colored sponges and 3 different monochromatic papers produced highly significant results that offer strong support for the existence of non-visual color recognition. The existence of the phenomenon was also observed when color information was blocked from the subject's skin, thus suggesting that chairvoyance may be a factor. Detection of differences in colored LEDs was more difficult than colored papers or sponges, possibly, as reported by the subject, because LED color was experienced as light rather than color.

View full abstract

Biophysical changes due to mental activities were measured using single square voltage pulse method (SSVP) in response to various stimula, biofeedback, image recollection, meditation, Zen, Qi-gong and others. Interesting biological information on humans was obtained by this method. From thermal radiation stimulus experiments, parameter AP, which is related to autonomic nerve system, was observed to increase by sympathetic nerve excitement. In audiovisual stimulus and image recollection experiments, mental effects induced at the central cerebral were converted possibly through the autonomic nerve system to the peripheral part of our body, which were detected by SSVP. Moreover, degree of concentration, depth of meditation and in some cases developmental stage of mental training techniques were also measured. The SSVP method was applied for relaxation oriented biofeedback training regarding the activity of the sympathetic nerve system during relaxation, and was effective. The self-regulation effects of Qi-gongist at Qi-gong operation revealed extraordinal control of autonomic nervous system.

View full abstract

A qigong master (qi sender) and an ordinary person (qi receiver) were placed in a sensory-shielded state made with a mental box etc. , and anomalous perception by qigong was attempted while both were connected to electroencephalographs. The sender transmitted qi during a randomly selected half one minute period. The receiver attempted to perceive the time zone. Over 20 trials, the receiver was not able to perceive the true sending time zone with any statistical significance. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the α wave amplitude in her electroencephalogram between the sending and non-sending time zones at the corresponding region to her somatic sensory and motor area in the period 13 to 17 seconds from the start of the task. This result not only suggests the existence of anomalous perception in the subconscious but also has an interesting consistency with results of our experiments on anomalous perception related to visual sensation on the point that the α wave amplitude in the receiver's electroencephalograms increases on his/her sensory area related to a loaded anomalous perception task at 10 or more seconds after the start of the task.

View full abstract

The remote anomalous cognition (AC) experiment in which guessing is performed by many participants simultaneously is reported. Sixty-two participants, who have not claimed to have anomalous mental functions, guessed the location and the behavior of the target person simultaneously and recorded their mentation. The mentation reports were compared to records of the target person's behavior and ordered according to the degree of their coincidence. A significant hit rate about one target person was obtained in one session out of the two, each of which contained three target persons. The background electroencephalograms (EEGs) and the auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) of one target person were measured during the session, and the change in AEP was obtained during the AC period. The results were interesting, but are not sufficient evidence of AC because of the small number of data ; further studies are needed to elucidate AC.

View full abstract

EEGs of four children, ranging in age between 4 and 11 years, were measured to investigate the learning process for a particular capability in the brain. The following points were seen. From the analysis of α waves : (1) Concentrating ability increased with age. (2) For the younger children, concentrating without materials to gaze at seemed to be difficult. From θ waves : (1) Fmθ was sometimes observed. From β waves : (1) Linguistic assignments activated the left hemisphere. (2) Even with frequent visual stimulation, functions of the right hemisphere, such as making a momentary decision or inner visualization, were not presented clearly.

View full abstract

Home pages of the International Society of Life Information Science (ISLIS) and the Journal of International Society of Life Information Science (Journal of ISLIS) have been constructed and added to lists of major search engines world wide. The cumulative access number of visitors was over one thousand during the 3 months prior to the end of January 1997. Moreover, some major institutes outside Japan have added ISLIS's home pages to their links recently.

View full abstract

An outline of the development trends in immuno-neuro-endocrinology is presented. The works of experts are presented along with the author's own commentary on homeostasis, theory of stress, neuro-endocrinology development, immunology development, confirmation of immuno-neuro-endocrinology, existing conditions and mental problems, future prospects and the role of immuno-neuro-endocrinology.

View full abstract

EEG spectral analysis was applied on nine right-handed Qigong masters during Qigong practice. EEGs were recorded according to the international 10-20 system using Brain Atlas II (Biologic, USA). EEG spectra were averaged during 30 seconds to produce relative frequencies and their peaks which were divided into δ(0.5-4.0 Hz),Θ(4.5-8.0 Hz),α(8.5-13.0 Hz),β_1(13.5-20.0 Hz),β_2(20.5-30.0 Hz) bands. Large individual variations were found across subjects in Θ, α, β_2 fractions, although the difference between on and off meditation was not significant. Variations were most noted in the frontal electrodes without right-left asymmetry. This implied heterogeneity in the way of Qigong practice between subjects and the need for caution in discussing Qigong meditation as a whole.

View full abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of externally applied Qi-gong vital energy at the cellular level, using scientific methods. M.Matsumoto, who is the president of Jyoyuin Laboratories (a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic located in Yamato Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture, Japan), has been applying his unique therapy using Qi-gong vital energy to treat various diseases and has obtained favorable results. Our experiment was designed to clarify the effects of Qi-gong vital energy on neutrophils isolated from human peripheral blood. We demonstrated that Qi-gong vital energy effects the signal transduction system of neutrophils and enhances their phagocytic activity.

View full abstract

Endocrine and immune responses were measured before and after Qigong was conducted for 40 minutes, using the Guolin' New Qigong techniques called Shizen-Koukou and Chukaikou. Plasma cortisol and adrenaline levels decreased while β-endolphin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and CD4/CD8 showed a tendency to increase. It was concluded that practicing the Guolin' New Qigong techniques alleviated stress and caused sympathetic nerve activity decline. Also, when the CD4/CD8 ratio increased, the suppressor T-cells also increased, and this improved the immunity function. The results of practicing Shizen-Koukou and Chukaikou were compared, but there were no significant differences.

View full abstract

Although resonance (or synchronization) in human mental activity has been variously observed and reported on, a method to quantitatively analyze intellectual resonance based on a concrete message has not been established. We have proposed a card game named "synchro-X" which introduces a method to analyze how and to what extent intellectual resonance occurs in a group, using digital information, such as numbers and characters and analog information, such as figures and visual images. In this game participants take their seats and fill out special cards according to instructions. The degree of coincidance among neighboring participants is then examined and scores are assigned to the results We have also designed mathematical tools to evaluate the results within a framework of probability theory. As an experimental study we carried out 480 trials. Here, the data of 400 participants (11 groups) with no preconception of resonance were analyzed. The digital information falls into the theoretically expected range. The data may also be useful for evaluating a trial in which resonance is a specific aim.

View full abstract

The authors investigate chairvoyance, where subjects can non-visually perceive letters or figures written on a sheet of rolled up paper. The existence of "synesthesia, " a synchronized reaction among the five senses, is acknowledged in which, for example, someone sees picture or color when he hears sounds. In this report, the authors have sought to prove that synesthesia exists in chairvoyance, which may be a kind of sixth sense. Chairvoyance experiments were carried out on seven subjects using letters and figures which seemed to stimulate the sensation of hearing, taste, smell or touch for target samples. In a total twenty trials, there were two examples for which the first sensation was not visual, but hearing and smell. Although detected in only two examples, it was suggested that there exists a possibility of synesthesia in chairvoyance.

View full abstract

Music probably has effects on physical condition and complaints, or subjective symptoms, of individuals. We investigated the effects of music by questionnaires based on self-assessment. The data were collected before and after a public concert. Most of the attendants expressed improvement in both their physical conditions and complaints, and significant change in the median of the data showed the effectiveness. Statistical significance was confirmed by two rank tests as p=0.000061. We concluded that certain kinds of music have effects to improve physical condition and complaints of individuals and that the rank tests are useful to evaluate specific changes in subjective experiences such as physical condition and so on.

View full abstract

Hase Village in Nagano Prefecture has been known as having a distinct magnetic field which has positive influence on the human body in both mental and physical functions. This research looks for proof of the influence using AP parameter, BP parameter, anxiety survey, electromyograms, and α wave measurements. Total of 30 people including students living in Tokyo and a nearby suburban area were brought to Hase Village to stay 3 to 5 days and the difference between the measurement result in Tokyo and Hase village were compared. With all the results except α wave measurements, a positive influence were seen in Hase Village.

View full abstract

Biophysical measurements during the practice of Zen and Qi-gong were performed. Results obtained by the single square voltage pulse method showed parasympathetic nervous system was dominant during Zen as indicated by the drop in after polarization current parameter in the digestion organ-related meridian spots. During Qi-gong the sympathetic nerve was excited, except for Tantou, which is known as standing Zen. Both cases showed increased blood pressure which may be related to breathing for control of mind and body. The features of oxygen metabolism differed according to the various methods or types of Zen and Qi-gong.

View full abstract

At a glance, the static Qigong Xiao Zhou Tian looks similar to the Zen in style. But it is said, in this type of Qigong, the Qi circulation from the Du cannel to the Ren channel, is most important. But this cannot be seen. This report gives the results of scientific measurements on Xiao Zhou Tian. From our results, the Qigong master's respiration during Xiao Zhou Tian has a very important role and we found that the Qi circulation is strongly related to his respiration. It is understood that when alpha wave patterns in the EEG topograph are connected from the back to the front of his head at around maximum of his abdominal respiration, this is one revolution of Qi. Qi moves from his Du channel to the Ren channel. The rhythm of heart rate and voltage of R point of ECG data were almost diminished compared to that before Qigong. On the other hand, the minimum voltage of the photo-plethysmogram wave increased tremendously.

View full abstract

Pulse diagnosis is one of four efficient diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine. However, interpretation of diagnosis from pulse waves differ from school to school. Furthermore, much experience is needed, because numerical expressions do not exist. Then pulse diagnosis cannot be used by every one. In this study, the pressure effects on the pulse waves, which were caused by pressing a condenser microphone against proper places around the wrist, Chun, Kuan and Che, were investigated. The pulse wave changes which come from three pressing methods in traditional Chinese medicine, the float press, the middle press and the sink press, were found, and the possibility of identifying the physiological condition of the human body was shown.

View full abstract

Hypnosis means a specific state of the altered state of consciousness which is triggered by a series of suggestion mechanisms. It is similar to the state of sleep but not exactly the same because it also shows the state of arousal which denotes the state of highly suggested consciousness for the mental function of perception and behavior, memory and concept, feeling and will. Suggestion means a psychological state in which one follows the directive of others without any resistance. However it depends on personality differences and the therapist - client relationship. For 40 years the author has been conducting medical hypnosis for the diseases of psycho-gynecology and psycho-obstetrics such as immature marriage, eating disorders, maternity blues and involution and has obtained good results.

View full abstract

The mechanism of acupuncture anesthesia (A.A.) is complicated in its clinical aspect, because different types of anesthesia are induced depending upon the stimulus intensity and frequency of the acupuncture point. So, this effect was re-examined regarding : 1)the grip strength ; 2)the pain threshold ; 3)EMG (the amplitude and latency of M-wave, T-wave, and H-wave) ; and 4)the influence to the brain wave. The A.A. has two effects which are acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture paralysis. This paper shows the muscle force was reduced and individual differences were caused due to the depth of A.A. The grip strength on the stimulated side was decreased by E.A. and the decreased grip strength recovered more rapidly than the tendon (T)-reflex. The grip strength on the nonstimulated side had little influence from E.A.

View full abstract

Simultaneous measurements of rectangular pulse current (AMI), perspiration and peripheral blood flow revealed that the BP and AP which are parameters of AMI were useful to the measurement of autonomic nervous function. The AP related with perspiration, while the BP with blood flow. Changes in the BP and AP during healing were measured under suggestive and non-suggestive conditions, and it was found that the AP was influenced by psychological changes, while the BP showed the effect of untouched healing.

View full abstract

The authors developed a wave field generator of a new type. The generator uses the phenomenon whereby a material has, around it, its own wave field, which can be pushed out in the direction of a light beam passing through the field. When Chinese medicines, etc. which improve a person's physical condition, relieve pain and cure diseases and make such fields are placed near the passing light beam, directional wave fields having cure effects are obtainable. These fields (named MEIL) were examined in terms of influences on electrical impedances of human bodies. Skin conductivities related to meridian autonomous nervous exicitements were measured by a neurometer before and after MEIL-irradiations. With MEIL-irradiations, the skin conductivities showed statistically significant changes (p<0.01) as compared with those by a placebo-MEIL. The MEIL can adjust anomalous excitement levels of autonomous nerves of the meridians.

View full abstract

Von Neumann's theory of measurement was tested for the crisis of realism founded on the break down of Bell's inequality. The theory asserts that contraction of a wave packet in quantum mechanics by measurement is caused by out-of-brain consciousness. Imaginary measurement was carried out for the macro-system superposing two different states. The auditory evoked potentials of the measurer were compared between the time of the realization and non-realization of the imaginary measurement. The result showed the statistically significant difference in the peak amplitudes of P300s which appear in accompaniment to discrimination tasks. The explanation of this significant difference may be difficult from the viewpoint that the consciousness of the measurer does not influence the contraction of wave packets.

View full abstract