ACUTE EFFECT OF QIGONG TRAINING ON STRESS HORMONAL LEVELS IN MAN

We observed the acute effects of Qigong training on the levels of huma n endogenous opioid peptides, such as beta-endorphin, and other stress hormones [adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and dehydroe piandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)] in a group of ChunDoSunBup Qigong tra inees. At pre (-10 min), mid (40 min) and post (70 min) time of traini ng, blood was taken for the determination of plasma level of hormones. The level of beta-endorphin was significantly increased during the mi d-time of training while the level of ACTH declined at the mid- and po st- time of training. Cortisol and DHEA-S were not significantly chang ed during training. This result suggests that Qigong training, as a st ress coping method, affects and plays a role in hormonal regulation re lated to the maintenance of homeostasis in man.