Four Days of Zhineng Qigong: Measurable Results in Stress, Pain, and Happiness
- heartsrooted
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Two new studies accepted by SSRN demonstrate significant improvements in participant well-being
Teacher Wei recently shared two research studies that he participated in to measure the effects of intensive Zhineng qigong practice on stress, pain, and happiness levels. These studies were recently accepted by SSRN (Social Science Research Network), a respected database where researchers share their findings with the scientific community. Both studies offer insights into the effects of intensive Zhineng qigong practice on both physical and mental well-being.
Study 1: Stress and Pain Reduction in Four Days
A study conducted in Santiago Acutzilapan, Mexico State, examined the effects of intensive Zhineng qigong practice on stress and pain levels during a 4-day retreat. Seventeen participants (15 women and 2 men, ages 20-74) practiced Zhineng qigong for 7 hours daily over four consecutive days.
Key Findings from the Stress and Pain Study:
Stress Reduction: Participants' stress levels dropped by more than half, from moderate stress to low stress. Before the retreat, the average stress score was 22.33 on a scale where 0 means no stress and 56 means very high stress. After four days of practice, the average dropped to 10.53. This change was statistically significant.
Pain Management: Of the 17 participants, 14 had chronic pain before the retreat. After the intensive practice, all pain measurements showed statistically significant improvements across all areas measured.
Life Quality Improvements: The study measured how pain interfered with daily activities. Participants reported statistically significant improvements in all areas including general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relationships with others, sleep quality, and ability to enjoy life.
Practice Methods: The retreat included core Zhineng qigong methods: the method of gathering qi, wall squats, lifting and pouring qi over the head, and the 3 centers merge method. Additionally, participants engaged in various qi experiments including cucumber cutting and pasting, spoon bending, and creating magnetism in pins.
Study 2: Happiness Enhancement Through Zhineng Qigong
The second study focused on happiness levels during a 3-day intensive retreat. Forty-two participants (36 women and 6 men, ages 21-81) practiced Zhineng qigong for 7 hours daily over three consecutive days.
Key Happiness Results:
Before the Retreat: Using a happiness scale, researchers found that 38.5% of participants rated themselves as "Very happy," 25.6% as "Quite happy," and 20.5% as "Somewhat happy."
After the Retreat: After three days of intensive practice, there was a notable shift: 74.4% of participants now rated themselves as "Very happy" - nearly doubling the original number. Only 12.8% remained at "Quite happy," with 10.3% at "Somewhat happy."
Statistical Significance: The improvement in happiness was statistically significant, confirming that intensive Zhineng qigong practice produces measurable increases in well-being and happiness.
Comprehensive Practice: The retreat included organizing the qi field, wall squats, lifting and pouring qi by the head, sounds and mudras of the 5 zang organs, group healing sessions, and qi experiments such as bending spoons, cutting and gluing cucumbers, and magnetizing pins (!!)
Implications For Our Practice
These studies reveal the potential of intensive, focused Zhineng qigong practice. The 7-hour daily practice schedule appears to create accelerated benefits that might take much longer to achieve through typical practice routines.
Key Elements of Success:
Group qi field effect: Both studies emphasized practicing in group settings with experienced instructors
Comprehensive methods: Integration of multiple Zhineng qigong techniques and experiments
Intensive duration: Extended daily practice periods creating immersive experiences
Holistic approach: Combining physical movements, mental focus, and qi cultivation
The scientific evidence continues to confirm that Zhineng qigong creates measurable improvements in physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall life satisfaction. The studies show that intensive retreat experiences can accelerate benefits that might take longer to achieve through regular practice alone. Both studies demonstrated significant improvements in just 3-4 days, and the benefits weren't limited to single symptoms but included broad improvements in stress, pain, mood, daily functioning, and happiness.
Haola!