International Society of Life Information Science (ISLIS)

Vol.27, No.1, March 2009

Abstract

What is Pseudoscience? A Look at Global Warming as an Example
by Kiminori Itoh
Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University (Yokohama, Japan)

Abstract: Sciences and pseudoscience are characterized by two functions: self-expression and indicative expression, in a manner similar to languages (as expressed by Taka'aki Yoshimoto, a Japanese leading poet and philosopher). Also, from the viewpoints of scientific methodologies and examples from the global warming issue, it has been discussed how pseudosciences can be avoided.

Key words: science, pseudoscience, self-expression, indicative expression, three-stage theory, global warming

[Lecture of the Organizer]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.27, No.1, p.46)

What is Pseudoscience? A Look at Global Warming as an Example

Abstract:

ciences and pseudoscience are characterized by two functions: self-expression and indicative expression, in a manner similar to languages (as expressed by Taka'aki Yoshimoto, a Japanese leading poet and philosopher). Also, from the viewpoints of scientific methodologies and examples from the global warming issue, it has been discussed how pseudosciences can be avoided.

Keywords:

Natural Science, Physics, Force, Belief, Mind, Ethics, Life

[Special Lecture]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.38)

Today's and Tomorrow's Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Integrative Medicine

Abstract:

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)/integrative medicine (IM) is just beginning to be applied to treatment of refractory diseases in western medicine such as incurable cancers, lifestyle-related diseases and psychosomatic disorders.
The National Center for CAM (NCAM) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States has a big research budget running up to a million dollars for CAM. Educational programs about CAM have already been made in the United States, European countries, Australia, and so on. CAM is also spreading out even in Japan.
However, there are a lot of problems in CAM as well. Many cancer patients are harmed by using dietary supplement treatments advertised as "Cancer is cured with ○○.". Some CAM practitioners look like the founders of heretical religions.
In this lecture, I am going to talk about the current status and problems, and future perspectives surrounding CAM/IM.

Keywords:

CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)/IM (integrative medicine)

[Special Lecture]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.39)

Anthroposophic Medicine
An extended art of healing

Abstract:

Anthroposophic medicine (AM) considers itself to be an extension of scientific medicine, based on the cognitive methods and cognitive results of anthroposophy. AM was established by Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) and Dr. Ita Wegman (1876-1943).
In addition to physical and chemical forces, four specific classes of gestalt forces are active in the human body. These are involved in the formation of mineral substances, plants, animals, and humans, respectively. The recognition of these different classes of formative and constitutional forces results in a new understanding of man and nature different to that of conventional medicine. The knowledge of such law-governed relationship between nature and man forms the basis of anthroposophic medicine therapies. In this presentation, I will give an outline of this field and show its present situation in Japan.

Keywords:

anthroposophy, anthroposophic medicine, Rudolf Steiner, formative forces, integrative medicine, gestalt forces,

[Lecture]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.40)

The secret mechanism between the brain and the alphanumeric cord
(meridian) and the immune system
Stimulated dangerous substances of the brain can move down through
the alphanumeric cord (meridian)

Abstract:

The brain is one of the biggest antigens against other parts of the body in our immune system. We humans have a special filter and capsule structure called the BBB (Blood Brain Barrier). This separates our brain from other parts of the body and protects the brain. But the alphanumeric cord (meridian, Keiraku in Japanese) can break through this border especially during sleep. The brain stores various dangerous substances such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and lipids. During sleep, all these are stimulated by bioplasma and move down throughout the body through the alphanumeric cord. Then they induce various forms of immunological confusion and result in pathological reactions. This is one of the essential causes of disease. I will explain this thesis mixed with related points from the teachings and writings of Dr. Rudolf Steiner on anthroposophic medicine. To prove this phenomenon, it is necessary to clarify the moving of substance through the alphanumeric cord.

Keywords:

alphanumeric cord, Blood Brain Barrier, meditation, sleep, Rudolf Steiner, immune system, anthroposophic medicine, bioplasma
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research is reported.

[Lecture]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.41)

Biophotons and Spiritual Healing

Abstract:

All living bodies emit super weak photons (biophotons) although they cannot be recognized by the human eye. The author successfully made quantitative measurements for non-contact (spiritual) healing using biophotons emitted from cucumber samples after a healing treatment. In the method, there is no placebo effect because targets of healing are not human beings, and also quantity of the healing effect is indicated as a parametric index. Results of experiments supported a few empirical claims of healers, for example, veteran healers have stronger abilities than beginners; healing effects are large if physical conditions of healers are fine. However, un-expected data were also obtained, for example, differences between kinds of techniques are not important; physical factors are more important than mind/conscious factors although the word "spiritual healing" suggests the importance of the mind or consciousness. In the present lecture, the author outlines these quantitative studies on non-contact healing.

Keywords:

biophotons, healing, external qi therapy, laying-on-of-hands, cucumber, quantitative measurement

[Discussion]

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.42)

Biophoton and Healing
- Discover an Equation between Psi and Physics -

Abstract:

In 2006, a quantitative evaluation method for non-contact healing was developed in Japan. The method measures biophotons emitted from cucumber as a target of healing. As a result, we were able to quantify a healer's ability. Moreover, the method has the potential to change the research perspective in psi drastically. The presenter, Kokubo, introduced J value (J = ln[IE / IC]) as an index of quantity of effect by non-contact healing. This equation was an empirical formula which fits data very well. J values of veteran healers are larger than those of beginners, that is the left term of the formula is an index of psi quantity. The right term is a physical quantity and the logarithm of the ratio of photon intensity. The question is asked: "Did we find an important relationship in which psi quantity can be described as the logarithm of a physical quantity? Is it similar to Weber-Fechner law?"

Keywords:

psi quantity, physical quantity, equation, Weber-Fechner law, biophoton, non-contact healing

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.43-48)

Mechanism of Spiritual Health Realization

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to present a mechanism of spiritual health realization through practice in a college psychology course. The author took an educational approach by using an integral method to work on all levels of physical, mental, and spiritual health of human existence. Data collection included participatory observation, completing comment sheets and progress reports, undergoing a half-structured interview, and taking the SP-TEST. Assessments of the course were both qualitative and quantitative. The Results showed the mechanism of the spiritual health realization descried with the 3 factors of spiritual health; awareness, will, and joy. Spiritual health was realized 1) synchronical realization of awareness and the other factors of spiritual health; will and joy, and 2) vibratory movements of will and joy between psychological and transcendent dimensions. This model showed that spiritual health realization was a dynamic process in the holarchy evolution of consciousness.

Keywords:

Spiritual health, awareness, will, joy, educational approach, integral, SP-TEST

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.49-52)

A Case of Cerebral Aneurysm Treated with Spiritual Treatment

Abstract：

This paper describes use of spiritual treatment for a cerebral aneurysm. The patient was a 42-year old male　who collapsed from after several straight days of working late into the night. He was diagnosed after an MRI scan as having a cerebral infraction in his cerebellum. Furthermore, cerebral angiography confirmed a cerebral aneurysm in two places on his posterior inferior cerebelli. He received a treatment of bezatol SR and amlodin, but was released from the hospital without surgery. Then he received six sessions of spiritual treatment. The spiritual treatment was completely external without invasion of the patient's body. Nevertheless, after treatment, a cerebral angiography confirmed that the cerebral aneurysm had vanished. Regular follow-up examinations showed that nothing abnormal remained.

Keywords：

spiritual treatment, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral angiography, MRI scan

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.65-70)

Science towards Reality and Meaning

Abstract：

The purposes of the present work are to investigate reality and consciousness from a scientific view point and to propose a concept for future work. Extended science explaining all of reality would include consciousness science, biological systems and quantum physics. A holographic model of consciousness of a human being which includes information on the space and time of the whole universe even though it is diluted information, is proposed by reviewing various types of consciousness and biological models with complex systems. In addition to this, an approach for first person's science is described. Consciousness science is also important for psychosomatic medicine since the quality of life and health condition of human beings would be influenced by the consciousness level. An extended unified theory is expected as future scientific-based philosophy.

Keywords：

reality, meaning, science, consciousness, mind, intelligence, knowledge, information, quantum physics, biology, complex system, holographic principle, nonlocality, philosophy

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.71-81)

Considerations on Consciousness-Cosmology for
Miscellaneous Mysterious Phenomena

Abstract:

It is recognized that there are miscellaneous mysterious phenomena caused by a human potential that is peculiar and special for some specific persons. Some opinions have been proposed on the principle or the mechanism of the phenomena, but they cannot always explain everything. In this paper, a new hypothesis which is based on a multidimensional world which contains space-time and consciousness is proposed called "the consciousness cosmology". It can explain various mysterious phenomena approximately without contradiction. Specifically, hypotheses are summarized which can be applied to explain time-transgressive phenomena which contain predictions.　It is thought that some mysterious phenomena are caused by Qi which is mind wish composed of information. The information has universal existence in the space-time world with the indeterminacy principle of quantum theory for ultra-minute particles or waves. The information is also thought to exist in a thin distribution in the whole space from ancient times to the future. The mind wish of human beings causes a mysterious phenomenon when resonance occurs between the mind wish and an object with continuity in consciousness space (which is in the subconscious layer). The collective-unconscious of Jung's opinion can be well described as the information which is preserved in the consciousness space, and the collective-unconscious is the phenomenon at the multidimensional world which is composed of space-time and consciousness.

Keywords:

Qi, Qigong, mysterious phenomena, mind wish, multidimensional world, consciousness cosmology

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.81-88)

Examination of electric characteristics of Hoku and Yintang acupuncture points

Abstract:

When the Hoku acupuncture point of the hand was stimulated, an electric current change which appeared at the Yintang point was measured by applying a DC voltage to the Yintang acupuncture point for five subjects. It was seen that the current increased immediately after stimulation, and it decreased gradually afterwards in all subjects. Moreover, the change in the skin surface temperature of the face before and after stimulation was measured by thermography, and the rise in heat was detected. Next, the change in the current and the AC phase at the Hoku point before and after exercise was measured. Results indicated the current increased by about 10% and the phase lagged behind by 5-10% after exercise. Finally, to understand the state change at the acupuncture point accurately, the equivalent circuit at the Hoku point was examined. In this case, the changes in the current and the phase of the AC voltage applied on the Hoku point without stimulation were measured, and the equivalent circuit that gave the same data was decided.

Keywords:

acupuncture point, Hoku, Yintang, thermography, electric characteristic, skin surface temperature.

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.89-98)

Influence of Periodically Flashing Light Stimulation on Heartbeat Fluctuation and Ryodoraku Electrodermal Activities

Abstract:

The influence of a 20Hz periodically flashing light stimulation on heartbeat fluctuation and ryodoraku electrodermal activities was determined, where ryodoraku means a meridian defined from the viewpoint of electrodermal activities. Subjects were healthy males aged from 22 to 23. None of the subjects felt any pain with this stimulation and their heartbeat was unchanged. Also, there were no significant changes in the low frequency component LF and the high frequency component HF of the power spectra of the heartbeat fluctuation. However, LF/HF decreased significantly during stimulation and 4 minutes after stimulation. This suggested that the stimulation induced suppression of sympathetic nerve activities. The electric resistance of the ryodoraku increased during and after stimulation. The changes in LF/HF and the ryodoraku electrodermal activities showed that the effect of the stimulation continued 4 and 8 minutes after stimulation, respectively.

Keywords:

Photosensitive epilepsy, light stimulation, heartbeat fluctuation, meridian, Ryodoraku, electrodermal activities, Pokemon (pocket monster) incident

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.99-104)

Influence of Three Kinds of Stimuli on Pulse Wave Shape
- Music, Flashing light, and Perfume -

Abstract:

Living body shows a peculiar reaction to a stimulus for the body maintenance. Among various reactions, some changes appear on pulse wave through autonomic. Usually, there are five senses as a receipt mechanism of stimuli. In this research, the reactions to stimuli from the eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell were examined. The sound stimulus (music), the light stimulus (periodic flashing light), and the smell stimulus (perfume) were taken up as given stimuli, and pulse wave was measured with acceleration pulse wave measuring instrument. A periodicity of the pulse and a pulse wave fractal dimension etc. were examined from pulse wave change before and after stimulation. Naturally, for the individual, all values of the subjects do not become the same. However, it was able to be confirmed that the change was brought by stimulation.

Keywords:

pulse wave, fractal dimension, Lyapunov index, self correlation, wavelet analysis

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.105)

The study of the influence of hand massage on brain function by using NIRS

Abstract:

The effects of using hand cream for hand massage on brain function were investigated. Eighteen healthy females (33.2±6.7 years old) participated in this study. Cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration at the left frontal and temporal lobes was measured by multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Subjects accomplished the continuous performance test (CPT) task while being massaged the right hand under three conditions; 1) without the cream, 2) using the hand cream and 3) using the base cream. Oxy-Hb concentration at left temporal lobe decreased in the case of hand massage using the hand cream. However, reaction times to CPT task were not different among the conditions.

Keywords:

hand massage, hand cream, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb)

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.106-111)

Psychophysiological Changes during Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments

Abstract:

We tried to evaluate the restorative effects of nature by two psychophysiological indexes: skin conductance level (SCL) and heart rate (HR). Eleven undergraduate students participated in two experimental situations. In one situation, after having participated in a stressful 10-minute task, participants viewed an 8-minute audio-visual presentation of a natural environment on a PC screen. In the other situation, they did the same task and then viewed an 8-minute audio-visual presentation of an urban environment on a PC screen. The stressful task was to undergo a Kraepelin test while exposed to noise of 70-80 dB. The natural environment was a seaside landscape. The urban environment was a traffic jam scene. During exposure to both environments, SCL of every participant steadily decreased and there was no significant difference between the two environment conditions. However, HR rose during exposure to the urban environment, while it dropped for the natural environment and there were significant differences between the two conditions. Based on a psychological evaluation of these two environmental situations by the semantic differential (SD) method, we discussed the psychophysiological consequences.

Keywords:

restorative effects of nature, SCL, HR, semantic differential method, Russell and Lanius model of the affective quality of places

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.112-116)

Development of Indoor Walking Training Machine with Real-Time Physical Condition Monitor
Using Stress Controlling Effect of Music and Image

Abstract:

Physical values such as a subject's heart beat rate and pulse wave shape were measured in real time under an indoor environment that presents appropriate music and images for walking. From the results, an "easy for the patient" walking training system that can control strength of the gait training was proposed.
We have been researching relationships between stress and physical values such as palmar electrical potential and pulse wave shape etc. We previously identified a positive correlation between healing music and stress reduction. In the present study, first we did a preliminary experiment for doing gait training together with music. As a result, the heart beat rate was found to increase and decrease according to the tempo of the music. Moreover, by using music, we found there was a possibility that the heart beat rate could be controlled. Next, we synchronized recorded video images of scenery with the movement of the walking training machine and we investigated whether the gait training was done effectively. Images were of the countryside and parks with a lot of trees. Those places are thought to be suitable for walking due to the effect of negative air ions. We selected music with a good rhythm for physical exercise. The relationships among walking, images, and music under the described walking training environment were investigated. Also we examined the stress controlling effect of the images and music.

Keywords:

walking training system, living body information, healing music, heart beat change, projection of outside scenery

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.117-122)

A Study on Effects of Natural Sounds on Plants

Abstract:

The purpose of the present work is to investigate healing effects of natural sounds on plants, when they were irradiated by natural sounds recorded at Yakushima. Chrysanthemum flowers exposed to the natural sounds had provided good metabolism for absorption of water and growth of new sprouts. The present results suggested that natural sounds had positive effects on health promotion of life.

Keywords:

natural sound, plant, chrysanthemum, sound healing, information, energy, water

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, p.123)

Experiments on scientific resolution of Taichi-quan practice

Abstract:

Taichi-quan is a kind of traditional kung fu and self defense martial arts. Today, it is widely liked by many people as an exercise for promoting health and it combines consciousness, respiration and movement. As Taichi-quan takes account of consciousness and respiration it is sometimes compared to Zen meditation and is called moving Zen.But scientific data on the effectiveness of Taichi-quan are lacking. Measurements of EEGs, respiration, salivary chromogranin A (CgA), pupillograms, near infrared spectroscopy (f-NIRS) and electro-dermal-activity (EDA) were carried out during Taichi-quan practice to resolve scientifically the question of its effectiveness.

Keywords:

Taichi-quan, consciousness, respiration，movement、Zen meditation

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.124-128)

Changes in EEGs during Taichi-quan

Abstract:

Changes in EEGs and other physiological data while practicing Taichi-quan were measured for subjects of various skill levels. Six volunteers participated and they had Taichi-quan experiences ranging from having done it only once to having studied it more than eleven years. The EEG a waves on the occipital area became larger during standing Zen meditation than in the regular resting state. On the other hand, during Taichi-quan, a method which involves movements, the a waves, especially of beginners, became smaller. After a practice session, the subjects relaxed and their a waves became large. The frontal a? waves were larger for advanced trainees and those ratios to the occipital ones, Fp2/O2, also became large. Lag times of the a phase between the frontal and occipital areas, as an indicator of concentration, were short for the beginners. The beginners must have stayed focus on the movements of Taichi-quan, though the advanced trainees performed them easily.

Keywords:

EEG, Taichi-quan, a-amplitude, frontal a wave, a phase difference

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.1129-133)

Does Taichi-quan reduce psychosomatic stress?

Abstract:

Chromogranin A (CgA) released into saliva is a major protein in adrenal chromaffin cells and adrenergic neurons, and a substantial index for psychosomatic stress. Changes in the concentration of salivary CgA in volunteers when they were exposed to stress and when doing Taichi-quan were monitored. Increased stress levels during performance of mental arithmetic operations were coincident with increased CgA levels. Subsequently, reduced stress and CgA levels were observed during performance of Taichi-quan. A good association was evident between CgA levels and both the subject's assessment of fatigue sensation scores and skin conductance levels. Conversely, an inverse association was observed between CgA and α-waves predominantly originating from the occipital lobe during periods of relaxation.

Keywords:

chromogranin A, psychosomatic stress, Taichi-quan

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.134-137)

Research on Brain Blood Flow during Taichi-quan by Using fNIRS

Abstract:

The change of brain blood flow was measured by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in subjects during practice of taichi-quan. Subjects were a veteran practitioner (male, 66 years old) and a beginner (male, 59 years old), and they were measured twice. The increase of blood flow was seen in the pre-frontal area in both subjects. Moreover, their patterns of electrodermal activity were similar.

Keywords:

taichi-quan, functional near infrared spectroscopy, fNIRS, brain blood flow, electrodermal activity

(J. Intl. Soc. life Info. Sci. Vol.26, No.1, pp.138-145)

The change of pupillogram by Taichi-quan

Abstract:

The vegetative nerve system controls an excitation and inhibition, and generally the inhibition is considered to be enhanced by the relaxation. By measuring pupil reaction (the reaction against the flush light), a balance of the vegetative nerve system (the sympathetic nerve system and parasympathetic nerve system) is influenced by Taichi-quan. This result shows that Taichi-quan may have the possibility to activate human body adequately and regulate the vegetative nerve system adapted for each subject.

Keywords:

pupillary light response, autonomic nervous system, Taichi-quan

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