Daoist Zhanzhuang and Human Flourishing

This project investigates the impact of Daoist Zhanzhuang (sometimes spelled as Chan Chuang) on human flourishing, and explores the physiological, psychological, and spiritual mechanisms. This study will be a two-arm randomized controlled trial, with mixed-methods and repeated-measures assessment of outcome variables. The two arms will include an active control condition (i.e., sham wall squat) and the Daoist Zhanzhuang condition. Outcome variables will include physiological measures of heart rate variability and inflammatory biomarkers, psychological scales of human flourishing variables, phenomenological interviews of mystical experiences, and daily ecological momentary assessment of human flourishing and mysticism. Randomly assigned into two conditions, 120 participants will complete a three-week intensive practice phase with 9 in-person sessions, followed by a nine-week self-guided practice phase with 4 in-person check-in sessions, and 3 follow-up practice and assessment sessions. Complete assessment (physiological measures, psychological scales, and phenomenological interviews) will be administered at five time points: T1 at about two weeks before the intervention, T2 at the end of the three-week intensive practice, T3 at the end of the 3-month intervention, T4 at the 6-month follow-up, and T5 at the 12-month follow-up. In addition, daily ecological momentary assessment of flourishing variables and practice-induced experiences will be administered daily after the practice for the entire 3-month intervention period.

Zhanzhuang, "standing like a tree," is a standing meditation rooted in Daoism, with its earliest form documented on a Chinese silk manuscript called Daoyintu, dating back two thousand years. By aligning the human body, Zhanzhuang promotes the circulation and accumulation of qi, fostering enhanced energy, health, and healing. In Daoist theology, qi acts as an intermediary connecting physical energy (jing) and the spirit (shen). Zhanzhuang serves as a foundational practice that establishes conditions for the convergence of the physical and non-physical aspects of human being. One of the greatest Daoist spiritual achievements lies not in transcending the body but in the harmonious integration of body and spirit. While many definitions of spirituality emphasize transcendence and non-physicality, the study of Zhanzhuang suggests that immanence and embodiment are equally significant in defining spirituality.

Data from eight clinical trials demonstrate that Zhanzhuang can improve physical endurance, reduce fatigue, enhance body awareness and emotional regulation, and promote better quality of life. However, none of the studies included an active control group, so it is difficult to dissect the effects from merely extra exercise. Overall, existing studies have construed Zhanzhuang (or more generally qigong) as an out-of-the-box alternative behavioral medicine approach, without trying to understand why and how it works. None have examined its spiritual underpinnings. This decontextualized scholarly work can be a disservice to both the Daoist community, where Zhanzhuang practice originates and is taught, and to the public they serve. Zhanzhuang could offer more than being another complementary therapy. Among many benefits, the practice shows that there is a spiritual aspect that resides within one's physical body, and the spirit and the body can join each other to make genuine flourishing possible.

In addition to documenting the effects of Zhanzhuang on human flourishing, the current study will show why and how Zhanzhuang works. Primary hypotheses posit that Zhanzhuang fosters enhanced energy, resilience, and healing. These effects will be evidenced through physiological changes, such as increased parasympathetic activity and improved immune functioning, as well as psychological responses, including elevated vitality, enhanced stress coping abilities, and overall well-being. These effects may be partially attributed to an augmented interoceptive awareness and a deepened psychological insight into previously avoided emotions. Furthermore, the study explores the potential moderation of these effects by acquired mystical experiences, serving as indicators of spiritual progress within the practice of Zhanzhuang. Lastly, the research will delve into the trajectory of change and within-subject causal processes, examining the relationship between mystical experiences and human flourishing over the 3-month practice period through intensive longitudinal measures.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old when they enroll;
2. be willing and available (e.g., intend to remain in Charlotte or the surrounding area or willing to travel to UNCC campus for in person visits) to participate to 12 month study;
3. able to stand for 30 minutes;
4. scoring above 18 on the Perceived Stress Scale (moderate stress); and
5. able to read, speak and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. experience of qigong-related practice in the past 5 years;
2. reporting regular medication use that directly modulates immune system functioning (e.g., steroids, cytokine inhibitors, high levels of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, chemotherapy, etc.) or sedates the nervous system (e.g., benzodiazepines, anti-epileptics, tranquilizers, etc.) or alters heart rate (e.g., beta blockers, calcium channel blocker, stimulants, etc.);
3. self-reported illicit drug use in the past 3 months or substance dependence over the past month (e.g., alcohol binge drinking 2+ days/week, using tobacco or nicotine products 5+ days/week, cannabis and related products 2+ days/week, etc.);
4. physical impairment that does not allow them to stand for 30 mins (e.g., severe obesity, need wheel-chair or equipment to assist with walking, recent injury that limits standing, etc.), and
5. severe mental health conditions that could prevent regular practice (e.g., hospitalized in the past 12 months for mental health condition).