NCT06573034

Daoist Zhanzhuang and Human Flourishing

Standing Like a Tree: Effects and Mechanisms of Daoist Zhanzhuang on Human Flourishing

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Charlotte · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Stress, Physiological
• Stress, Psychological
• Inflammatory Response
• Well-Being, Psychological

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Daoist Zhanzhuang	Each session of practice will last 30 minutes, and participants are expected to participate every day for 3 months. During the initial 3 weeks, participants will engage in in-person sessions 3 times a week. On non-session days, they can choose to either attend a Zoom practice session with the coach or submit a recording of their individual practice for fidelity check. In Week 4, participants will attend an in-person session for both practice and assessment. Over the subsequent 8 weeks, participants will either attend in-person or Zoom sessions, with a total of 3 check-in sessions.
BEHAVIORAL	Sham Wall Squat	Same as the Zhanzhuang group.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-29
• Primary completion: 2027-02-01
• Completion: 2027-07-01
• First posted: 2024-08-27
• Last updated: 2024-12-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States