Experimental

A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY

OF THE ''BIOCIRCUIT,'' A
PUTATIVE SUBTLE-ENERGY-
BASED RELAXATION DEVICE
Julian Isaacs, Ph.D. and Terry Patten
ABSTRACT
Biocircuits are passive devices which are reported to cause relaxation in users, supposedly by
facilitation of bodily subtle energy flow. A repeated-measures, within-subjects control, double-
blind study was performed ro test whether a "relaxation" biocircuit would produce more
relaxation than a placebo-control biocircuir. The study design controlled for expectation, order
first-time effects and ultradian rhythms. Dependent measures included four physiolog-
ical variables relating to arousal and relaxation (frontalis muscle tension, one monopolar channel
of EEG monitored for theta episodes, finger temperature, finger skin conductance) and a ten-
item comparative questionnaire used to rank subjective experiences relating to relaxation in
session. Twelve subjects completed four sessions each. The first session for all subjects was
used only for familiarization and its data were not analyzed. Subjects then completed three
more sessions each, treatment order being counterbalanced and randomly assigned across subjects.
The three sessions exposed subjects to a "relaxation" biocircuit, a placebo-control "dummy"
biocircuit and a "tension" biocircuit.
The EEG theta measure showed significantly more theta episodes associated with the relaxation
device than with the placebo control (Wilcoxon signed ranks test: p ::; .025 one-tailed). The
frontalis muscle tension measure showed significantly lower tension levels associated with the
relaxation device than with the placebo control (Wilcoxon signed ranks test: p::; .01 one tailed).
The skin conductivity and temperature measures did not reach significance in any direction
across any pair of treatments. Five of the ten questionnaire items comparing the relaxation
device with the placebo-control significantly favored the relaxation device (all by Sign test with
a priori probability of .5): subjective estimate of relaxation (p ::; .0002), sensations of warmth
(p::; .03), non-ordinariness of experience (p ::; .02), perceived effectiveness (p ::; .02), perceived
benefit (p S; .02). No questionnaire items at the .05 significance level favored the placebo control
over the relaxation device. The findings of the study demonstrate the superiority of the relaxation
biocircuit over a placebo control for producing relaxation under fully controlled double- blind
conditions.
KEYWORDS: "Biocircuit," psychophysiology, brainwaves, experiential, relaxation, physiology,
placebo, polarity
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page J
INTRODUCTION
THE RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY
T
he present study was conceived as an attempt to investigate a relaxation
device, the biocircuit, which is construed by its originators and users1,2
as operating by means of a mechanism involving subtle energy. Since
subtle energy cannot at present be detected, nor is it included within the current
theoretical formulations of physics, any claims regarding the biocircuit's
mechanism of operation which invoke subtle energy must be contentious. We
review the subtle energy mechanisms postulated by the biocircuit's originators,
developers and users (see Theories of Operation of Biocircuits below) but we
wish to emphasize at the outset that we remain neutral with respect to
mechanisms and theories of operation of the biocircuit. Our purpose in this
study was restricted to evaluating some of the claimed physiological and experi-
ential effects of the biocircuit in the most carefully controlled way that our
resources would allow. In particular we wished to investigate whether the
biocircuit's effects could be explained as being due to placebo responses. We
suspect that our study may be the first fully-controlled double-blind study of
a subtle energy device so far performed.
3
Certainly the present study is known
to be the first fully-controlled investigation of the biocircuit, and subtle energy
device manufacturers and investigators are invited to follow this lead. We
would be happy to assist other investigators.
WHAT BIOCIRCUITS ARE
A biocircuit can be defined as a passive connection, or combination of passive
connections between two or more points on the surface of the skin of the
human body, which, taken together with the postulated capacity of the body
to conduct subtle energy, or electricity, forms a circuit. The biocircuit used
in the present study derives from the "relaxation circuit" invented in 1919 by
the English Therapeutic Touch practitioner, Leon E. Eeman.1,4
Physically, a biocircuit is a rather simple passive device which is available in a
number of variants.
s
In its least complex form it comprises two identical units
which are each composed of a rectangular copper gauze screen connected to
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 2
Figure 1. StanMrd Copper Biocircuuit.
an insulated copper wire terminated in a copper handle (Figure l). The user
assumes a reclining or prone position during the session, which may last from
ten minutes to several hours but which is typically thirty minutes long. One
gauze pad is placed under the tailbone (sacrum), with its attached handle being
held by the right hand. The other gauze pad is placed under the back of the
neck, with its attached handle being held in the left hand (Figure 2). The legs
are crossed at the ankles, or an extra biocircuit segment is used to connect the
soles of the feet, via two extra copper gauze screens connected with copper
wire.
THEORIES OF OPERATION OF BIOCIRCUITS
F
Our mechanisms might feasibly be proposed to explain the reported
effects of biocircuits. The first, and skeptical explanation is that the
biocircuit's reported effects are due to suggestion, the biocircuit serving
merely as a placebo device to create expectation in users. This hypothesis was
tested in the present study by inclusion of the dummy placebo-control biocir-
cuit.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 3
Figure 2. Stand4rd Copper Biocircuit in use.
The second and third mechanisms could be proposed as electrical hypotheses.
These postulate that biocircuits cause the reported effects physiologically, rather
than through their effects on users' expectations, but that the mechanisms of
action are conventional electrical, biophysical mechanisms, not a mechanism
involving subtle energy flow. It is well-established that small electrical potential
differences (of a few millivolts magnitude) exist between separated regions of
human skin
6
,7 and that these potentials might theoretically drive a current flow
through electrical conductors if these were applied externally to the skin surface.
The biocircuit's action in this mode could be likened to a form of low-current
electrical stimulation, endogenously driven, and it is known that weak electrical
currents have various biological effects.
8
,9 The biocircuit's action may therefore
be explicable in terms of providing electrical paths between body parts of
differing electrical potential. Equally, it is well known that the placement of
metal contacts onto skin surfaces can under some conditions produce contact
potentials and such contact potentials could be expected to interact with
endogenous surface potentials, modulating electrical current flow through the
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 4
biocircuit.
1O
The action of biocircuits may therefore be explicable by one or
the other or both of these electrical mechanisms, rather than by reference to
subtle energy.
Eeman's central postulate was that the bodily energy flow can be augmented
by connecting copper wires to oppositely polarized body parts. Biocircuits are
said to achieve their various reported effects by improving the circulation of
subtle energy. As readers of this journal are aware, many non-western cultures
have developed models of the human body which include "subtle energies"
(e.g. "Chi") and extensive patterns of subtle energy flow, such as the meridians
of Chinese and Japanese medicine.
1
I In India the yogic system of chakras and
nadis fulfilled similar functions.
l2
Eeman claimed that there is a definite
pattern of natural subtle energy flow in the body which is the same for the
majority of the population, although a small fraction of the population has
"reversed" energy flow.
13
The theory of Shen therapyl4 postulates a similar
pattern of flow. It has been hypothesized that this energy flow may relate to
acupuncture meridians and their postulated flow of "Chi." Eeman's central
postulate was that the bodily energy flow can be augmented by connecting
copper wires to oppositely polarized body parts. Since Eeman's theory
contributed some constraints to our study, and identifies and shapes biocircuit
use, we feel that it is useful to briefly articulate his theory.
A
ccording to Eeman's theory, I parts of the body where the postulated
subtle energy naturally flows out (the "positively" polarized parts)
should be connected to the parts of the body where the energy
naturally flows in (the "negatively" polarized parts). "Tension" configuration
biocircuits which link body points of like polarity were claimed by Eeman to
obstruct the flow of energy (Figure 3). Tension biocircuits are reported by
Eeman to produce irritation, tension, negative mood changes and in extreme
cases strong avoidant behavior in individuals exposed to them.
l
Users do not
customarily expose themselves to tension circuits.
Eeman claimed that most people are "polarized" so that energy flows out of
the right hand and the sole of the right foot and out from the top of the spine.
At the same time energy flows in through the left hand and sole of the left
foot and into the bottom of the spine. Standard biocircuits connect the right
hand with the bottom of the spine and the left hand with the top of the spine,
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 5
Figure 3. Tension Biocircuit in use.
facilitating energy flow from the right hand to the base of the spine, up the
spine and then into the left hand (Figure 4). The legs are supposed to be
crossed in use, or an extra biocircuit segment used to connect together the soles
of the feet, facilitating flow between the right and left sides of the body.
Biodrcuits are supposed to balance the subtle energy flows in the user's body,
from right to left direction and from top to bottom.
2
However, standard
relaxation biocircuits connect only some of the unlike poles together.
By contrast "super" biodrcuits connect together all oppositely polarized body
parts-the left hand and foot with the right hand and foot, the top of the
spine with left hand and left foot, the base of the spine with the right hand
and right foot (Figure 5). For this reason they are supposed to be more
powerful than the standard biocircuit. Since it was desired to maximize the
possible effects, super biocircuits were used in this study.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 6
Figure 4. Polar Diagram ofBody,
Figure 5. Super Biocircuit Diagram,
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 7
REPORTED PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
BIOCIRCUITS
T
he principal effect reported by biocircuit users is that it promotes states
of deep relaxation, and even sleep, facilitating stress reduction and
integrative experiences. Sensations of unusual warmth and of moving
subtle energy are also frequently reported by regular users who usually express
the belief that the beneficial effects from biocircuit sessions are not limited to
those due to normal relaxation. Users feel that "non-ordinary" energetic
processes sometimes take place in sessions. A recent book by Patten and Patten
2
documents the reported effects of various types of biocircuit in some detail and
includes reports suggesting that biocircuits appear to facilitate conscious access
to previously unconscious attitudes, memories and emotions.
The existing biocircuit literature reports that sessions with biocircuits usually
follow a specific pattern. The session might start with the individual feeling
stressed or fatigued. A few minutes after starting the session, unusual warmth
in the hands and/or feet may be sensed, together with deepening relaxation.
Waves of "energy" may be felt to flow through the body, reaching peaks of
intensity then dying away. The user may lapse into sleep, and if so usually
sleeps for 10 to 15 minutes, then awakens, seemingly in response to the biocir-
cuit itself. If the user does not actually sleep, he or she may go into a state
of deep relaxation similar to trance, self-terminated after 10 to 20 minutes.
After returning to normal wakefulness users often report feeling relaxed, de-
stressed, dear-headed, refreshed and relieved of fatigue. These are the most
commonly reported benefits which motivate biocircuit usage.
HYPOTHESES TESTED
THE RELAXATION HYPOTHESIS
The general hypothesis tested was that the relaxation biocircuit would relax
subjects more effectively than a dummy placebo-control biocircuit. This was
the primary hypothesis because it supports the use of the biocircuit as a
relaxation tool and directly relates to biocircuit usage. This hypothesis predicted
that on all measures of relaxation, the relaxation biocircuit would produce statis-
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 8
tically significant enhancement ofrelaxation compared to the data from the
same measures obtained with the dummy placebo-control biocircuit.
PREDICTIONS CONCERNING DEPENDENT VARIABLES
In specific terms the experimental hypotheses as they related to the dependent
variable measures and their statistical evaluation are listed below.
1. The EMG (Electromyographic muscle-tension measure) figure-of-merit
described below would show higher levels (lower muscle tension) with the
relaxation biocircuit thanwith theplacebo-controldummybiocircuit. The
plannedstatistical evaluation was by Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired
related measures.
2. The EOR (Electrodermal Response, a skin conductivity measure, see
Choice of Physiological Indices below) minimum value would be lower
with the relaxation biocircuit thanwith the placebo-control dummybiocir-
cuit. Theplanned statistical evaluation was by Wilcoxon signed ranks test
for paired related measures.
3. TheTEMP (finger temperature) maximum value reached would be higher
with the relaxation biocircuit than with the placebo-control dummybiocir-
cuit. Theplannedstatistical evaluation was by Wilcoxon signed ranks test
for paired related measures.
4. The numberoftrials showingEEG thetadominancewould be greaterwith
the relaxation biocircuit than with the placebo-control dummy biocircuit.
The planned statistical evaluation was by Wilcoxon signed ranks test for
paired related measures.
5. The ranking ofeach ofthe 10 comparative measures in the experiential
questionnairewouldfavor therelaxation biocircuitcomparedtothedummy
biocircuit. Theplannedstatistical evaluation was bySign test based on 12
rankings each having an a priori probability of.5.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 9
We included a treatment with a "tension" biocircuit in the study because
Eeman had claimed that if individuals used a biocircuit which circulated energy
in the opposite direction to the individual's normal flow it would create tension
rather than relaxation. However, since no one deliberately uses a tension circuit,
our interest in this question was purely academic. We expected to find that
the tension device would generate less relaxation than the placebo-control
dummy device, bur we did not treat this as a formal hypothesis.
METHODOLOGY
THE DECISION TO MEASURE SUBTLE ENERGY SECONDARY
EFFECTS
W
estern science and medicine accept only directly observable or
instrumentally detectable phenomena. But no purely mechanical
instruments for detection of bodily subtle energy have been
developed as yet. Consequently, the present study used conventional instru-
mentation, which detects only the side effects or secondary effects of subtle
energy flow-measurable changes in bodily functioning presumed to have been
caused by the as-yet-undetectable subtle energy flows. A detection system was
used, combining physiological measurements and a self-report questionnaire.
OVERALL STUDY DESIGN
A double-blind design was essential, to eliminate the effects of suggestion. The
double blind protocol was created by the use of biocircuits with concealed
connections, prepared by the assistant experimenter. A within-subjects-control
design was selected, employing repeated measures made on the same group.
To minimize transfer effects between treatments with different biocircuits,
treatment order with the concealed super biocircuits was counter-balanced
across subjects and treatment order was randomly assigned to subjects. Pilot
runs were conducted with an independent subject group prior to the formal
study to facilitate questionnaire construction (see Questionnaire Measures
below) and refine the protocol.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 10
CHOICE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICES
Based on the relaxation phenomena claimed to accompany biocircuit use,2 the
physiological measures utilized in the study were selected to detect physiolog-
ical concomitants of relaxation.
I5
Forehead muscle tension (EMG) was
monitored because it is an accepted indicator of bodily muscular tension.
Electrodermal Response (EDR) was monitored because this is known to reflect
emotional arousal. Finger temperature (TEMP) was monitored because an
increase in skin temperature is known to indicate relaxation.
One monopolar channel of EEG (P3) 16 was used to detect the onset of Stage
1 sleep-the switch-over from alpha brainwave dominance to dominance of
theta brainwaves, a sign that relaxation has reached sufficient depth for sleep
to set in. When an individual moves from wakefulness into Stage 1 sleep (the
hypnagogic state), the EEG usually shows alternating dominance of alpha (8
to 12 Hz) and theta (4 to 8 Hz), with increasing periods of theta dominance
as Stage 1 deepens to Stage 2 sleep.17 The standard placements used in sleep
research are the C3 and C4.
18
However the principal investigator, in
unpublished pilot research, using a 24 channel topographic EEG, found that
the more posterior P3 and P4 placements appeared to give marginally more
sensitive indications of alpha-theta transition than C3 and C4 placements, and
were also less likely to be subject to artifact due to eye movements. The limita-
tion of having only one EEG channel led to the decision to monitor left
hemisphere activity via the P3 placement. The theta measure was selected to
detect Stage 1 sleep and was scored by counting the number of trials in the
session in which the amplitude of the theta component of the EEG equalled
or exceeded the alpha amplitude.
ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES
S
ilver/silver chloride electrodes of 3/8" diameter were used for the EDR,
EMG and sensors. Electrode sites were de-greased with isopropyl
alcohol and then cleaned and abraded with abrasive cleaner used for
electro physiological applications. Electrode cream was used to provide low-
resistance skin contact. Three EMG electrodes were set into 3/4" outside-
diameter plastic cup electrode assemblies, filled with electrode cream and used
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 11
with adhesive double-sided plastic film collars which held the electrodes to the
subjects' forehead. Two EDR electrodes were mounted within plastic fabric
strips terminated with Velcro which were wrapped around the subjects' fingers
(see Skin Electrical Conductance below). The active EEG sensor was equipped
with a I-inch diameter cup, 114" deep, inside of which an expanded plastic
fiber spacer was placed. The cup was then filled with electrode cream and
secured to the prepared P3 placement site by an elastic headband. The reference
EEG electrode was identical to an EMG electrode and was secured to the
prepared mastoid site by an adhesive plastic film collar. A ground electrode
was secured to a site above the left clavicle.
THE COMPUTERIZED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM
Physiological data were collected by a J& J Type 1-330 computerized
multichannel physiological data-recording system. 19 This system is the current
standard data-collection system in the biofeedback community and has been
widely used in recent psychophysiological research. The system included an
IBM 286 computer and two external control units. The master control unit
contained four physiological monitoring modules (2 EMG, 2 EDRJTEMP) to
which the cables for EDR, TEMP and EMG measurement were interfaced.
The second control unit contained the EEG module to which the EEG cables
were interfaced and an unused EDRJTEMP module. Inside the master control
unit the outputs from all the modules were input to an analog-to-digital
converter. The digitized output was then converted to serial form within the
master control unit and conveyed via shielded cable to the RS232 serial input
of the computer. J& J "USE" data-collection software was used to collect,
display, print and store data. All 4 channels were continuously monitored
during data collection.
For each physiological channel, the following data-collection routine was
automatically performed by the system. Data samples were digitized and
averaged at 5-second intervals. Six of these averages were then averaged to
create a score for each trial of 30 seconds duration. In each 30-minute session
60 trials were collected. The 60 trial scores for each of the 4 channels consti-
tuted the basic data collected in each session.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 12
TREATMENT OF DATA
Collected data were stored on the computer's hard drive during the session and
backed up on floppy disks after each session. Immediately after each session
the data from mat session were printed and the printed hard copy was stored.
The hard copy was later retrieved and subjected to manual data reduction by
an assistant. Data reduction was checked by the assistant and by the principal
experimenter. After data collection had ended, summary data were statistically
analyzed on a blind basis by the senior author.
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
Temperature (TEMP) was measured by attaching a miniature bead thermistor
to the inside proximal pad of the middle finger of the subject's left hand with
tape. The subjects' temperature would typically reach a maximum in the session
and then drift down again. The peak temperature was therefore selected as
the TEMP score for analysis.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT
T
he EMG electrodes were applied with adhesive collars to cleaned and
de-greased sites on the forehead. The EMG measure selected was a
figure-of-merit derived from both lowness of EMG amplitude
(representing depth of muscular relaxation) and consistency of low EMG
amplitude trials in sessions, showing persistence of a relaxed state. This measure
was chosen after pilot sessions demonstrated that it is a more sensitive measure
of relaxation than EMG mean values. The use of figures-of-merit is relatively
commonplace in electro-physiological research.
2o
SKIN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE MEASUREMENT
The EDR channel measured electrical conductivity between the first and third
fingers of the right hand. The electrodes were applied to the outside surfaces
of the middle phalanx of the first and third fingers, although the standard EDR
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 13
placement is on the inside surfaces of the fingers. This may have reduced the
effectiveness of the EDR measurements in detecting relaxation and may have
been responsible for the non-significance of the EDR measure (see following
sections). However, the electrodes could not be applied to the inside surfaces
of the fingers because during sessions subjects held the electrically conductive
copper biocircuit handles. Placing electrodes on the inside surfaces of the
fingers would have risked their being bridged by the copper biocircuit handles,
either partially through flesh, or completely, by both EDR electrodes being
touched by the copper biocircuit handle.
T
esting during the pilot phase decisively demonstrated that when EDR
electrodes were placed on the outside surfaces of the two fingers, no
bridging action occurred as a result of subjects holding the handles.
The J& J equipment measured skin conductivity in micro mhos to one decimal
place. In extensive tests no changes in conductivity reading could be produced
by subjects moving the copper handles over the inside surfaces of their hands
and fingers, or by alternately holding and then releasing the handles. Pilot
sessions revealed that EDR values usually reached a minimum and then drifted
up from this value. The EDR measure used was the minimum value in the
seSSIOn.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT
As previously mentioned, monitoring of EEG was performed by one monopolar
EEG channeL The active electrode was placed in the left parietal (P3) position.
The reference electrode was secured to the left mastoid. The ground electrode
was placed just above the left clavicle. EEG was monitored for alpha, beta
and theta frequencies.
The EEG record was carefully examined as it was collected and in each session
was checked for freedom from artifact due to bad electrode contact prior to
initiating formal data collection. The electrode site was re-cleaned if bad
contact was suspected. All trials in which EEG artifact was detected were
excluded from data analysis. For EEG artifact control, the EMG channel
provided an additional means of detecting head movements, since these would
create noticeable signals. Subjects performed all sessions with eyes dosed so
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 14
that eyeblink artifacts did not tend to occur. The following acceptance criterion
was also applied in order to reduce the possibility of contamination of the EEG
data by artifact. For theta-dominant trial periods to be counted for a subject,
he or she had to produce at least 2 consecutive 30-second trials of theta-
dominant EEG during the session. The intention was to prevent the occurrence
of false-positive theta-dominant trials.
Some individuals do not have a dominant alpha rhythm, and alpha dominance
is necessary in order for the theta detection method to operate correctly. All
subjects were therefore checked in their first session for the occurrence of
dominant alpha when resting with eyes closed. All subjects produced satisfac-
tory alpha rhythm.
QUESTIONNAIRE MEASURES
After all sessions except the first, subjects completed a lO-item experiential
questionnaire comparing the effects of the experimental biocircuit treatments.
The rationale for repeated administration of the questionnaire was to assist
subjects to consolidate their memories of prior experimental biocircuit sessions.
However, scoring was performed only for the questionnaire administered after
each subject's final session. The list of questions is shown in Table I.
LOCATION AND SETUP OF EXPERIMENTAL ROOM
A
ll sessions were held in the same room (Figure 6), located at the top
of a quiet house in Sausalito, California. During sessions, subjects
were seated in a comfortable reclining chair. The principal experi-
menter (JI) conducted experimental sessions, and after wiring subjects to the
electrophysiological monitoring equipment monitored the computer system,
which was situated about 7 feet from the subject.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONCEALED SUPER BIOCIRCUITS
Unlike the standard biocircuit, the wire connections of super biocircuits
are normally sewn inside a padded blanket which is doubled over and sewn
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 15
Table I
Comparative Questionnaire Questions
1. Pleasantness: Please rank your biocircuit experiences in order oftheir pleasam-
ness.
2. Energy: Please rankyourbiocircuitexperiences inorderof(he amountofenergy
you fel( during the session.
3. Warming: Please rank your biocircuit experiences in order ofthe amount of
warming or warmth you felt.
4. Non-ordinariness: Was there a quality to your experiences during any ofyour
biocircuit sessions that you would describe as "non-ordinary," "unusual" or
"special," compared to ordinaryrelaxation. Ifso, please rankyoursessions below.
5. Depth ofRelaxation: Please rank your biocircuit experiences in order ofthe
depth ofrelaxation you reached.
6. Tension orIrritation: Ifyou did feel irriration or tension in any session, please
rank the sessions in order ofthese characteristics.
7. ArousingQualityofEnergy: Somepeople experience beingawakened oraroused
by the biocircuic's energy after initially relaxing or sleeping in the biocircuit. If
this happened to you, please rank thesessions inorderofthestrengthorintensity
ofthis feature (the energy waking you up).
8. Beneficial After-Effects: Ifsome or all ofthe biocircuit sessions had beneficial
after-effects, please rank them for this characteristic.
9. Increases in Clarity: Ifyour biocircuit sessions resulted in your feeling mentally
oremotionally clearer after your sessions, please rank them in order ofstrength
ofthis effect.
10. Overall Effectiveness: Please rank thesessions in orderoftheir general effective-
ness in providing a beneficial experience ofrelaxation andlor a rebalancing of
your energies.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 16
D D D D
Foot Stool Recliner Chair
J &J
Computer
Biofeedback
Monitor
Monitoring
D
Units
Experimenter's
Chair
Data Storage
&Reduction
Area
I I
Door
Figure 6. Laboratory Room Layout.
together, providing an inner space for location of the connecting wires, and
support and fastening for the copper gauze pads and handles. Super biocir-
cuits provide a copper handle for each hand and copper gauze pads for the
neck, sacrum, and soles of the feet. The normal construction of the super
biocircuit, hidden inside a double-layered and padded blanket, was therefore
ideal for concealing the experimental devices' identity, since it was the connec-
tions between the wires which defined the functional status of the biocircuits.
The blanket padding was thick enough to prevent the experimenter and
subjects from feeling the wires inside the blanket assembly.
T
hree super biocircuits were constructed for the srudy: (1) a relaxation
type with all unlike poles connected, (2) a tension device with all like
poles connected, and (3) a dummy placebo-control type with wires
cut, preventing electrical (and presumably subtle energy) connection between
the gauze pads and copper handles. Aside from cut wires, the dummy
components were identical in length, design and composition to those of the
relaxation biocircuit.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 17
T
he functional super biocircuits and dummy were manufactured and
then conveyed to the principal experimenter 01) by the assistant experi-
menter (TP). The assistant knew the identity of the circuits on
delivery, but the devices were concealed by packaging and not unpacked until
after the assistant left the laboratory suite. After departure of the assistant, the
principal experimenter opened the packaging and blindly assigned three labels,
"A," "B" and "c" to the biocircuits. Since the assistant experimenter could
not afterwards visually distinguish between the three biocircuits except by their
labels, the study was performed with both the experimenters and all the subjects
kept blind to the identity of the biocircuits until after statistical analysis had
been performed. It should also be noted that the assistant experimenter did
not run subjects, nor was he present at the experimental site during sessions.
Sessions were identified as using device A, B or C. The experimenter did not
guess the identity of the concealed biocircuits, nor did any of the subjects
identify the biocircuits nor did any of them appear to suspect that a dummy
biocircuit was used. Subjects appeared to accept the explanation given them
that various "different" biocircuits were being tried out (see Participant
Selection and Orientation below) without questioning the exact nature of the
differences involved.
The copper gauze pads utilized were 5" wide by 5 3/4" long and were approx-
imately 1116" thick, with 30 gauge (American Wire Gauge) solid copper wires
placed 20 to the inch in the gauze. The copper handles consisted of copper
pipe of 7/8" outside diameter, 1116" thick, 3" long. The copper wire used to
interconnect the super biocircuit elements consisted of a multi-stranded core
insulated with pink tinted transparent PVC of 1.1 mm thickness, giving a total
nominal outside diameter of 3.3 mm. The 34 gauge core consisted of 26
strands of non-tinned 99.9% pure copper wire.
In order to further amplify the effect of the super-circuit configuration, the
gauze-pad assemblies were reinforced with two extra sheets of copper gauze and
they and the handles were connected by three wires, instead of one wire, to
the remainder of the super-biocircuit assembly. The gauze-pad assemblies
consisted of three layers of the copper gauze, the central layer being connected
to the three wires, the other two pads being used to sandwich the central layer.
The pad assemblies were taped together with PVC electrical tape.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 18
ApPLICA TION OF THE BIOCIRCUIT TO SUBJECTS
In each session the super biocircuit was placed on the recliner chair, prior to
the subject entering the room. In use, the top gauze pad of each biocircuit
was gently pushed into the gap berween the back of the subject's neck and
their collar, ensuring skin contact. The bottom pad was slid by the subject
berween their clothing and their sacrum, ensuring skin contact. Subjects
removed their shoes, socks or pantyhose before the biocircuit pads for the feet
were placed centrally on the soles of the feet and secured there by elasticized
cotton bands. A light cotton blanket was then placed over the subject's feet
and ankles and drawn up to their chest. The same blanket was placed in the
same way on all subjects.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION AND ORIENTATION
All subjects (2 males and 10 females) were adult residents of Marin County,
California. They spanned an age range berween 24 and 56, with a mean of
approximately 38. The subject group was largely inexperienced with respect
to use of the standard biocircuit. Only 4 subjects had slight to moderate experi-
ence of standard biocircuit use, 8 subjects had had no previous experience of
biocircuit use. None of the subjects had previously used a super biocircuit.
S
ubject recruitment was determined mainly by availability. The
experienced group was recruited through use of a contact list of local
purchasers of biocircuits. The non-experienced group was recruited
through the principal experimenter's prior contact with them as subjects in
previous studies of other relaxation treatments.
Subjects were told that the disguised devices were three newly-developed
variants of the original biocircuit. They were told that these devices were being
compared with each other in a double-blind study in order to assess their
relative effectiveness as part of a product development project. All subjects
accepted this explanation without apparent difficulty. All subjects read and
signed a consent form regarding their participation in the study. The consent
form was a standard version of the consent form used for behavioral research
at John F. Kennedy University. Subjects consented to not being fully informed
regarding some aspects of the study.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 19
PROCEDURE
INTRODUCTION
The twelve subjects each participated in four experimental sessions of 30
minutes duration while resting in a recliner chair and listening to the same
quiet music in each session via headphones to mask background noise. Subjects
adjusted headphone volume to their own preference.
THE FIRST SESSION
F
irst sessions were run using a regular undisguised copper biocircuit, and
were regarded as familiarization sessions only. Data from these sessions
were not analyzed. The first session had several purposes. First, it
included an intake procedure whereby subjects were informed about the study,
asked questions, read and signed the consent form and familiarized themselves
with the ambience and layout of the experimental room.
The first session required subjects to perform several novel tasks including
completion of questionnaires, using a biocircuit, being hooked up to the physio-
logical monitoring system and remaining as still as possible for 30 minutes,
then completing a further questionnaire and being debriefed by the experi-
menter. For 8 of the 12 subjects who were new to the biocircuit, it also
provided an opportunity for them to experience the action of a biocircuit in
order to provide a basis for comparison with the concealed devices to be used
in the three following sessions. Another reason for treating the first session as
a familiarization exercise was that in psychological studies the first session can
sometimes elicit extreme or paradoxical responses,21 substantially contributing
to the error variance of the study.
SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS
The procedure for the three sessions using the concealed super biocircuits was
always the same. The subject would arrive, be greeted and then hooked up
to the monitoring equipment, the output of the system was checked for artifact,
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 20
then the subject would be run for 30 minutes ofdata-collection time. After
release from the monitoring equipment, subjects completed the questionnaire
and were then briefly interviewed by the experimenter regarding their experi-
ences in the session. Thedatawere printedand backed up to floppy disk, and
then the electrode assemblies were cleaned. Finally, the successful completion
ofthe subject's session was marked offin the sessions log fQr the study.
CONTROLS AGAINST ARTIFACT IN THE
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Carewas taken to provide maximumcontrolagainstartifactin thestudydesign.
The controls are briefly reviewed below.
1. DOUBLE BLIND DESIGN. The study was conducted double blind.
Neither subjects nor experimenter knew the identityofthe three biocir-
cuits under test until data analysis was concluded. The beliefs and
expectations ofsubjects and experimenter could not therefore affect the
outcome, since the identity ofthe disguised biocircuits was concealed.
2. USE OF OBJECTIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASURES. Objective
physiological measures were used as well as self-report experiential
measures, providing a convergent technique to characterize shifts in
state caused by the biocircuits. We chose not to use applied kinesi-
ology or any other form ofdowsing as a measuring technique because
ofthe lackofdouble-blind evidence ofaccuracy under test conditions.
Our measurements are therefore fully comparable to those used in
conventional experimental psychology, psychophysiology and medical
studies.
3. AVOIDANCE OF ERROR VARIANCE DUE TO FIRST SESSION
EFFECTS. First-session effects were avoided by using the first session
as a familiarization session and rejecting its data.
4. TREATMENT ORDER COUNTERBALANCED. The order of
treatments was counterbalanced across subjects, so that effects due to
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 21
orderoftreatmentswouldbe minimized. Toillustrate the possible effect
oforder on results, ifa particularly strong effect were encountered in
one session and a weaker effect in the following session, subjects might
under-estimate the second session. Equally, sessions with strong effects
following sessions withweakeffects mayalso distortsubjects' judgements
of the second session. Using the three super biocircuit treatments
(relaxation, tension and dummy) there are six possible treatment orders,
so each treatmentorderwas utilized twice in runningthe twelve subjects.
Theywere assigned randomly to a particular treatment order according
to the date oftheir first session.
5. CONTROL FOR ULTRADIAN RHYTHMS. Effects due to
"ultradian rhythms" were controlled. This is an important but
frequently overlooked factor in research on relaxation procedures.
Humanarousal level (and hencelikelihoodofspontaneoussleep onset)
seems to follow a roughly 100-minute cycle-the same cycle which
controls dreaming. The arousal cycle produces a narural, endogenous
alternation between sleepiness and wakefulness. In many studies,22 it
has been found that the ability to go to sleep during the day varies
in step with this 100-minute ultradian rhythm. The strength ofthe
cyclic liability to spontaneous sleep is quite strong in the morning,
reaches a peak with the "mid afternoon droop," then becomes much
weaker as bed-time approaches.
Whensubjects are run at different times oftheday ondifferentdays,
they might be run at different sections ofthe 100 minute cycle and
show differences in the ability to relax and sleep due purely to the
ultradian rhythm, differences which are unrelated to the specific
relaxation treatments they receive. In this studythe ultradian rhythm
factor was controlled by running subjects at the same time each day,
and runningall thesessions for any particularsubjectwithin 10days,
since the ultradian rhythm slowly changes phase over periods of
several weeks.
6. CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLUCTUATIONS. Environ-
mental factors were kept as constant as possible. All sessions were
conducted in the same chair in the same room with the same experi-
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 22
menter. Subjects listened to the same relaxing taped music, using
headphones, with eyes closed. Room temperature was kept within
a range of70 to 75 Fahrenheit.
7. AVOIDANCE OF ABSOLUTEJUDGEMENTS BY SUBJECTS. In
general, human subjects tend to produce less accurate judgements ofthe
absolute magnitudes of stimuli than of the relative magnitudes of
stimuli.
23
Aquestionnairerequestingcomparative evaluation ofthe three
concealed biocircuits was therefore utilized rather than an instrument
requiring absolute ratings to be performed.
In order to reinforce and stabilize subject's memories ofthe experiential
aspects of their sessions, they were asked to fill out the comparative
questionnaire, ranking experiential aspects of their session immediately
after the session, from the second session onwards, and were then
interviewed about experiences. However, the data used for analysis of
comparisons were taken only from questionnaires filled out by subjects
after the last session.
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
T
he 4 physiological measures were evaluated using a non-parametric
statistic suitable for paired repeated measures, the Wilcoxon signed-
ranks test.
24
While it is less powerful than MANOVA or dependent-
measures t-tests it was felt to be more appropriate since the distribution of
scores being analyzed could not be assumed to be normaL
Table II shows the results ofstatistical evaluation ofthephysiological measures.
"R" represents the relaxation biocircuitand"0" represents thedummyplacebo-
control biocircuit. All cited statistics are one-tailed since the hypothesis under
test was directionaL
Table III shows the significant results obtained by comparing the rankings of
therelaxation biocircuitwith the rankingofthedummyplacebo-control biocir-
cuit in thedatafrom the comparative questionnaire. The rankings were statis-
tically evaluated by Sign test
24
with a priori probabiliry of.5.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 23
Table II
Physiological Measures
MEASURE HYPOTHESIS PROBABILITY
(1 tailed)
EMG figure-of-merit .01 *
THETA dominant trials .025*
EDR session minimum .14
TEMP session maximum .85
'significant at .05
Table III
Comparative Questionnaire Measures
MEASURE HYPOTHESIS PROBABILITY
(1 tailed)
Subjective relaxation depth R>D .0002*
Sensations of warmth R>D .03*
Perceived non-ordinariness R>D .02*
Perceived benefit R>D .02*
Perceived effectiveness R>D .02*
*significant at .05
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 24
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
A
s is seen in Table II, significantly more theta-dominant trials
(indicating trance or light sleep) occurred with the relaxation biocir-
cuit than with the placebo-control dummy biocircuit, with an associ-
ated chance probability of .025. Across the three conditions, approximately
equal numbers of EEG trials were excluded from data analysis by artifact
rejection and the acceptance criterion.
Significantly lower muscle tension occurred with the relaxation biocircuit than
with the dummy, with an associated chance probability of .01. The temper-
ature measure (TEMP) did not reach significance in any direction across any
pair of treatments (relaxation-dummy, tension-dummy, relaxation-tension).
As will be seen from Table III, ranking the relaxation biocircuit against the
placebo-control "dummy" biocircuit, five of the ten questions of the compar-
ative questionnaire produced significant results favoring the relaxation device.
No significant results were obtained favoring the placebo-control "dummy" over
the relaxation device for any of the ten measures.
The significant experiential measures favoring the relaxation biocircuit
compared to the dummy were: Perceived depth of relaxation-12 out of 12
subjects ranked the relaxation biocircuit above the dummy (chance probability
of .0002). Perceived benefit from the treatment-lO out of 12 subjects ranked
the relaxation biocircuit above the dummy (chance probability of .02).
Perceived effectiveness of treatment-10 out of 12 subjects ranked the
relaxation biocircuit above the dummy (chance probability of .02). Perceived
non-ordinariness of the biocircuit experience (an attempt to get subjects to
estimate the "energy" quality of their experience)-l0 out of 12 subjects ranked
the relaxation biocircuit above the dummy (chance probability of .02).
Sensations of warmth (a frequently reported effect of biocircuit use)-9 out of
12 subjects ranked the relaxation biocircuit above the dummy (chance
probability of .03).
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 25
CONCLUSIONS
THE RELAXATION BIOCIRCUIT WAS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN
THE PLACEBO
The results decisively demonstrate that the relaxation biocircuit produced
deeper relaxation than the dummy biocircuit under double-blind conditions.
The EEG measure indicates that significantly more sleep and trance state
occurred with the relaxation biocircuit than with the dummy. The EMG
results indicate that greater physical relaxation accompanied use of the
relaxation biocircuit compared with the dummy. The fact that no less than
12 of 12 subjects ranked the real biocircuit above the dummy for relaxation
in the experiential questionnaire strongly indicates that they perceived the real
biocircuit as being more relaxing than the dummy. The other psychological
measures tell the same story. Overall, results are surprisingly strong, especially
in view of the fact that only twelve subjects were used-indicating a very large
effect size.
THE "TENSION" BIOCIRCUIT DID NOT CAUSE TENSION
In contradiction to Eeman's anecdotal findings, the so-called "tension" biocir-
cuit came out as intermediate between the relaxation biocircuit and the dummy
in most measures of relaxation although it was not statistically superior to the
dummy biocircuit on any measure of relaxation.
The relaxation biocircuit was scored significantly higher than the tension biocir-
cuit on the psychological measures of "subtle energy sensations" (chance
probability of .02) and "non-ordinary in-session experience" (chance probability
of .02). The lack of obvious tension in the results from the "tension" biocir-
cuit contradicted Eeman's claim,
1
since he relates stories of individuals
seemingly almost driven temporarily mad by being exposed to tension biocir-
cuits.
Our results suggested that Eeman's theory of "polarity" needs testing under
double-blind conditions. Clearly the electrical hypotheses would also seem to
be worth testing. We look forward to pursuing these inquiries further when
our resources allow us to do so.
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 26
CORRESPONDENCE. JulianIsaacs, Ph.D. Toolsfor Exploration 4460Redwood Highway,
Suite 2 San Rafael, CA 94903.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors thank Ron Gordon for his generous provision of
laboratoryspace, SunnyTurnerfor herlabors indataanalysis, Dr.JerrySolvfin andDr. Ephraim
Schechter for their statistical consultation and STENS corporation for excellent service during
the hire ofthe monitoring equipment. Thanks are also due to James Spottiswoode for advice
and suggestions.
REFERENCES AND NOTES
I. L.E. Eeman, Cooperative Healing (Frederick Muller, London, 1947. reprinted 1987 by
Health Research, Mokelumne Hill, CA).
2. L. Patten & T. Patten, Biocircuits: Amazing New Tools for Energy Health, (H.J. Kramer,
Tiburon, CA, 1988),
3. The authors are aware of the limited nature of their search for controlled double blind studies
ofputative subtle energy devices, We would be gldd to be informed of any such studies,
whether published or not.
4. 0, Krieger, Foundations of Holistic Health: Nursing Practices a.p. Lippincott Co.,
Philadelphia, PA, 1981).
5. There are several variants of the basic biocircuit. One dimension of variability is in the
material used for fabrication. So for, biocircuits have been constructed of copper, silk, and
silver pldte on copper. The second dimension of variability is in the circuit configurations
used, of which there are several. The third dimension of variability is the choice whether or
not to mix the putative subtle energy efficts of various therapeutic substances into the
posfuldted subtle energy flow through the biocircuit by means of a ''substance'' bottle pldced in
series with some section of the biocircuit, All of these variations are detailed in the book on
biocircuits by Leslie and Terry Patten.2
6. R. Pethig, Electrical Properties ofBiological Tissue, In Modern Bioelectricity (A. A.
Marino Ed., Marcek Dekker. New York, NY, 1988).
...,
t. R.O. Becker & A.A. Marino, Electromagnetism and Life (SUNY Press, New York, NY,
1982).
8. D.B. Harrington, R. Meyer & R.M. Kline, EffeCTS ofSmall Amounrs ofEleCTric Current
aT the Cellular Level. In Electrically Mediated Growth Mechanisms in Living Systems (A.R.
Liboff& R.A. Rinaldi, Eds., Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 238, New
York, NY, 1974). pp. 300-306.
9. M. Reichmanis, Elecrroacupuncture, In Modern Bioelectricity (A.A. Marino, Ed., Marcel
Dekker, New York, NY, 1988).
10. 1. Martin & P.H. Venables, Eds., Techniques in Psychophysiology (Wiley, New York, NY,
1980).
11. L. Gwei-Djen & J. Needham, Celestial Lancets:L A History and Rationale ofAcupuncture
and Moxa (Cambridge Universiry Press, Cambridge, England, 1980).
12. G. Feurstein, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga (Paragon Press, New York, NY, 1990).
13. Eeman estimated that perhaps up to 15% of the population is of "reversed" poldrity.
14. R. Pavek, The Health Professional's Handbook of Shen: Physio-Emotional Release Therapy
(Shen Therapy Inscitute, Sausalito, CA, 1987).
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 27
15. M. Schwartz (Ed.) Biofeedback: A Practitioner's Guide (Guilford Press, New York, NY,
1987).
16. R. Sternbach & N. Greenfield, Eds., Handbook of Psychophysiology (Holt, Reinhart and
Winston, New York, NY, 1973).
17. A.M. Arkin, ].S. Antrobus & S.]. Ellman, The Mind in Sleep; Psychology 6-
Psychophysiology (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, NJ), 1978.
18. A. Rechtschaffen & A. Kales, Eds., A Manual of Standardized Terminology, Techniques
and Scoring System for Sleep Stages of Human Subjects (National Institutes ofHealth
Publication 204, Washington DC, US Govr. Printing Office, 1968).
19. J & J Inc., 22797 Holgar Court North East, Polsboro, WA 98370.
20. Cohen H.L. & J. Brunlik, A Manual of Electromyography (New York, Harper & Row,
1968).
21. S. Isaac & B. Michael, Handbook in Research and Evaluation (Robert R. Knapp, San
Diego, CA, 1971).
22. P. Lavie, Ulrradian Rhythms: Gates ofSleep and Wakefulness, In Ultradian Rhythms in
Physiology and Behavior (H. Schulz & P. Lavie, Eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, NY,
1985), pp. 148-164.
23. S.H. Bartiey, Principles of Perception (Harper & Row, London, 1969).
24. J.L. Bruning & B.L. Kintz, Computational Handbook of Statistics (Harper Collins,
Glenview, ILL, 1987).
Subtle Energies Volume 2 Number 2 Page 28