Neurotropic and Biophysical Effects of Kyokushin Karate Kata
V.E. Babelyuk¹, I.L. Popovych²·⁴, R.S. Vastianov³, I.V. Savytskyi⁴, T.A. Korolyshyn¹, G.I. Dubkova¹, Y.G. Dobrovolsky⁵, S.M. Holubinka¹, W. Zukow⁶
Poster Presentation (Virtual) · 12th International Conference on Neurology and Neurological Disorders · June 22–24, 2026 · Barcelona, Spain
Conference Acceptance
Accepted: Neurology-2026, Barcelona
Presentation Details
Corresponding Author
Igor L. Popovych, PhD in Medicine Senior Research Fellow Kozyavkin International Rehabilitation Clinic Pomyretska st., 37, Truskavets, 82200, Ukraine
ORCID: 0000-0002-5664-5591
Published In
International Neurological Journal (Ukraine), Vol. 21, No. 8, Р. 21-43. 2025.
doi: 10.22141/2224-0713.21.8.2025.1224
Chapter I — Background
The Ancient Concept of Non-Contact Influence: Ki, Qi, and Tohate
In Japanese martial arts history, records describe practitioners who could throw opponents without physical contact — the "Tohate" technique (literally, "hit from a distance"), considered the ultimate expression of martial mastery. This technique remained a secret for centuries, emerging publicly only in the 1990s when at least three Japanese Ki masters — Kozo Nishino, Hiroyuki Aoki, and Kojo Tsuboi — were reported to perform it. Notably, Nishino and Tsuboi practised Aikido, whilst Aoki was an expert in Karate.
The Japanese word Ki (equivalent to Qi or Chi in Chinese) represents "vitality" or "life-energy" — a foundational concept in Eastern medicine and martial arts. In the martial arts worldview, Ki is the source of spiritual strength for winning. Therefore, the Tohate technique is considered an applied skill of Ki.
Ki as Energy (E)
The physical, quantifiable energy component mediating biological effects — demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell division, protect mitochondria, and stimulate osteoblastic activity.
Ki as Entropy (S)
The information component of Ki — described by Schrödinger's concept of negentropy and Shannon's information theory. Living beings require not only energy but also information to function.
Ki as Biophotons
Ultraweak photon emissions from biological systems — now measurable with modern photomultiplier technology — may serve as the physical carrier of Ki-energy at near-infrared wavelengths (~1000 nm).
Chapter I — Background
Kyokushin Karate Kata: From Combat to Psycho-Energetic Practice
What is Kata?
Kata is a formalised sequence of blocks, kicks, and punches involving multidirectional movement. The number of movements and their sequence are very specific — the balance between offensive and defensive techniques, positions used, and direction of movement give each kata its distinctive character. At the highest level of training, kata becomes so ingrained in the subconscious that conscious attention is no longer required — what Zen masters call mushin, or "mindless" execution.
Kyokushin's Psycho-Energetic System
Kyokushin Karate has developed a specialised kata system that functions as a powerful means of mobilising physical, functional, and psycho-emotional reserves through:
Sanchin: The Core Kata
Sanchin (meaning "three battles" or "three conflicts") is one of the oldest kata, attributed by some legends to Bodhidharma in the 6th century. It simultaneously develops three elements:
Body · Mind · Technique
Organs · Circulation · Nervous System
Three Ki Centres (Crown · Diaphragm · Abdomen)
Sanchin is isometric in character — every movement is performed in full tension, accompanied by powerful Ibuki breathing from the lower abdomen (tanden). Master Babelyuk performs KKK by imagining golden light, combined with voluntary prolongation of both inhalation and exhalation.
Chapter I — Background
Biophotons, EEG, and Meditation: Prior Evidence
A substantial body of prior research establishes the scientific context for the present study. Japanese researchers at Inaba's laboratory pioneered the measurement of biophoton emissions from the human body, demonstrating higher emissions from acupuncture points than surrounding tissue, and showing correlations between Qigong practice and increased biophoton emission from the finger alongside decreased skin surface temperature — suggesting a decoupling of normal thermodynamic processes.
EEG During Meditation (Kawano et al.)
During deep Zen meditation, alpha frequency slows and theta waves appear. During Qigong with Ki imagery, frequency may increase. A common characteristic across methods: alpha waves spread from the occipital region to the central and frontal areas. The frontal/occipital alpha ratio (Fp2/O2) can exceed 1.0 in Zen priests and experienced Qigong masters.
Qigong EEG Source Imaging (Faber et al., 2012)
During "Qigong" meditation vs. "Thinking of Nothing," alpha-2 power was significantly higher in right parietal areas (Brodmann areas 5, 7, 31, 40), whilst beta-1 was higher in left prefrontal areas during the "Thinking of Nothing" condition — reflecting a self-referential, input-centred processing mode during Qigong.
Biophotons and EEG (Persinger's Laboratory)
Four studies documented that imagining white light produces a statistically significant increase in ultraweak photon emission (UPE) from the right hemisphere, correlated with EEG power in the left prefrontal region (r=0.95; p<0.01). Increases in delta and theta band power, particularly over the right temporal lobe, accompanied enhanced biophoton emission.
Chapter II — Study Design
Aims of the Study
The primary aim of this study was to elucidate the neurophysiological and biophysical mechanisms underlying the effects of performing Kyokushin Karate Kata (KKK) on the brain activity of both the performer (sender) and recipient systems. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether structured KKK execution — characterised by deep intentional focus and controlled breathing — elicits measurable changes in:
EEG Rhythms
Changes in electroencephalographic spectral power density across delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands in multiple scalp loci during KKK vs. Reiki sessions, compared to reference normative values (n=112).
Heart Rate Variability
Temporal and spectral HRV parameters as neurovegetative indicators — including SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50 and spectral bands (HF, LF, VLF, ULF) — reflecting autonomic modulation during mental practices.
EPI/GDV Parameters
Electro-Photonic Imaging (Gas Discharge Visualisation) measurements of bioenergetic and informational state, including Area, Entropy, and virtual Chakra energies — bridges between Western physiology and Eastern energy concepts.
Remote Neurotropic Effect
Whether KKK-induced changes in the sender correlate with physiological responses in biological (rat hippocampal slices) and physical (distilled water) recipient systems at approximately 2 metres distance, without any physical contact.
The study also aimed to compare these effects with those induced by Reiki practice and canonical Christian Prayer, thereby assessing the specificity and magnitude of KKK as a psycho-energetic intervention.
Chapter II — Study Design
Participants and Experimental Protocol
Participants
Sender 1 (KKK): Valeriy Babelyuk — 50-year-old, right-handed, Kyokushin Karate Master, black belt IV Dan; also a psychotherapist, PhD in Medicine, and hypnotist. Performed kata by imagining golden light with voluntary prolonged breathing.
Sender 2 (Reiki): Svitlana Holubinka — 50-year-old female, right-handed, Level II Reiki practitioner and professional psychologist.
Experiment 3 Guest: Father Volodymyr, Greek Catholic priest (44 years old, right-handed), who performed canonical Christian prayer for the Consecration of water.
Protocol Sequence
01
Baseline EPI/GDV
Morning registration of Kirlianogram in all ten fingers via Gas Discharge Visualisation — measuring Area, Shape Coefficient, and Entropy with and without polyethylene filter.
02
Baseline HRV and EEG
7-minute ECG in II lead (sitting position); "CardioLab+HRV" software — temporal and spectral parameters extracted. Simultaneously EEG (“NeuroCom Standard” software; 16 loci, four 25s epochs)
03
Concurrent HRV + EEG
Re-registration of both HRV (11 min) and EEG (16 loci, 7 × 25s epochs) simultaneously during the KKK or Reiki self-sessions. Reference: n=112 (Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology).
04
Post-Session EPI
Re-recording of Kirlianogram immediately after the session to capture changes in bioenergetic parameters.
Chapter II — Study Design
Three Experiments: An Overview
Experiment 3
Experiment 2
Experiment 1
Experiment 1: Sender Neurophysiology
EEG (16 loci, monopolar, 10-20 system), HRV (temporal + spectral), and EPI/GDV recorded in KKK master and Reiki practitioner. Entropy calculated from normalised SPD using Popovych's Shannon-based equations. Four 2-minute baseline epochs and seven 25-second session epochs recorded.
Experiment 2: Remote Neurotropic Effect
Extracellular recording of synaptic efficacy in Wistar rat hippocampal slices (postnatal day 20–21) in artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Reiki effect recorded for 11 minutes, then KKK effect, then 11 minutes post-session. Senders approximately 2 metres from the preparation. Data analysed using PClamp 9.0, Origin 7.5, and Mini Analysis.
Experiment 3: Water Light Activity
KKK master and Greek Catholic priest each performed four sessions in turn. Light activity of pharmacy distilled water (glass vials) measured by a patented discharge-optical device (25 kV; 7–10-second discharges × 3; interval 40 seconds). Brightness recorded in Cd/m². Untreated water from same package served as control.
Chapter II — Instruments
Measurement Instruments and Analytical Methods
EEG — NeuroCom Standard
16-locus monopolar recording (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, F7, F8, C3, C4, T3, T4, P3, P4, T5, T6, O1, O2), 10-20 international system, reference electrodes on earlobes. Parameters: amplitude, average frequency, frequency deviation, index, asymmetry coefficient, and absolute and relative SPD of δ, α, θ, β rhythms. Entropy calculated per locus from normalised SPD using the Popovych-Shannon equation.
HRV — CardioLab+HRV
KhAI-Medica hardware-software complex. Temporal: HR, Mode (Mo), SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, triangular index. Spectral: HF (0.15–0.4 Hz), LF (0.04–0.15 Hz), VLF (0.015–0.04 Hz), ULF (0.003–0.015 Hz) — absolute (ms²) and relative (%). Indices: LF/HF, (VLF+LF)/HF, LFnu. Entropy of HRV calculated from normalised spectral bands.
EPI/GDV — GDV Chamber
Gas Discharge Visualisation of all ten fingers; photo-electronic emission induced by high-frequency electromagnetic impulses. Three base parameters: (1) Area of EPI image in Right, Frontal, and Left projections (with/without polyethylene filter); (2) Shape coefficient (ratio of squared contour length to area — measures fractality); (3) Entropy. Virtual Chakra states quantified via "GDV Chakras" programme. EPI without filter → functional state; with filter → organic changes.
Entropy Equation (Popovych, based on Shannon CE)
The same structure was applied for HRV entropy using the four spectral bands (HF, LF, VLF, ULF). Z-scores were computed as Z = (V/R − 1) / CV relative to normative reference data.
Chapter III — Results
Experiment 2: Remote Effect on Rat Hippocampal Synaptic Efficacy
The most striking finding of this study was the remote, non-contact effect of KKK on rat hippocampal synaptic efficacy (HSE). During an 11-minute KKK session performed approximately 2 metres from the brain slice preparation, hippocampal synaptic efficacy increased significantly — and continued to increase for the subsequent 11 minutes even after the session had ended. In stark contrast, the Reiki session — conducted under identical conditions — was entirely ineffective.
State / Session
N
Change (%)
SD
SE
Minimum
Median
Maximum
During Reiki
32
−0.5
4.8
0.85
90.2
100.0
108.8
During KKK Kata
32
+7.5
5.1
0.90
97.2
106.5
118.6
After KKK Kata
32
+7.2
4.3
0.76
99.2
107.9
117.4
This pattern — sustained elevation even after session termination — strongly argues against a purely artefactual explanation and supports a genuine neurotropic influence. Notably, in a separate experiment (results forthcoming), Reiki did affect several EEG parameters in humans to approximately the same extent as the KKK session, suggesting the difference in hippocampal response is specific to the type of brain activation induced by each practice rather than practitioner ability per se.
Chapter III — Results
EEG Spectral Power Density: KKK vs. Reiki vs. Reference
Analysis of EEG parameters during sessions revealed profoundly different brain state signatures between the KKK master and the Reiki practitioner. Reference values were drawn from the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology database (n=112).
Delta Rhythm (δ): KKK
Drastically increased SPD in T3 and T4 (bilateral temporal) loci. Less pronounced but significant increases also in P3, P4 (parietal), O1 (occipital), and T5 loci — often in combination with alpha increases. This reflects deep inward-focused states associated with altered consciousness and creative visualisation.
Alpha + Theta Rhythms: KKK
Alpha SPD increased most prominently in parietal and occipital loci. Theta SPD increased notably in T4 — a finding not apparent in the scale of absolute delta/alpha values, becoming visible only after Z-score transformation. These reflect meditative, relaxed-alertness states with inward-directed attention.
Beta Rhythm: KKK (Decreased)
Beta SPD was reduced predominantly in frontal, prefrontal (Fp1, Fp2), and central loci — indicating suppression of analytical, task-oriented cognitive processing. Beta SPD negatively correlated with HSE in 11 loci (with the exception of a positive association in T4).
During Reiki
SPD levels for delta, alpha, and theta rhythms practically did not differ from reference values. This absence of distinctive brain activation during Reiki likely explains the corresponding absence of hippocampal synaptic efficacy changes in the rat slice preparation.
Chapter III — Results
EEG Entropy and HRV Changes During Sessions
EEG Entropy: KKK Reduces, Reiki Increases
The entropy of SPD of EEG did not differ significantly from reference during the Reiki session. During the KKK session, however, it was significantly smaller — indicating a more ordered, coherent brain state. The most pronounced entropy reductions occurred in T3, T4, and Fp1 loci, followed by central loci; deviations in occipital loci were minimal.
Mathematically, decreased EEG entropy reflects a reduction in the relative contribution of beta-band SPD, which in turn is associated with increased SPD in non-beta rhythms (delta, alpha, theta). This aligns with the concept of negentropy — an increase in systemic order.
HRV Entropy Changes
Entropy of HRV spectral bands showed markedly opposite responses to the two practices:
These opposing autonomic signatures confirm that KKK and Reiki represent fundamentally distinct psycho-physiological states, not merely different intensities of the same process. Previously demonstrated close relationships between HRV and EEG variables (Popovych et al., 2014) reinforce the systemic nature of these findings.
Chapter III — Results
EPI/GDV Changes: Energy and Entropy of the Bioenergetic Field
Area Changes (KKK vs. Reiki)
After the KKK session, the Area of the EPI image was found to be enlarged in the Frontal projection but reduced in both lateral (Right and Left) projections. This asymmetric redistribution suggests a dynamic reorientation of bioenergetic patterns accompanying the KKK practice. After the Reiki session, the Area showed no significant deviation from reference values in any projection.
EPI Entropy (Critical Finding)
After the KKK session, a significant decrease in EPI Entropy was detected — maximally expressed in the Right projection. This is particularly important as it parallels the EEG entropy reduction, indicating a global systemic shift toward negentropic (ordered) states affecting both brain electrical activity and the bioenergetic field of the skin. After Reiki, EPI entropy did not differ significantly from the reference.
EEG–EPI Correlation
Entropy levels of EEG and EPI are closely correlated despite being calculated by entirely different methods — one from brain electrical activity, the other from photo-electronic emission of fingertip skin. This cross-domain coherence supports the hypothesis that a single systemic ordering process underlies both.
Canonical Correlation: EEG ↔ EPI
The canonical correlation between biophysical and informational EPI parameters and EEG parameters was very strong:
R=0.948
EEG–EPI Canonical R
R²=0.900; χ²(28)=110; p<10⁻⁶; Λ=0.0066
The EPI Entropy Right (filtered) loaded most strongly (R=−0.962), whilst Total SPD in P4, O1, and T4 loci dominated the EEG set (R=+0.889, +0.866, +0.589 respectively).
Chapter III — Results
Correlation: Sender EEG → Rat Hippocampal Synaptic Efficacy
To confirm the visual impression that KKK-induced changes in rat HSE are determined by changes in the Sender's brain activity, a comprehensive correlation analysis was performed. Seven consecutive HSE epochs were aligned to match the seven EEG recording intervals during sessions.
Total and Delta SPD
Maximum correlation coefficient for total SPD was recorded in T4 and P4 loci; significant correlations found in 14 out of 16 loci. For delta SPD specifically, the maximum correlation was in T4 (significant in 13 loci). R² increases from 0.510 to 0.614 when SPD is log-transformed — reflecting a non-linear relationship between sender brain activation and hippocampal response.
Alpha SPD
Maximum correlation for alpha SPD was in T5 locus, with significant correlations in 5 loci. Alpha rhythms, associated with meditative and internally focused states, contribute positively to the transmission of neurotropic influence from sender to receiver.
Theta and Beta SPD
Theta SPD showed positive associations with HSE in 6 loci (maximum T4) but a significant negative association in C4. Beta SPD correlated negatively with HSE in 11 loci (consistent with its inverse relationship to meditative states), with an exception of a positive correlation in T4.
EEG Entropy
SPD Entropy showed a significant negative correlation with HSE in 14 loci, except borderline levels in both occipital loci, with a maximum in the P3 locus. Lower entropy (greater neural order) in the sender strongly predicts increased hippocampal efficacy in the receiver.
Chapter III — Results
Multiple Regression: EEG SPD Predicts 87.6% of HSE Variance
Multiple correlation analysis with stepwise elimination until maximum Adjusted R² identified nine EEG parameters of delta and alpha rhythms that jointly determine HSE.
Variable
Beta
B
SE of B
t(19)
p-level
Intercept
—
−5.92
1.37
−4.33
0.001
P4-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.809
0.0291
0.0042
6.88
10⁻⁵
T3-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.356
0.0093
0.0024
3.82
0.001
O1-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.208
0.0677
0.0180
3.75
0.001
T6-α SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.013
0.0686
0.0212
3.24
0.004
O1-α SPD (µV²/Hz)
−1.369
−0.0152
0.0035
−4.39
0.001
P4-α SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.006
0.0136
0.0029
4.66
0.001
Fp1-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
−1.369
−0.0155
0.0035
−4.39
0.001
Fp2-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
1.208
0.0677
0.0180
3.75
0.001
C4-δ SPD (µV²/Hz)
−0.752
−0.0155
0.0065
−2.38
0.028
R=0.936
Multiple Correlation
EEG SPD → HSE
87.6%
Variance Explained
Adjusted R²=0.817; F(9,2)=14.9; p<10⁻⁶
p<10⁻⁶
Statistical Significance
χ²(9)=47; Λ Prime=0.124; SE of estimate: 2.0%
Chapter III — Results
EEG and HRV Entropy Jointly Explain 93.2% of HSE Variance
Including the Entropy of HRV spectral bands — which proved to be the single most strongly correlated parameter with HSE — in the regression model raised the degree of determination to 93.2%, the highest achieved in this study.
Variable
Beta
B
SE of B
t(21)
p-level
Intercept
—
25.5
3.9
6.56
10⁻⁵
Entropy SPD HRV
−0.808
−33.75
4.765
−7.08
10⁻⁶
Entropy SPD T3
−0.313
−6.594
2.835
−2.33
0.030
Entropy SPD C3
−0.582
−24.06
6.438
−3.74
0.001
Entropy SPD F7
+0.672
+18.11
3.237
+5.59
0.001
Entropy SPD F4
−0.222
−9.088
4.187
−2.17
0.042
Entropy SPD T6
+0.405
+21.63
5.274
+4.10
0.001
Entropy SPD O2
+0.174
+8.182
3.989
+2.05
0.053
R=0.965
EEG+HRV Entropy → HSE
R²=0.932; Adjusted R²=0.909
93.2%
Variance Explained
F(7,2)=41.2; p<10⁻⁶; SE=1.4%
r=−0.890
HRV Entropy Correlation
Most powerful single predictor of hippocampal synaptic efficacy
Chapter III — Results
EPI Entropy as Predictor: The Eastern Paradigm Perspective
From the perspective of the Eastern paradigm, the primary factor is vital energy (qi/ki/prana), which regulates both brain activity and peripheral organ function through Chakras and acupuncture meridians (Bonghan's newly discovered circulatory system). This position is supported by the finding that EPI Entropy of the sender independently predicts rat hippocampal synaptic efficacy.
EPI Entropy → HSE Regression
Variable
Beta
t(25)
p
Intercept
—
6.56
10⁻⁶
Entropy EPI Right (f)
−0.978
−2.35
0.027
Entropy EPI Right
+0.555
+0.817
0.421
Entropy EPI Frontal (f)
−0.516
−1.38
0.179
R=0.913; R²=0.834 — EPI Entropy alone explains 83.4% of HSE variance. χ²(3)=46; p<10⁻⁶; Λ Prime=0.166.
Combined EEG + EPI → HSE
When EEG spectral power (T4, P4, O1 total SPD), EEG entropy (T3), and EPI entropy (Right) are combined in the regression model, the determination of HSE reaches 92.0% — the most comprehensive model.
R=0.959
Combined Model
R²=0.920; Adjusted R²=0.903; F(5,2)=53; p<10⁻⁶; SE=1.45%
Notably, it is not the Area of EPI (reflecting the size of the bioenergetic field) but its Entropy (reflecting informational order) that drives the effect — underscoring the primacy of the negentropic information component over the purely energetic one.
Chapter III — Results
Experiment 3: Effect of KKK and Prayer on Water Light Activity
Given that approximately 4/5 of brain mass is water, and inspired by the neurotropic findings, the team hypothesised that KKK sessions might influence the biophysical properties of water — specifically its light activity (luminescence) induced by gas discharge. A canonical Christian prayer for the Consecration of water was used as a comparative/control intervention.
Four alternating sequential sessions each (KKK then Prayer) produced the following series of changes in light activity (as % of untreated control):
KKK Sessions
Session 1
+92%
Session 2
−3%
Session 3
+50%
Session 4
+143%
Christian Prayer Sessions
Session 1
+224%
Session 2
−51%
Session 3
+4%
Session 4
+133%
Father Volodymyr was entirely unsurprised by the ineffectiveness of the second and third Prayer sessions, informing the team that according to canonical rules, priests are permitted to consecrate water only once per day — providing an unexpectedly elegant canonical control.
Chapter III — Results
The Third Chakra Predicts Water Light Activity
The apparent ambiguity of the water light activity data resolved into a clear pattern once correlated with EPI parameters. The directionality and expressiveness of both KKK and Prayer effects on water were found to be determined by the state of the Third (Solar Plexus) Chakra of the senders immediately after their sessions.
Three Predictive Models for Water Light Activity
Model 1 — Third Chakra Energy: Regression from Chakra 3 energy levels predicts water light activity changes. In the previous two experiments, Chakra 3 Energy after Kata was −0.36 and −0.39, while after Reiki it was −0.11 and +0.06. Predicted increase in water light activity: KKK → 153% and 163%; Reiki → 74% and 20%.
Model 2 — Fp1 Delta SPD: SPD levels of delta rhythm in Fp1 locus: after Kata, 388 and 751 µV²/Hz; after Reiki, 26 and 119 µV²/Hz. Predicted water light activity increase: KKK → 108% and 138%; Reiki → 78% and 86%.
Model 3 — Fp1 Entropy SPD: Entropy SPD in Fp1 after Kata: 0.68 and 0.61; after Reiki: 0.89 and 0.861. Predicted increase: KKK → 102% and 119%; Reiki → 51% and 58%.
Combined Estimate (Three Models)
131%
KKK Effect on Water
Mean±SD: 131±25% increase in water light activity (M±SD across three models)
61%
Reiki Effect on Water
Mean±SD: 61±24% increase. Difference: t=4.95; p<0.01 vs. KKK.
Both effects occurred only when sessions increased delta-band SPD and decreased EEG entropy and Third Chakra energy — confirming that the negentropic-biophotonic state is the necessary condition for influencing water's biophysical properties.
Chapter IV — Discussion
Remote Neurotropic Effect: Modelling the "Tohate" Phenomenon
This study demonstrates for the first time that Kyokushin Karate Master Babelyuk, while performing Kata, can significantly influence the electrical activity of a rat hippocampal slice without any physical contact at approximately 2 metres distance — a remote neurotropic effect. This may be interpreted as modelling the "Tohate" phenomenon, since the motor response of a Receiver in traditional Taiki-practice is ultimately mediated by motor neurons.
The most congruent EEG parameter with rat HSE patterns across KKK and Reiki sessions was the total SPD in T4 locus, confirmed by correlation analysis. The coefficient of determination R² increases from 0.510 to 0.614 when SPD is log-transformed, indicating a non-linear sender–receiver relationship.
Initial Hypothesis (Brain-to-Brain EM Field)
Hosseini (2021) proposed brain-to-brain communication via electromagnetic fields. KKK-enhanced brain’s electric field at 10 cm: Alpha 48.0, Theta 25.7, Delta 12.2 µV/cm vs. Reiki 37.6, 22.6, 10.5 µV/cm. However, Claude AI 3.7 calculations show this field is too weak for detection by any human at 2 m (threshold: 1 mV/cm). Even electroreceptive sharks (5 nV/cm threshold) would respond at 9.7 m (KKK) and 8.6 m (Reiki) in air — far beyond experimental distances.
Biophoton Hypothesis (Active Factor)
Since electromagnetic fields cannot account for the observed remote effect, biophotons emitted by the brain must be considered as the active carrier. Isojima et al. (1995) demonstrated ultraweak bioluminescence from rat hippocampal slices; Kobayashi et al. (1999) showed photon emissions of 10⁻¹¹–10⁻¹² W/m² from rat brains — enhanced by hyperoxia and correlated with theta-wave power (r=0.641).
Biophotonic Transmission via Bonghan System
Brain biophotons may be transferred through meridians (Bonghan/Primo Vascular System) to acupuncture points of the fingers and from there through air and glass into water in vials and the rat hippocampal slice tray. Liu et al. (2022) demonstrated that simulated biophoton stimulation produces transsynaptic biophotonic activities and transmission in hippocampal circuits — directly explaining our data.
Chapter IV — Discussion
Bókkon's Hypothesis and the Brain Biophoton–EEG Connection
Bókkon's seminal redox molecular hypothesis proposes that electrical signals of neurons can be converted into synchronised biophoton signals by bioluminescent radical and non-radical processes — particularly in retinotopically organised cytochrome oxidase-rich visual areas. Information in the brain thus appears not only as an electrical (chemical) signal but also as a regulated biophoton (optical) signal inside neurons.
Persinger Laboratory: EEG–UPE Correlation
During "imagining white light" instructions, all 8 subjects showed a statistically significant increase in ultraweak photon emission from the right hemisphere. Correlation between QEEG power (left prefrontal) and UPE fluctuations during light imagery: r=0.95 (p<0.01). UPE correlated negatively with beta EEG power over right frontal regions — consistent with conservation of energy principles and matching our KKK findings precisely.
Ki-Energy Wavelength: ~1000 nm
Ohnishi ST & Ohnishi T identified that Ki-energy has the properties of laser light — directional with a small divergence angle, reflected by mirrors, and with a specific wavelength peak at ~1000 nm (near-infrared). Wang et al. (2016) confirmed a progressive red-shift in brain biophotons across species — up to ~865 nm in the human brain — consistent with the hypothesis that human brain biophotons have unique spectral properties enabling long-range signal transmission.
Chapter IV — Discussion
The Negentropic Factor: Information > Energy
Energy vs. Entropy: Ohnishi's Framework
Ohnishi ST & Ohnishi T proposed that Qi or Ki encompasses both physical quantities: energy (E) and entropy (S). Information is not energy — it is entropy as described by Shannon CE (1948). The relationship between information and negative entropy in living cells was first articulated by Schrödinger in What is Life? (1944).
In this study, the coefficient of determination of rat HSE by Sender Entropy (both EEG&HRV and EPI) slightly exceeded that by SPD — confirming that the informational (negentropic) factor was an even more powerful determinant of remote hippocampal influence than the biophysical (energetic) one.
Mathematically: decreased EEG Entropy reflects decreased β-rhythm SPD, which positively correlates with EPI Entropy R, R(f), and F(f) (R=0.950) but negatively with SPD of δ, α, θ in many loci (R=0.995). Thus, EEG entropy decrease is isomorphic with an increase in non-beta rhythmic power — the negentropic state.
Possible Information Transfer Mechanisms
The question of how negentropy can affect a living object — particularly a neuron — goes beyond the scope of this study. The following candidate mechanisms are proposed for future investigation:
Water Restructuring
Both intracellular and extracellular water as targets of information influence — demonstrated by increased hydrogen bond energy and photon emission after bioinfluence (Risimanski experiment; +0.64 eV increase in biophoton energy).
Ion Channels and Enzymes
Cav1.2, Cav1.3 L-type calcium channels and KCa channels in hippocampal neurons as direct targets of biophotonic signals — with demonstrated effects on synaptic plasticity and spatial memory (Moosmang et al., 2005).
Microtubule Quantum States
Biophoton–microtubule interactions causing transitions between coherent and incoherent states — with biophotons serving as carriers of neuronal information (Rahnama, Tuszynski, Bókkon et al., 2011).
Chapter IV — Discussion
Dual Mechanism: Biophotonic (Energy) + Negentropic (Information)
The proposed dual mechanism positions KKK as a unique psycho-energetic intervention that simultaneously activates both the energy (biophotonic) and informational (negentropic) channels of influence. The energy channel is mediated by increased emission of near-infrared biophotons from activated neural circuits, whilst the information channel is mediated by the systemic increase in negentropic order (decreased entropy) — detectable simultaneously in EEG, HRV, and EPI parameters.
Chapter IV — Discussion
Comparing Mental Practices: KKK, Reiki, and Prayer
Kyokushin Karate Kata (KKK)
Significantly increased EEG delta, alpha, and theta SPD — most pronounced in temporal and parietal loci. Significantly decreased beta SPD in frontal/prefrontal/central regions. Reduced both EEG spectral entropy and EPI entropy. Enhanced EPI energy characteristics. Remote effect on rat HSE: +7.5±5.1% (p significant). Estimated water light activity increase: 131±25%. Activates both biophotonic and negentropic channels.
Wystąpił błąd podczas generowania tego obrazu
Reiki
EEG spectral parameters practically did not differ from reference values. EPI entropy did not significantly deviate from reference. HRV entropy increased (opposite direction to KKK). Remote effect on rat HSE: −0.5±4.8% (ineffective). Estimated water light activity: 61±24%. Reiki was found to affect a number of human EEG parameters in a separate experiment, confirming that its mechanism differs qualitatively rather than quantitatively from KKK's hippocampal effect.
Canonical Christian Prayer
Water light activity changes were of comparable magnitude to KKK (first session: +224%). The effect was contingent on the same physiological conditions: increased delta-band SPD and decreased EEG entropy and Third Chakra energy — suggesting a shared biophysical substrate despite entirely different cultural-spiritual forms. Father Volodymyr confirmed canonical limitations on water consecration frequency (once daily), providing an elegant natural control.
Chapter V — Conclusions
Key Findings at a Glance
EEG Signature of KKK
Marked enhancement in alpha and delta band power in temporal (T3, T4), parietal (P3, P4), and occipital loci; simultaneous decrease in beta band power and spectral entropy throughout the recording montage.
Remote Neurotropic Effect
KKK induces a statistically significant increase in rat hippocampal synaptic efficacy (+7.5±5.1%) from 2 metres distance. Effect persists for ≥11 minutes post-session. Reiki is ineffective under identical conditions (−0.5±4.8%).
Predictive Power of EEG
Multiple EEG features predict hippocampal activity with high precision. Spectral power density explains 87.6% of HSE variance (R=0.936). EEG and HRV entropy jointly explain 93.2% (R=0.965).
Negentropic Dominance
Beta EEG activity negatively correlates with hippocampal efficacy (11 of 16 loci). EPI entropy predicts HSE independently (R²=0.834). Entropy reduction reflects a systemic negentropic (ordering) influence of KKK — the information factor exceeds the energetic factor.
Water Biophysics
KKK and Prayer both significantly increase the light activity of distilled water, contingent on simultaneously increased delta SPD and decreased EEG entropy and Third Chakra energy. KKK estimated increase: 131±25%; Reiki 61±24% (t=4.95; p<0.01).
Systemic Multilevel Modality
KKK functions as a multilevel psychophysiological modality with measurable systemic coherence — demonstrating more pronounced effects than Reiki and effects equal to Prayer, observable through objective neurophysiological and biophysical parameters.
Chapter V — Conclusions
Theoretical Implications: East Meets West
Western Paradigm Interpretation
Within the Western framework, the causal chain proceeds from brain electrical activity → sympathetic cholinergic nerves → electrical conductivity of acupuncture points of the fingertips → Area and Entropy of EPI. Brain-generated biophotons (correlated with EEG delta/theta power) are emitted through the skull and scalp, travel through the Bonghan meridian system to fingertips, and project into the external environment — where they can interact with biological (hippocampal slice) and physical (water) receivers.
Liu et al. (2022) provided direct experimental support for this mechanism, demonstrating transsynaptic biophotonic activities and transmission in hippocampal circuits using simulated biophotons — with activity and transmission characteristics related to spectra and intensities, not to pre-existing membrane potentials.
Eastern Paradigm Interpretation
Within the Eastern framework, the primary factor is vital energy (qi/ki/prana), flowing through Chakras and acupuncture meridians (Bonghan's newly described primo vascular system) to regulate brain activity and all organ functions. The EPI Entropy of the Third Chakra proved to be the single best predictor of water light activity changes — suggesting that Chakra-mediated energetic states have objectively measurable downstream consequences.
Both paradigms are mathematically compatible within this dataset: the canonical correlations R=0.948 (EEG↔EPI) and R=0.913 (EPI entropy→HSE) confirm that bioenergetic parameters measured by GDV/EPI are genuine physiological correlates, bridging the conceptual frameworks of East and West.
Schrödinger's Unifying Principle: Since it is difficult to understand how reducing the strength of a factor could enhance its influence on a physiological process, the authors propose that the operating factor is not Entropy per se, but Negentropy — consistent with Schrödinger's foundational concept that life is characterised by its capacity to extract order from its environment.
Research Team
Authors and Institutional Affiliations
V.E. Babelyuk, PhD
Head Doctor, Clinical Sanatorium "Moldova", Truskavets', Ukraine. Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Data Curation, Writing. ORCID: 0009-0004-2156-5606
I.L. Popovych, PhD (Corresponding)
Senior Research Fellow, Kozyavkin International Rehabilitation Clinic, Truskavets', Ukraine & International Academy of Ecology and Medicine, Kyiv. ORCID: 0000-0002-5664-5591
R.S. Vastianov, DSc, Prof.
Head of Dept. of General and Clinical Pathophysiology, National Medical University, Odesa, Ukraine. Formal Analysis, Review & Editing. ORCID: 0000-0001-5108-1945
I.V. Savytskyi, DSc, Prof.
Rector, International Academy of Ecology and Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine. Formal Analysis, Review & Editing. ORCID: 0000-0003-5841-9992
Y.G. Dobrovolsky, DSc, Prof.
Dept. of Computer Systems Software, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine. Inventor of the discharge-optical device; Investigation. ORCID: 0000-0002-1248-3615
W. Zukow, DSc, Dr hab.
Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Economy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland. Validation, Visualisation. ORCID: 0000-0002-7675-6117
Additional contributors: T.A. Korolyshyn, VMD (HRV and EEG recording); G.I. Dubkova, PhD (EPI/GDV registration); S.M. Holubinka (Reiki practitioner, Experiment 1). Special gratitude to Artur Romanov, PhD (Bohomolets' Institute of Physiology) for rat hippocampal slice electrophysiology, and to Father Volodymyr for participation in Experiment 3.
Publication and Data
Published Work and Data Availability
Primary Publication
Babelyuk VE, Popovych IL, Vastianov RS, et al. Neurotropic and biophysics effects of mental practices. Focus on Kyokushin Karate Kata. International Neurological Journal (Ukraine). 2025; Vol. 21, No. 8. , Р. 21-43. 2025. doi: 10.22141/2224-0713.21.8.2025.1224
Related Publication
Babelyuk V, Popovych I, Smoleńska O, et al. Neurotropic effects of distilled water real exposed to Kyokushin Karate katas. Neurotropic Resonance: Biophotonic Information Transfer through Kyokushin Karate-Exposed Water. J Phys Educ Sport. 2025;25(3):440-459. doi: 10.7752/jpes.2025.03049.
Preliminary Communication
Babelyuk VYe, et al. Operator of Kyokushin Karate via Katas increases synaptic efficacy in the rat Hippocampus… J Phys Educ Sport. 2017;17(1):383-393. doi: 10.7752/jpes.2017.01057.
Data Availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request:
Igor L. Popovych, PhD in Medicine Kozyavkin International Rehabilitation Clinic Pomyretska st., 37, Truskavets, 82200, Ukraine
Funding and Conflicts
This research received no specific funding from public, commercial, or non-for-profit funding agencies. The authors declare no competing interests.
Statistical Software
Microsoft Excel 2016; Statistica 6.4 (StatSoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA); Claude AI 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic, USA) — used for selected computational modelling tasks (e.g., electromagnetic field decay calculations).
Thank You
Neurology-2026 | 12th International Conference on Neurology and Neurological Disorders June 22–24, 2026 · Hotel Alimara, Barcelona, Spain
"Findings support the proposed hypothesis of a dual — biophotonic (energy-mediated) and negentropic (information-mediated) — mechanism underlying KKK's effects, observable through objective neurophysiological and biophysical parameters. Compared to other mental practices, KKK demonstrated more pronounced (vs. Reiki) or equal (vs. Prayer) systemic influence."
Corresponding Author
Igor L. Popovych, PhD i.l.popovych@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0002-5664-5591
First Author
Valeriy E. Babelyuk, PhD valeriybabelyk64@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0004-2156-5606
Conference Contact
Sara Bonvini, Conference Manager neuro@magnusconference.com Phone: +1 (702) 988-2320
KEYWORDS: MENTAL PRACTICES · KYOKUSHIN KARATE KATA · EEG · EPI/GDV · ENTROPY · BIOPHOTONS · HIPPOCAMPAL SYNAPTIC EFFICACY · NEGENTROPY · WATER LIGHT ACTIVITY