Hunyuan zhuang improves interoception: evidence from an expert-novice study and a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Hunyuan Zhuang, a Chinese practice combining posture, breathing, and mental focus, improves the ability to sense internal body signals. In a cross-sectional study, experts outperformed novices in interoceptive accuracy and sensitivity, and both groups showed acute gains during Hunyuan Zhuang compared to control postures. A randomized controlled trial found that eight weeks of training significantly improved these abilities, while a control group did not change. The findings support Hunyuan Zhuang as a non-pharmacological intervention for interoceptive dysfunction, bridging traditional practices with modern neuroscience.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Interoceptive dysfunction represents a critical therapeutic target across multiple health domains. Contemporary interventions demonstrate limitations in efficacy and specificity, while traditional mind-body practices present empirically underexplored yet theoretically promising alternatives. This investigation systematically evaluates the psychophysiological effects of Hunyuan Zhuang, a Chinese integrative practice synthesizing postural alignment, respiratory modulation, and cognitive engagement. Two complementary experimental paradigms were implemented to examine acute and longitudinal impacts on interoceptive processing. Study 1 adopted a cross-sectional expert-novice comparative design to assess acute performance advantages in interoceptive accuracy (IAc) and sensitivity (IS) of Hunyuan Zhuang versus contractive/neutral postural conditions. Results demonstrated experts’ superior IAc and IS across conditions, with both cohorts exhibiting acute enhancement during Hunyuan Zhuang compared to control postures. Study 2 employed a randomized controlled trial to investigate 8-week longitudinal training effects. The intervention group manifested significant IAc and IS improvements, whereas controls maintained stable performance. Through mechanistic elucidation, this research advances non-pharmacological interoceptive intervention strategies while establishing empirical foundations for traditional Chinese martial arts. This dual advancement enables integration of ancestral cultivation practices within modern neurocognitive paradigms while maintaining cultural integrity.