SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 1)

Qi and Qigong
All beings and all things in the universe are connected with each other and influence
each other. Human-beings, natural environment, and society are considered to be
united whole. Therefore, The life force of human beings is strengthened if they are in
harmony with the nature and the society. Qi is considered to be such life energy
existing far and wide in the universe and Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to
cultivate and balance qi. Typically a Qigong practice involves rhythmic breathing
coordinated with slow stylized repetition of fluid movement, a calm mindful state, and
visualization of guiding qi through the body. Qigong is now practiced throughout China
and worldwide, and is considered by some to be exercise, and by others to be a type of
alternative medicine or meditative practice. From a philosophical perspective Qigong is
believed to help develop human potential, allow access to higher realms of awareness,
and awaken ones true nature.

Sato Method
There are many Qigong techniques and methods and most of them were developed in
China. However, the spiritual Qigong was developed in Japan by Mr. M. Sato and,
accordingly, it is now called Sato Method. According to Mr. Sato, it is significantly
different from the ordinary Qigong on the following three points:

In case of the ordinary Qigong, qi comes into the body from the outside world. In
case of the spiritual Qigong , however, qi comes from the inner realm and wells up
in the body.

In case of the ordinary Qigong, we bring in qi into our body with breathing &
imaging techniques. In case of the spiritual Qigong, however, qi wells up in the
body only by an awareness of it without the need for such techniques.

In case of the ordinary Qigong, the centroid of qi comes down to the dantian
(hypo gastric region). In case of the spiritual Qigong, however, it comes down to
the sole. The centroid of qi here means the center core or root of qi.

Contraction Qi and Expansion Qi (According to Mr. Sato)

The contraction qi works on incarnating the consciousness and the
expansion qi works on spiritualization, opening up the consciousness from the body.
We humankind get

Ordinary Qigog

Sato Method

benefits from the contraction qi to live our life. On the other hand, we receive the
benefits of the expansion qi when we come to the end of our life. It is no exaggeration
to say that the world subsists on the basis of the balance of contraction qi and the
expansion qi. The Sato Method is based on these two kinds of qiand helps in
a process of healing the body, heart and mind by making the best use of their
respective features.
The contraction qi affects the sympathetic nerve. It enhances energy metabolism of
the body and stamina. Mentally, it raises our motivation and elevates our feeling and
positiveness. The expansion qi, on the other hand, acts on the parasympathetic
division and suppresses energy metabolism of the body. It enhances the effect of
sound sleep and removes physical fatigue of the day by lowering the energy

metabolism down to the basal metabolism as much as possible. Mentally, it provides

for comfort and tranquility.
Diseases of our time, either physical or mental, are not cured just by raising the energy
metabolism. Rather, we can enhance our natural healing ability by suppressing
the energy metabolism, with the consequence that our body and brain are put to rest,
thus thoroughly opening up our body and mind . One of key merits of Sato Method is
that it can enhance and suppress the energy metabolism of the body through a gentle
approach.

Further Potentiality of Sato Method (According to Mr. Sato)

One of key characteristics of Sato Method is that anyone can easily master it with selftraining. Once it is done, the following salient effects are expected.

Recovery from disease

Health improvement

Self-development

Mental exaltation

Improvement in concentration

Sato Method has another feature that is very unique. According to Mr. Sato, it enables
out-of-body experiences in a safe and relaxed condition.

SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 2)
The contraction qi and the expansion qi of the internal and
external worlds

The ordinary Qigong is based on the contraction qi and the expansion qi of the
external world. The qi of the external world naturally comes into our body in
conjunction with our breathing.

Left: Warm Modecontraction qi being predominant

Right: Cool Mode

expansion qi being predominant

However, it is difficult to feel the qi because five senses play a central role in our daily
life. The qi can be felt only with the sixth sense in our daily life and it is developed by
Qigong training and/or other disciplining.
The contraction qi of the external world can be called into our body through
concentration of our consciousness on the dantian (hypo gastric region). On the other
hand, the expansion qi can be called into our body through breathing, especially longlasting expiration. In actuality, the qi is maneuvered by breathing with the
consciousness concentrated on the dantian. The Qigong exercise done at a culture
center and other learning places is based on such method.
With the Qigong training continued for several or dozens of years, some people can
awaken the third eye and maneuver the qi without breathing. The third eye is called
Ajna Chakra in yoga. while the contraction qi is called in through concentration of
consciousness on the dantian, the third eye works effectively in attracting the
expansion qi . It may be the case where our brain cells inactive at normal times go
into action at one burst when we go beyond physical and mental limits by consciously

straining our sympathetic nerve in excess based on the Qigong training and/or other
disciplining.
The people whose third eye is awakened are of three types: (1) those having achieved
it through the Qigong training and/or other disciplining; (2) those having naturally
acquired it; (3) those having developed it triggered by near-death experience,
temporarily becoming anomalous.
Being different from the one of the external world, the contraction qi of the internal
world moderately activates the mind and physical body, generating the mental power.
It is, so to speak, a state of sympathetic nervous tone. In terms of the brain wave, it is a
state of alpha rhythm. Furthermore, the contraction qi of the internal world gently
leads our mind and physical body into sound sleep, bringing us peace and comfort.
This is a state of strained parasympathetic nerve. In terms of brain wave, it represents
the delta rhythm.
The measurement of skin temperature reveals that the lower half and the upper half of
the body get warm and somewhat cool, respectively, when the contraction qi is
predominant. This represents the warm mode. On the other hand, the upper half and
the lower half of the body get cool and moderately warm, respectively, when the
expansion qi is predominant. It represents the cool mode. These modes mean, so
to say, keeping our head cool and our feet warm. Such Qigong feeling, by itself, is
sufficient proof that contraction qi and the expansion qi are fused together. These
modes are called the analogue mode en bloc. In contrast with it, the digital mode
refers to the contraction qi and the expansion qi numerically converted.

SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 3)

The Centroid of Qi Comes Down to the Sole

While the life force is represented by the sum of the contraction qi and the
expansion qi , there exists another important integrant. It is the centroid of qi .
Speaking of the word centroid, many people may think it as physical weight. However,
the centroid of qi is totally different from it. The qi has no weight and,
therefore, centroid could be thought of as the center core or root in this case. You can
also imagine it as the place where the qi is shed or as the foundation of the qi. It
is felt as if the sole has become a suction disk or the like.
SATO Methods point of view is that you are highly steady-handed when the centroid
of qi resides in the sole. That is to say, you are physically and mentally sound in such
condition. As the centroid of qi goes up, you are becoming unsteady and unsound.
In other words, the sum of the contraction qi and the expansion qi (i.e. the life
force ) and the position of the centroid of qi go hand-in-hand with your health
condition.
Centroid
ofqi
Sole

Contraction
qi
50%
80%

Expansion
qi
30%

Health condition

Ideal work-mode.

Knee

45%

25%

Normal physically and mentally.

70%
Abdominal

40%

20%

60%
Shoulder

30%

10%

Nearly unhealthy, having some

subjective symptoms.

10%

Doctors diagnosis is necessary.

40%
Head

20%
30%

In the case of SATO Method, the first target is set to be achieving the 60 % life force to
get rid of such ill condition (i.e. 30% life force). Its ultimate goal is to attain the ideal
health condition, i.e. contraction qi 50% + expansion qi 30% = life force 80%, with the
centroid of qi residing in the sole. This is the ideal work-mode. When your centroid
of qi resides in the center of the universe, you have 100% life force and, at that time,
you are one with Something Great.
Mr. W.H. has kindly summarized differences between the Chinese-style Qigong and the
SATO Method as follows. He is a Qigong therapist having undergone Chinese-style
Qigong discipline for a long time.
1.

The SATO Method can be quickly learned. However, the basic process is of
importance the same as the Chinese-style Qigong and its essence is also the
same.

2.

Potential responses against a change for the better are seldom experienced.
Even if such responses come out, they are mild and moderate.

3.

No need to be conscious of breathing maneuver. Even without regard to it, your

breathing is naturally getting deep and quiet

4.

Bad qi or vibes are not generated.

5.

Details on the SATO Method including research papers are publishe

SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 4)
Out-of-body Experience

Out-of-body experience

SATO Method enables out-of-body experiences in a safe, relaxed condition. Approx.

300 people had this experience in the 1990s.

Real Experience Theory vs. In-the-brain Phenomenon Theory

The out-of-body experience is interpreted in two different ways. One is that the out-ofbody experience is the real experience of the afterworld and the other is that it only is
the image created within the brain. The former is called the real experience theory and

the latter is called the in-the-brain phenomenon theory. It is difficult to unilaterally

determine which is right. Depending on the interpretation, either view holds good.
However, there exists one point of contention where the real experience theory is of
advantage.
It is the case where the information unknowable by ordinary method was obtained by
out-of-body experience . One of its examples is that Luukanen Kilde had an out-of-body
experience in the Lapland, having seen his mother sewing a dress with a flower pattern
and his sister going out on a date with her boyfriend. These were done at his parents
home in Helsinki that is four miles away. Another example is an out-of-body experience
of Barbara Harris when she had incontinence in a circle bed. During that experience,
she saw a nurse having done her job just by dropping that underwear into a dryer
without washing it.

Out-of-body Experience without Near-death

On the other hand, Mr. Takashi Tachibana stated about the out-of-body experiences
without near-death. He is a Japanese journalist, nonfiction writer as well as critic. Mr.
Tachibana has been consistently retained an interest in issues associated with life and
death from early childhood. He has also continued holding interest in the essence of
human existence. For this reason, he has been writing under various themes from a
number of different sectors that are seemingly considered to be dis-related. The
following is the case of Mr. K.K. who is a male of 36 years old living in Asahikawa,
Hokkaido, Japan.
It was when I was in the fifth grade of elementary school. I was just lying in the bed;
however, I was neither hurt nor ill. I was definitely not to have a near-death experience
as I was not on the point of death. Nevertheless, I did have it. When I was awaken, I
wan floating on air in the room, looking down at myself. I did not understand the reason
why I was there seeing down to myself lying in the bed. Then, I was rapidly going up
and stopped, again looking down. Then, I was back inside of the room, seeing down to

my body. I thought of various ways to go back into my body and tried them, but in vain.
Lastly, I concentrated all my thoughts on an action of going back. Then, I quickly
returned to my body. I continued to have a clear sensorium even after that, not like
having awaken from my dream. [Source: "Near-death experience" by Takashi
Tachibana, published by Bungei-shunjuh]
This is, on its own, almost equal to the near-death experience. In this case, however,
he was not faced with major challenges to his survival at all. It really raises a
fundamental questionwhat is the near-death experience in the first place?

Many people have had out-of-body experiences in safety with the

SATO Method.
The out-of-body experiences by SATO Method are categorized as those without neardeath. There is, however, a unique case of having had out-of-body experiences similar
to the near-death experience. Like the near-death experience, the qigong is
categorized into the yet-to-be-defined science. There seem to be many cases where
the qigong is mix up with hypnosis. On the other hand, a specific example has also
been reported, in which differences between out-of-body experiences by the SATO
Method and hypnosis had been partially clarified.
While the qi in itself has not been scientifically clarified, it has been confirmed that the
cerebral blood flow in the hippocampus and the periphery of amygdala had been
increased by the action of qigong. It has also been ascertained that, as an effect to the
endocrine system, the amount of noradrenaline cortisol had been significantly
decreased and that the relaxing effect had been enhanced with the NK-cell activated.
While the out-of-body experiences by SATO Method are currently in the research
phase, the near-death experience may have something to do with the SATO Method.
As mentioned at the outset of this article, approx. 300 people had out-of-body
experiences through the SATO Method and they provided a lot of information on the

afterlife, previous life, micro-world in the human body, realities of the universe,
historical facts, etc. Its interesting to note that when such people were linked with the
realm before the birth of the universe, many of them perceived it to be filled with the
white light and ultrafine particulate energy, though the Big Bang theory is currently most
prevailing. During their out-of-body experiences, they all constantly felt tranquility and
joy. They also felt themselves naturally giving off light, just being filled with gratitude. It
appears that the realm before the birth of the universe represents Something
Great. The notion, Something Great, was set up by honorary professor K. Murakami of
the University of Tsukuba, Japan who is renowned in the study of genes.
The SATO Method has made a rapid progress with the qi of the internal world having
been made more powerful. Especially, the power of the contraction qi that stabilizes
the body has been enhanced. As a result, the out-of-body experience by SATO Method
have evolved to those that are healthier and more stable. In 2013, experiments on outof-body phenomena are to be made in collaboration with experts in the medical science,
physics and other related fields

SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 5)
The Universe composed of Two Realms
The great life force (i.e. contraction qi & expansion qi) is pumped into our physical
body and conscious mind. Where does it come from? In the SATO Method, this great
life force is called Something Great. The universe was created by Something Great.
It represents the source of eternal life, birth parent of the conscious mind, and the
absolute being from which tsustenance is indiscriminately pumped into the conscious
mind going on a journey. Kazuo Murakami, Honorary Professor of the University of

Tsukuba spread the designation of Something Great in the world. He is considered a

world authority on the genetic research.
At the time of universe creation, Something Great created the two major realms, i.e.
visible and invisible ones. They can be considered the realm of consciousness and the
one of unconsciousness. While the cycle of reincarnation was repeatedly
experienced thereafter, another invisible realm was created in the invisible realm. It is
so-called the shallow invisible realm. Some researchers classify it as personal invisible
realm or collective unconsciousness realm. Barbara Brennnan, a world-famous
scientist, considers these three major realms to be: (1) physical realm, (2) unworldly
realm of bodily layer, and (3) unworldly realm of spiritual layer.

Out-of-Body Experiences contributing to the Evolution of

Consciousness
In concrete terms, a tunnel-like image invariably comes in before out-of-body
experience, allowing a sense of entering that tunnel. Mr. Sato calls it as the first tunnel.
After passing through this first tunnel, those having out-of-body experiences become
aware of themselves being in the universe or in the marvels of nature. In some cases,
they also see the entire picture of the tunnel that is long and in the shape of thin
cord. In some other cases, they stumble across the Milky Way Galaxy and go into the
deep space, observing the complete picture of galactic group and/or largescale
structure of the universe. Or, they sometimes make a time travel backward
visiting some historical sites, or entering a physical body, having a glimpse of various
organs and/or cells.
Then, the second tunnel appears in the exising universe or in the great nature after
passing through the first tunnel. This remarkably resembles the tunnel experienced
during near-death. As compared to the first one, the second tunnel is considered
to allow a higher spiritual sense.

After going through the second tunnel, those having out-of-body experiences come
into a more spiritual realm that reflects profound inner self. They find themselves
uniting with the universe, feeling its vibration and/or the beat of their soul. Furthermore,
they are awakened to the true nature of their consciousness and become aware of the
reason why they have to incarnate and make spiritual learning.
In Mr. Satos view, the evolution of human consciousness will be made through
such experiences.

SATO Method enables Self-enlightenment in addition to Healing.

Bodily ills, diseases of the mind, inability to exhibit competence, incapability to provide
an idea, etc. are all due to lack of power. When the body, eyes, mind, etc. are
overtaxed, the sympathetic nerve is excessively strained with energy exhausted. Then,
deficiency in power is caused. It also menas that the beta wave has been overworked.
Those who always have good physical strength and mental toughness do themselves
justice while taking in power with their sympathetic nerve being in a predominant
position. Generally speaking, we can sleep deeply, work relaxed, and eat cheerfully
if our sympathetic nerve is predominant. However, many people have a hard time doing
it.
SATO Method enables such people to energize themselves, making it possible to fully
tap their potential.
In concrete terms, the alpha wave and the delta wave become predominant in case
of the warm mode and the cool mode, respectively. Furthermore, if we are in the deep
meditative state or if the centroid of qi comes down to somewhere below the sole,
such three kinds of wave as alpha, theta, and delta simultaneously appear at the frontal
lobe. At that time, enormous power wells up from inside the body, making it possible
to do good work with enough strength in reserve. In this case, out-of-body experiences
are referred to as the ultimate level of performance.

If such body sensation can be maintained with self-training, a new potential is expected
to develop in various kinds of sports that have so far been based only on the power
training.

The Universe composed of Two Realms

SATO METHOD: Unique Qigong

originated in Japan (Part 6)

Mr. M. Sato

Five Senses classified into Three Kinds

SATO Method classifies the five senses into three kinds.
The first kind: Senses enjoyed even by those with the centroid of qi located in the
upper part of their body. With such senses, we feel warm when we have a bath with
hot water. In gneral, such senses are called ordinary five senses.
The second kind: Senses with which we can feel the qi from the external
realm. These senses work when we receive qigong/healing treatment or when we visit
powerspots.
The third kind: Senses with which we can feel the qi from the internal
realm. Such qi from the unconscious realm warps into inside of our body and is
recognized by our brain as five senses.
An experiment was conducted with cooperation from SATO Method patients. A mat that
emits far-infrared waves is spread underneath the bed for qi treatment. It makes the
patients feel warm while receiving the qi treatment. Those with the centroid of qi
having lowered to the sole felt that the lower part of their body is warm with qi from the
internal realm. This is so-called the state of keeping their head cool and their feet
warm. They also felt that the surface of their body had been wrapped in a warm veil
with the qi from the externl realm. The feel, however, was that the warmth caused
by the far-infrared rays had been radiated directly toward their back and waist having
been in contact with the bed.

This indicates that the patients under qi treatment get three types of sensation: (1) the
one most superficially felt, (2) the one as if wrapped in a veil, and (3) the one felt inside
of the body. It means that the mateial world we live in is perceived with the five senses
that are most corporeal and superficial. It also signifies that the material world really is
the base of the existence of our physical body.

How to live a balnced life in the material world

SATO Method is based on the qi from the internal realm and the one from the external
realm. The centroid of qi comes in three types: (1) the one located at the sole, (2)
located at the center of the Earth, and (3) located at the center of the universe. Their
respective physical sensation caused by the qi from the internal realm and by the one
from the external realm is described in more detail below.
At the sole: The qi from the internal realm ripples inside of our body, keeping our head
cool and our feet warm. In case of the one from the external realm, the surface of the
body is wrapped in a thin, warm veil.
At the center of the Earth: In case of the qi from the internal realm, inside of our body
becomes hollowed out and transparent. In case of the qi from the external realm, the
surface of the body is wrapped in a thick veil.
At the center of the Universe: In case of the qi from the internal realm, physical
sensation is lost and we feel to be wrapped in a large sphere. If we get deep into
the center of the Universe, the possibility of having out-of-body experience is
enhanced. The consciousness entirely shifts toward the sole and the third eye is calmly
awakened. This is one of characteristics of the SATO Method. While some people
have certain images springing to their mind, other people havent. The latter people say
that, with a feeling of flotation, they had a thought that they really are the sole.
The SATO Method emphasizes that these three kinds of physical sensation are very
important to live a balanced life in the material world. Mr. Sato recently thought that the

most superficial physical sensation is the state where the munimum required
external qi is working on the physical body. According to those practising the SATO
Method, they have ordinary sensation when the centroid of qi is located at their head.
When they are under this condition, they feel neither the external qi nor
internal qi. When Mr. Sato heard it, he had a flash of inspiration that we are conscious
when the external qi is working on the physical body. It is likened to the computer
mechanism where some software is written in its hardware.
When the centroid of qi comes down to the sole, we feel that the surface of our body
is wrapped in a warm veil. This is the generl external qi different from the one minimum
required. It is the same as what is generated by Chinese external qigong, or by healing
treatment, or at power spots. On the other hand, the internal qi wells up inside of the
body and extends like a ripple, keeping our head cool and our feet warm. Different from
the external qi, however, it is felt to be based on the very deep level of consciousness.
It may be regarded as unconsciousness.

Mr. Satos personal views on life and death

The physicl body is no more than material. It is presumed that the consciousness is first
created when the external qi has worked on the material. Then, that material ceases to
exist when its life is ended. At that time, however, the qi from the external realm that
has created the consciousness only remains.
When death comes, life is switched from the external qi to the internal qi and the
consciousness shifts from the physical body to the sole. At that time, the door of the
internal realm is opened and the sole is led to the shining realm of light. When such
switch-over does not go well, however, the consciousness having depended on the
minimum required external qi remains in the material world, though the physical body
has ceased to exist. This may be the so-called possession phenomenon. Those who
have received SATO Method treatment have experienced both the internal qi and the

external qi; therefore, their life force will be smoothly switched over when their death
comes