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Original Article · Originalarbeit
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd 2005;12:000–000 Published online: November 8, 2005
DOI: 10.1159/000088624
Biomedical Evidence of Influence of Geopathic Zones on
the Human Body: Scientifically Traceable Effects and
Ways of Harmonization
Gerhard W. Hacker
a
Elisabeth Pawlak
a, c
Gernot Pauser
b
Gottfried Tichy
d
Hermann Jell
e
Gabriele Posch
c
Günther Kraibacher
c
Alfred Aigner
f
Jörg Hutter
g
a
Institute for Frontier Questions of Medicine and Biotechnology, St. Johanns-Hospital, Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK);
b
Dept. of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Critical Care, St. Johanns-Hospital, SALK and Paracelsus Medical University (PMU),
Salzburg;
c
Geowave Research, Salzburg;
d
Department of Geography, Geology and Mineralogy, University of Salzburg;
e
Division of Environmental Technology Safety, Department of Town Planning and Building Authority, Salzburg;
f
Institute of Sportsmedicine, SALK and Institute of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sportsmedicine, PMU, Salzburg;
g
Dept. of Surgery, St. Johanns-Hospital, SALK and PMU, Salzburg, Austria
Key Words
Geopathic Zones · Geopathic stress · Water veins · Gas discharge
visualization · GDV · Compensation · Harmonization
Summary
Background: Empiric knowledge of the existence of geopathic zones
(‘water veins’ etc) is probably as old as humankind. It has often been tried
to experimentally detect direct influences on the body. However, so far,
there have been no publications in accepted biomedical journals. The tar-
get of this study was to verify influences of 2 different zones above ground
on the human body and to test a device for which pilot studies have indi-
cated a potential harmonizing effect in this context. Materials and Methods:
Using a randomized, non-clinical, double-blinded trial design, 52 persons
were tested with a gas discharge visualization (GDV) system whilst staying
on 2 zones with or without the Geowave
®
device (Geowave-Research,
Salzburg, Austria). The 2 zones investigated had been dowsed by experi-
enced professional dowsers and labeled with black dots in a non-persua-
sive manner, thereby blindly representing areas of geopathy or more neu-
tral zones. The main analytical parameter was the GDV glow image area
(area of glow). Complementary calculated parameters were spatial fractali-
ty, corona projections and corona diagrams. Results: In the geopathic zone,
the detected areas of glow were statistically significantly smaller than in the
more neutral zone. With the Geowave blindly mounted in an adjacent room
of the above story, a marked increase of the glow image area was found in
both zones. The corona projections showed well-recognizable points of
body energy deficits in the geopathic zone, mostly associated with the lym-
phatic system, the cardiovascular system and the pineal gland, which were
– to a distinctly lesser degree – also present in the more neutral zone. The
device tested yielded compensation or harmonization in both zones in
most of the test persons. Conclusion: The significant differences in the
physical area of glow parameter, which were also noticed for the comple-
mentary parameters analyzed, lead to the conclusion that the 2 different
zones within the same room (geopathic vs. more neutral zone) exerted dif-
ferent influences on the human body, which may have caused a geopathic
stress phenomenon. As a result, individually different retardation of the im-
mune system and other organs may occur. The device tested in both zones
showed harmonizing effects, which may help to compensate some influ-
ences of geopathy and possibility also superimposed stressors derived
from certain other sources, such as technical electromagnetic fields.
Schlüsselwörter
Geopathische Störzonen · Geopathischer Stress · Wasseradern ·
Gasentladungs-Visualisierung · GDV · Ausgleichsmassnahmen ·
Harmonisierung
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund: Empirisches Wissen um die Existenz geopathischer Störzo-
nen (unter anderem «Wasseradern») ist vermutlich so alt wie die Mensch-
heit. Die Publikation eines Nachweises möglicher Wirkungen in anerkann-
ten medizinischen Zeitschriften steht bisher aus. Ziele der vorliegenden Ar-
beit waren der Versuch, standortabhängige Einflüsse auf den Menschen zu
belegen und eine Vorrichtung zu testen, der man ausgleichende Wirkung
nachsagt. Material und Methoden: In einer randomisierten, nichtklinischen
Doppelblindstudie wurden 52 Testpersonen unter Verwendung der Gasent-
ladungs-Visualisierung (GDV) an je zwei Standorten mit und ohne Geowa-
ve
®
-Vorrichtung (Geowave-Research, Salzburg, Österreich) untersucht. Die
beiden Messstandorte waren zuvor von erfahrenen Radiästheten «gemu-
tet» und die gefundenen geopathischen Störzonen bzw. neutraleren Zonen
auf dem Boden nichtpersuasiv mit schwarzen Punkten markiert worden.
Als Hauptanalyseparameter diente die Gasentladungsfläche (glow image
area). Ergänzend wurden auch die spatiale Fraktalität, Corona-Projektionen
und Corona-Diagramme einbezogen. Ergebnisse: Auf der geopathischen
Zone fanden sich statistisch hochsignifikant kleinere Werte der Gasentla-
dungsfläche als auf der neutraleren Zone. War die Geowave-Vorrichtung im
Nebenraum montiert, fand sich auf beiden Zonen eine hochsignifikante
Vergrösserung der Gasentladungsfläche. Bei den Corona-Projektionen und
-Diagrammen fanden sich auf der Störzone gut erkennbare Einbrüche, zu-
meist in den Bereichen, die mit dem lymphatischen System, dem Herz-
Kreislauf-System und dem Pinealorgan assoziiert werden. Auf der neutra-
leren Zone waren diese als Energiedefizite gewerteten Glow-Verminderun-
gen weniger stark ausgeprägt. Die Verwendung der Geowave-Vorrichtung
führte bei den meisten Probanden zu einem deutlich erkennbaren Aus-
gleich auf beiden Zonen. Schlussfolgerung: Die dargestellten Unterschiede
bezüglich der Gasentladungsfläche, welche sich analog auch bei den ande-
ren Parametern deutlich zeigten, lassen den Schluss zu, dass an beiden
unterschiedlichen Aufenthaltsorten im gleichen Raum (geopathische Stör-
zone vs. neutralere Zone) tatsächlich unterschiedliche Einflüsse auf den
Menschen vorhanden waren, die besonders im Fall der Störzone ein geo-
pathisches Stressphänomen bewirkt haben. Damit einhergehend wurden
individuell unterschiedliche Belastungen des Immunsystems und einiger
anderer Organsysteme angezeigt. Die untersuchte Vorrichtung zeigte auf
beiden Standorten messbar harmonisierende Effekte, mit denen bestimmte
Aspekte äusserer geopathischer Einflüsse sowie anderer überlagernder
(z.B. elektromagnetischer) Belastungen ausgeglichen werden dürften.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerhard W. Hacker
Forschungsinstitut für Grund- und Grenzfragen
der Medizin und Biotechnologie, St. Johanns-Spital, SALK
Muellner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Österreich
Tel. +43 662 4482-3180, Fax -865
E-mail g.hacker@salk.at; www.med-grenzfragen.at
© 2005 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
Accessible online at:
www.karger.com/fkm
Fax +49 761 4 52 07 14
E-mail Information@Karger.de
www.karger.com
Introduction
The influence of geopathic zones on the human body has not
yet been proven by scientifically accepted techniques. The ex-
istence of the phenomenon has been known for a few thou-
sand years, maybe even since the early roots of humankind.
Publications presenting scientific evidence of directly measur-
able effects of presumed geopathic zones on the human body
are very rare, but numerous harmful and sometimes beneficial
effects have been reported in ‘public’ literature [1–6]. Dows-
ing, a valuable and low-cost way of detecting potential wells
and circumventing effects of possible geopathy, e.g. in bed-
rooms, is being used all over the world. However, only few
studies exist dealing with the abilities of dowsers in a scientific
way. The ‘Munich Barn Experiments’ and extensive field stud-
ies on the dowsing phenomenon conducted by an interdiscipli-
nary research team during the 1980’s and 1990’s still is consid-
ered the current state of the art as regards the usability of
dowsing for finding water access [7–11]. Possible influences at-
tributed to geopathy phenomena have been widely reported
by the mass media, albeit without scientific proof. Apparently,
geopathy does not only influence humans but all kinds of ani-
mals, plants, fungi and bacteria. Geopathic stress is thought to
be related to different kinds of natural radiation, at least in
part rising up from the ground. Some of the effects appear to
be associated with naturally occurring streams of underground
water and with bands of interference fields on the surface.
Most likely, there also are other, so far unknown causes. It is
beyond the scope of this article to explain, measure and prove
their origin. Even amongst geologists and biophysicists, views
differ on this extremely complex subject [8].
Here, we present an experimental study involving the gas dis-
charge visualization (GDV) technique known from the fields
of biophysics and complementary medicine [12–16]. The re-
sults are being discussed in context to existing literature on
geopathy-related phenomena. Using the latest generation of
scientifically designed GDV equipment and software, we in-
vestigated whether certain zones above ground – suggested
by professional dowsers to represent either a geopathic zone
or a more neutral zone – would exert an influence on the
human body. In the same setup, a device known as Geowave
®
(Geowave-Research, Salzburg, Austria) was to be tested for
possible harmonizing effects on geopathy-related stress. The
present study combines measurement and analysis of the
evoked image glow area with complementary conclusions
drawn from whole body corona diagrams and projections.
The image glow area parameter is gaining more and more ac-
ceptance in the scientific community and is to be regarded as
the main factor in our study. All other (calculated) parame-
ters (such as fractality, corona diagrams and projections) pre-
sented in this manuscript are complementary data. Although
their value has not yet been verified, these data are also pre-
sented here, as they generally go in line with published data
on stress.
Material and Methods
Test Persons and Experimental Setup
The test design used was that of a randomized, double-blinded, non-clini-
cal trial [17–19]. Only non-invasive techniques were used, and the ethical
guidelines of the expanded Helsinki Declaration, including special atten-
tion to data security, were fully adhered to [18]. All test persons gave their
written consent. 52 volunteers (28 women, 24 men) aged 17–68 years
(mean: 44.2; median: 46) were included, all of them having been informed
about the purpose of the study and the methods about to be applied. All
test persons knew that they would participate in a study investigating the
influence of water veins (ley lines), but not what the different areas in the
laboratory room corresponded to. They were also informed about the
GDV system and related safety issues and that they may feel a slight sen-
sation of ‘crawling’ in their fingers. In order to obtain a sample compara-
ble to real life, smokers and persons with slight health variations were also
included. Exclusion criteria were pacemakers, epilepsy and other severe
psychoses, skin problems and severe cardiovacular problems. Each test
person was asked to complete a medical history form which was labeled
by a code number instead of the name of the person. The participants had
been asked not to drink coffee or consume any other stimulating bever-
ages or foods the evening before and the morning of the tests.
For the selection of optimum zones above ground for the detection of in-
fluences of geopathic stress, 6 professional dowsers used different types of
dowsing rods (one- and two-hand rods as well as a Lecher rod [8]) in a
specially adapted laboratory at the Federal Hospital of Salzburg
(Salzburger Landeskliniken, SALK). The dowsers were selected on the
basis of reputation and dowsing success rates. They were to search inde-
pendently for representative areas of potential geopathic stress and more
neutral zones and label the respective zones in a map. None of the
dowsers was informed which zones their colleagues had picked. Finally,
the principal investigator compared the 6 individual hand-drawn maps,
with the result of 2 definite specific zones being defined for that room.
The areas were labeled on the floor, using identical black dots and insula-
tion tape in a non-persuasive manner. One area was designated a geo-
pathic stress zone, the other a more neutral zone. All 6 dowsers had clas-
sified the geopathic zone as a medium-strength stress zone. The operator
performing the GDV measurements was not informed which of the la-
beled areas corresponded to the stress zone or the more neutral zone.
In addition to testing possible influences of geopathy on the human or-
ganism, we also attempted to test the Geowave device that, in a number
of pilot studies, had shown promising effects regarding harmonization.
This tool was mounted or demounted in an adjacent room one floor
above, at an angle of about 60° and about either 8 or 11 m away from the
test person. Mounting or demounting of the device was performed at ran-
dom, as suggested by a computer program. This was carried out by a sec-
ond person who was informed by telephone about the sequence and tim-
ing to be used for each test person. ‘Mounting’ referred to the device
hanging horizontally at the ceiling of the adjacent room located transver-
sally one floor above. ‘Demounting’ referred to the device in a collapsed
position, hanging vertically/non-horizontally. To ensure the vertically de-
mounted device was not affecting the results of the measurements, nu-
merous pre-study tests had been performed in which the vertically de-
mounted device was compared with a situation where no device at all was
present (i.e. the device had been completely demounted and taken to a
car which was at least 100 m away from the laboratory). The results
showed no influence of the vertically demounted device on the outcome.
In principle, the Geowave device represents as a corrugated oval sheet
made of special metal alloy, shaped in a sigmoid manner (www.geowave-
research.com). In our tests, we used the Geowave-D measuring about 80
by 50 cm. Mounted, the device hangs horizontally on an appliance made
of insulation material.
Each test person underwent 4 test periods, with the sequence of these test
periods varying in a randomized way as determined by computer: The 4
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd
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Geopathic Stress: Influences and
Harmonization
Fig. 1.
Schematic
representation of the
process used to obtain
GDV images. Shield-
ed from daylight, the
fingertip is being
placed onto a glass
plate which on its op-
posite side is coated
with a translucent
electrically conduc-
tive metal layer, thus
behaving like a trans-
parent electrode. The obtained glow is recorded by a CCD camera and
the image then processed by computer. The system is based on the regis-
tration of bioelectrographic signals by computer, followed by an estima-
tion of the energy status and stress levels by means of non-linear mathe-
matics and data mining methods.
measurement setups included the person sitting at A. the neutral zone, B.
the stress zone, C. the neutral zone with the mounted Geowave device
and D. the stress zone with the mounted device. For chronobiological op-
timization, tests were performed only between 8–10 a.m. or 10–12 a.m.
Every day, a maximum of 2 persons were tested. Before measurement,
each test person was asked to quietly sit for 15 min on a chair placed in
one of the 2 zones labeled in the test room.
GDV Test System
The GDV technique used to obtain electrophotonic Kirlian emission data,
as well as safety and reproducibility issues have been described extensive-
ly in the literature [12–16, 20–23]. In principle, the GDV camera applies a
very stable high-intensity electric field (10 kV, 1,024 Hz, square pulses) to
a fingertip set on the electrified glass plate. The applied field, in practice,
is pulsed on and off every 10 ms, for a duration of 0.5 s. The electric field
produces a visible gas discharge glow around the fingertip (Kirlian
image). These corona discharges of each of the 10 fingertips of the test
person are captured via sensitive digital imaging and analyzed with specif-
ic hardware and software.
Throughout our study, we used a sophisticated up-to-date GDV system,
the GDV Camera Pro (Konstantin Korotkov, St. Petersburg, Russia). This
model has been specifically designed for high stability and reproducibility
as required for scientific measurements. The GDV camera was connected
to a computer, and the recorded glow images were digitally transferred
using GDV Capture software (version 1.9.9., 2004). For further calcula-
tions and analyses, GDV Meridian Analysis and GDV Diagram software
(both version 1.9.9.) and the GDV Scientific Laboratory software (version
1.1.5.) were applied. All GDV software is by Konstantin Korotkov, St. Pe-
tersburg, Russia.
Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic drawing of the setup used. As the
main parameter investigated in this study, the GDV system provides the
mean glow image area (also known as the mean area of glow) of the Kir-
lian image recorded on a high-sensitivity CCD camera and then processed
and analyzed by computer. Steps for analyzing finger GDV-grams are de-
scribed in detail elsewhere, as are the different parameters obtained by
measuring and other means of evaluation calculated by the software [12,
16]. During the experiments, the GDV system was used mounted on a
trolley, and measuring took place directly at the 2 different location zones
investigated. For each person and test period, 50 single static measure-
ments of the GDV glow area were performed (each finger measured 5
times for 0.5 s). In addition, dynamic GDV measurements for both ring
fingers were performed and repeated 3 times each (thus, measuring 3 ×2
×100 single images, i.e. 600 images per test sub-period). An example of a
sole image obtained from a single fingertip is shown in figure 2.
After recording the fingertip glow images, the software applied calculates
different types of output: The mean GDV image area is derived from the
single areas of glow (the number of pixels with non-zero intensity in each
single electrophotonic finger image) and is calculated as the mean ob-
tained from the sum of all single finger images captured during one spe-
cific measurement circle, divided by their number [24–26]. In the specific
setup for the static GDV images used in our study, the overall GDV image
area values are therefore to be understood as mean values of 50 single fin-
ger GDV images in total. In the case of the dynamic overall GDV image
areas, the values we used for further analysis represent mean values of 600
single images obtained from both ring fingers. In addition to the mean, a
number of standard values of descriptive statistics are being calculated in-
ternally, such as the standard error of the mean (SEM).
In addition to the mean image area of glow – a parameter which has
gained increasing acceptance in the biomedical research community –
GDV also delivers what we refer to as complementary data [12, 21, 22,
27–32]. One of these types of output calculated is the spatial fractality
which is defined as the fractal dimension of isoline of the image [12]. Frac-
tality, in its scientific validity, appears to be less reliable than the mean
area of glow, also as it can only be calculated with a certain error. In the
present study, we therefore present the fractality data in addition and in
short form only.
Additional types of output are related to the energy meridian system de-
rived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which are therefore also
not to be regarded as pure physical data. For example, images and dia-
grams of the whole body aura are constructed from the single images of
the representative fingers. The terminology, however, appears to be very
misleading, which is why we prefer to use the terms corona projections
and corona diagrams instead. The Korotkov GDV system uses a combina-
tion of the applications described in Mandel’s Energy Emission Analysis
and the Su-Jok system of acupuncture [12, 33–35] to construct these coro-
na projections and diagrams (fig. 3). For example, the left side of the mid-
dle finger relates to the cardiovascular system, the top of the thumb re-
lates to the head and the bottom part of the little finger represents the res-
piratory system. This reconstruction based on sectors of the finger image
also forms the basis for diagnostic implications in the form of the corona
diagrams (also known as beograms). Excess or deficiency of the image in
various sectors is considered to be indicative of imbalance in the corre-
sponding body systems [12, 14, 21, 29]. In this manuscript, we present
these diagrams and projections supplementary to GDV image areas and
fractality. Although these corona diagrams seem very promising, little is
known about their real value [12, 29, 31, 35, 36].
Reproducibility and Safety Issues
In order to gain reliable data, we paid careful attention to a number of is-
sues influencing stability, reproducibility and safety [16, 33, 38]. We used
the same GDV system throughout the study. Before each testing period,
the GDV camera (which at all times was kept inside the laboratory at con-
stant room temperature) was switched on at least 30 min prior to measur-
ing. Careful calibration was performed before each test sub-period and
before each person was measured. Each test person was asked to careful-
ly wash their hands using a pH neutral laboratory soap, followed by wip-
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd
2005;12:000–000 Hacker/Pawlak/Pauser/Tichy/Jell/Posch/
Kraibacher/Aigner/Hutter
Fig. 2.
Example of a
GDV image obtained
from a single finger.
In this case, the gas
discharge picture
from the little finger
of the left hand of a
male test person is
shown.
ing the fingertips with alcohol. This was done at least 20 min before the
first measurement. The use of hand cream or lotion was not allowed. The
glass plate surface of the GDV camera was cleaned using alcohol before
each measurement sub-period. It was assured that none of the test per-
sons had wet hands. During measuring, the test persons were asked to
keep their fingers still and relaxed, without applying undue pressure, at an
approximately 30-degree angle to the instrument axis. Deliberate pres-
sure could potentially influence the result by changing the peripheral cir-
culation [39].
Statistical Analysis
For analyzing the raw data from GDV image glow area and fractality, the
software programs Sigma-Plot 2002 (SPSS) and Excel 2003 (Microsoft)
were used. In addition to calculating descriptive data such as mean M,
median Md, standard deviation SD or range, normality tests were carried
out. Histograms of the glow image area and fractality raw data showed al-
most normally distributed, near Gaussian bell-shaped curves in each of
the configuration samples and patients included in the study. Therefore,
the paired two-sample t-test for dependent variables was used to deter-
mine whether there are significant differences in the mean GDV glow
image areas and the fractality of the 4 test sub-period results. Two-sided
p-values were classified statistically significant if they were < 0.01. Glow
image data from each of the 4 above setups were compared as follows:
1. neutral zone with stress zone (both without the Geowave device),
2. neutral zone with or without the device, 3. stress zone with or without
the device and 4. neutral zone with stress zone (both with mounted
device). In addition, overall mean values obtained from all 52 test persons
were calculated and presented as histograms and as grouped bar charts
(fig. 4–7). Corona diagrams and whole-body corona projections were
evaluated descriptively.
Additional Precautions
Being aware that overlaying technical electromagnetic fields would be
present, we used sophisticated equipment from the City Division of Envi-
ronmental Technology, Dept. of Town Planning and Building Authorities,
Salzburg, Austria (Anritsu Spectrum Analyzer type MS 2711B, frequency
range 100 kHz – 3 GHz; ARC Seibersdorf antenna type PCD 8250, fre-
quency range 80 MHz – 2.5 GHz; Schwarzbeck USLP 9142 broad band
log-per antenna; Fauser Elektrotechnik Universal Measurement System
type UMS4, frequency range 5 Hz – 400 kHz). In the laboratory used for
this study, the level of technical electromagnetic fields in all frequency
bands scanned was consistently > 1,000 times below the limit valid in Aus-
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd
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Geopathic Stress: Influences and
Harmonization
Fig. 3.
Example of GDV glow images of all
10 fingertips with the corresponding processing
into a whole body corona projection.
tria. The accomplished acoustic measurements too showed no likely im-
pairment of the test persons when measuring exposure to vibrations or
sound using a RION Sound Analyzer (type NA-27, measuring range
24–141 dB(A), Rion, Tokyo, Japan) and a Larson-Davis LD-2900 acoustic
spectrum and vibration analyzer (0.5 Hz – 20 kHz, Larson Davis, Provo,
Utah, USA).
Results
Appearance of Glow Area Images
As a qualitative description it can be stated that, at the geo-
pathic stress zone, the Kirlian (GDV) image patterns in most
cases showed relatively uneven distributions of glow, often
with missing proportions of glow at varying locations around
the finger tip, and the overall glow area appeared to be rela-
tively small. In the more neutral zone, images tended towards
an intermediate size of area, and in a number of persons
more regular patterns were seen. With the Geowave device
mounted, an overall increase in the GDV glow image areas
sometimes readily visible to the naked eye, was observed, as
well as a form of stable and harmonized activation of the
image. The images obtained with the Geowave from single
fingertips consistently showed more evenly distributed glow
distributions.
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd
2005;12:000–000 Hacker/Pawlak/Pauser/Tichy/Jell/Posch/
Kraibacher/Aigner/Hutter
Fig. 5.
Grouped bar chart diagram illustrating
the direct individual comparison of GDV glow
areas obtained in the more neutral zone (white
bars) and the geopathic stress zone (black
bars). On the x-axis, the 52 test persons are
sorted according to age. The y-axis shows the
GDV glow area of all test persons as numbers
of pixels. Marked area reductions in the
geopathic zone are seen in the vast majority of
test persons. A few test persons expressed an
increase in glow area compared to the more
neutral zone.
Fig. 4.
Histogram comparing the overall mean
glow image areas obtained from 52 test persons
in 4 different test variations. Areas are
expressed in pixels with the corresponding
SEMs superimposed. Compared to the inter-
mediate-sized GDV glow area values obtained
in the more neutral zone, the areas in the geo-
pathic stress area were decreased. In both
zones the areas were markedly increased when
the Geowave device was mounted in a double-
blind manner.
Static GDV Image Area
Quantitatively comparing the images examined in the GDV
software system, the mean static GDV glow areas obtained
in the more neutral zone (M: 10,152 pixels, SEM: 190) were
statistically significantly larger than those obtained in the
geopathic zone (M: 9,354 pixels, SEM: 170, p < 0.0001). With
the Geowave device mounted, the static GDV glow image
areas were significantly larger in both locations (M in more
neutral zone with mounted device: 11,792 pixels, SEM: 169,
p < 0.0001; M in geopathic stress zone with mounted device:
11,393 pixels, SEM: 160, p < 0.0001). For a better overview,
the histogram in figure 4 shows a direct comparison of the
overall static GDV image mean values of 52 test persons in
the more neutral zone without device and in the geopathic
stress zone with or without the device tested. Figure 5 presents
a case-by-case comparison of the influence of the geopathic
zone in comparison to the neutral zone for each of the test
persons. The grouped bar chart shows that, at the geopathic
zone, the static GDV mean image glow area was influenced
towards area reduction in 45 of the 52 persons tested. For the
Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd
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Geopathic Stress: Influences and
Harmonization
Fig. 6.
Grouped bar chart diagram illustrating
direct individual comparisons of GDV glow
areas obtained in the geopathic stress zone
with (black bars) or without (white bars) the
Geowave device mounted. A marked increase
of glow area was seen in the great majority of
test persons when the device was present. Only
very few persons showed little or paradoxical
effects (bars 32 and 37).
Fig. 7.
Grouped bar chart diagram illustrating
direct individual comparisons of GDV glow
areas obtained in the more neutral zone with
(black bars) or without (white bars) the
Geowave device mounted. A marked increase
of glow area is seen in the majority of test
persons when the device was present. Only
very few persons showed little change (bars 32
and 42) and only 1 person showed paradoxical
effects (bar 10).
remaining 7 persons no effects, or slight to pronounced para-
doxical effects can be noted towards an increase of image
glow area. Figure 6 and 7 demonstrate the individual effects of
the Geowave device. Figure 6 compares individual mean
image area values obtained in the geopathic zone and shows
that in 50 out of 52 test persons the GDV glow image area
markedly increased when the device was present. One person
showed very little change (test person no. 51, a 51-year old
man, represented as no. 32 in the age-sorted diagram), while
another person showed a slightly paradoxical effect, i.e. the
device produced a slightly decreased GDV area size (test per-
son no. 52, a 48-year old man, represented in the diagram as
no. 37). When comparing the results of these 2 persons with
the glow areas shown in fig. 5, it can be noted that they be-
longed to the group of 7 already mentioned above, in which
the suspected geopathic zone had shown slight or pronounced
paradoxical effects. Figure 7 compares individual mean glow
image areas in the more neutral zone with or without the test-
ed device. Here, a comparable situation to that in figure 6 can
be found: at the more neutral zone, the device increased the
glow area size in 51 out of 52 test persons. The effect was pro-
nounced in 49 persons and slight in 2. The 1 remaining person
showed a paradoxical effect (test person no. 25, a 25-year old
woman, represented in the age-sorted diagram as no. 10).
Dynamic GDV Image Area
Results of the dynamic GDV glow area measurements were
analogous to those obtained with the static images. The mean
dynamic GDV glow areas were smaller in the geopathic stress
zone than in the more neutral zone, and with the Geowave
mounted, a significant area increase was observed in both
zones. It must be taken into account that these images were
obtained from the ring fingers of each hand only, whereas the
static area measurement reflected the images obtained on all 5
fingers of each hand. The neutral zone mean dynamic GDV
area was 9,635 pixels (SEM: 133), the mean at the geopathic
stress zone was 8,780 pixels (SEM: 113). With the device in the
more neutral zone, the mean dynamic GDV area was 10,722
pixels (SEM: 118). With the device in the geopathic stress
zone, it was 10,461 pixels (SEM: 113). The differences between
all tested setups were highly significant (each: p < 0.0001).
GDV Image Fractality
The mean fractality values were 1,897 (SEM: 0.0036) in the
more neutral zone and 1,903 (SEM: 0.0030) in the geopathic
zone. With the device mounted, the mean fractality at the
more neutral zone was 1,896, whereas in the geopathic zone, a
mean of 1,895 (SEM: 0.0036) was obtained. The fractality
mean was significantly higher in the geopathic stress zone
without the device compared to the fractality with the mount-
ed device (p < 0.012). Comparison of neutral and geopathic
zone was just below statistical significance (p < 0.056), and the
fractality values at the neutral area with and without Geowave
device were not significantly different.
Corona Diagrams and Meridian Projections
In figure 3, an example of glow area images after computer
processing of each finger tip is seen, as well as the correspond-
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Fig. 8.
Example of a whole body corona
projection obtained for the same person within
the same test at the more neutral zone with or
without (left) the mounted Geowave device.
Whereas without the device, there was a num-
ber of irregularities/energy deficits, the device
produced a smoothing, harmonizing effect and
compensated most of the energy deficits.
ing whole body corona projection obtained following meridi-
an analysis according Korotkov’s modification of the Mandel
and Su-Kok systems [12, 33, 40]. Figure 8 presents a whole-
body corona image calculated by the GDV software. The glow
area patterns obtained qualitatively appeared more evenly
distributed with the Geowave mounted, whereas without the
device, a more inconsistent appearance was found in most
cases. Figure 9 shows the corona diagram obtained from the
same measurement and test persons as figure 8, with or with-
out the device. On a large proportion of the corona diagrams
calculated, we observed that test persons placed in the more
neutral zone and even more so in the geopathic zone showed
body energy deficits and that the appearance of the diagrams
was more ‘edgy’ when no device was present. It is evident that
a rounding or irruption-compensating effect is obtained by
using the device.
We counted how many percent of the test persons expressed
conspicuous harmonizing changes in the corona diagrams
when the Geowave was mounted. The results are summarized
in table 1. Retardation of a number of body organ system
projection energy levels has been observed, particularly in
connection with the lymphatic system, when no Geowave was
present. However, when the device was mounted, nearly all
of the corona diagrams showed that it had an energy-increas-
ing effect where weak points (Alpine valley skylines) had
been present before, in both, the geopathic and the more neu-
tral zone. The effect was more marked, however, in the geo-
pathic stress areas. When the device was demounted, striking
energy retardation valleys in the geopathic zone and (to a
lesser degree) the more neutral zone were observed, especial-
ly in the heart region, the lymphatic system and the pineal
system – the two latter indicating a weakening effect on the
immune system.
Discussion
One of the targets of the present study was to demonstrate
whether there is a detectable influence of different zones
above ground on the human organism. Using a GDV system,
we obtained statistically significant data supporting the hy-
pothesis of a location dependency. We are well aware of the
fact that GDV is relatively new and still controversially dis-
cussed. However, we feel its use to be justified for the specific
purpose of this study, as the system employed was a stable up-
to-date setup specifically designed for scientific purposes. We
did not use any of the commercial and paramedical (border-
line) software also sold for GDV, but only the image capture
program, calculation of the glow area pixel output and the sci-
entific laboratory software. Additional data only included
fractality, corona diagrams and corona projections. GDV rep-
resents a valuable tool that, in the case of the glow image area
parameter, provides a measure often suggested in the litera-
ture for the detection of stress-related bodily reactions with
high sensitivity [12–14, 21]. We have taken special care to con-
tinuously check stability of the machinery and ensure the mea-
sured results are reproducible.
We found that the GDV glow image area was of intermediate
size in a location defined here as the more neutral zone and
was considerably decreased in size in a location defined as the
geopathic zone. GDV glow image areas were much larger on
both zones when the Geowave device was present and mount-
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Fig. 9.
Example of a corona diagram illustrat-
ing the smoothening, harmonizing effect of the
Geowave device (red) in comparison to the
situation without the device (blue), in which
‘Alpine valley’ shapes were present to a much
higher degree.
ed in a hidden manner. Assuming that the GDV area of glow
represents a form of stress level-related overall energy state of
the human body, it may be concluded that firstly, the geopath-
ic zone may be regarded as stress-inducing area, caused rela-
tively large energy-detracting effects which secondly, the more
neutral zone was not really a pure neutral zone – most likely
due to overlapping of different factors rather than geological
causes, and thirdly, the Geowave device had harmonizing, en-
ergizing effects in both zones.
Stress and Geopathy
The idea of stress as a factor of ill health is now widely accept-
ed, and numerous effects of stress on the body are well docu-
mented [41–44]. Geopathic stress as a causal link to disease is
usually ignored, as many people are unaware of its presence.
Most texts available, being popular descriptions in books,
journals or the Internet or the relatively rare literature ad-
dressing the matter scientifically, discuss geopathic stress as a
complex phenomenon composed of weak electromagnetic
fields of different wavelengths (ranging from very low fre-
quencies of <1 Hz to the upper GHz-region), manifold wave-
forms and amplitudes expressing dynamic changes. Timely
composition of electromagnetic field variations may play a
major role. Other types of radiation are likely to contribute,
and it seems possible that some of them have not yet been dis-
covered. Part of the technical problem of measuring geopathic
zones with scientific instrumentation is that the high level of
background interference from other sources appears to mask
and prevent an electronic detection of the very weak interfer-
ence signals associated with geopathic stress. Interference and
resonance effects with the human body could be critical trig-
gers of health problems. A review addressing some of these
assumptions has recently been published [6]. The various bio-
physically accepted possibilities contributing to location de-
pendency and dowsing phenomena have been discussed ex-
tensively by the Munich group [8].
Lack of awareness of the impact of certain energetic fields on
health and well-being may prove dangerous. Electromagnetic
fields – no matter what their source is – under certain circum-
stances may be hazardous to health, possibly affecting a num-
ber of important bodily systems, such as the nervous system,
the cardiovascular system and the immune system, thereby
also elevating the risk of developing cancer [6, 44, 45]. A re-
cent Austrian study showed that the variability of the elec-
trosensibility among the general population appears to be
much larger than has been estimated, but much smaller than
claimed by self-aid groups [46]. König and Betz have also crit-
ically reviewed a number of earlier studies dealing with loca-
tion-related effects on organisms [8].
In addition to geopathic stress stimuli arising from the ground,
electromagnetic fields created by modern technology (techni-
cal fields) are always present today, at any place in the world,
and may also contribute to the stress by interferences or reso-
nance effects. Technical fields usually originate from telecom-
munication, radio and television antennas, radar, electricity
wires and pylons as well as transformers. When we talk about
geopathic stress, it is crucial to be aware that technical fields,
and also factors from space or the irregularities of the Earth’s
magnetic field, are present, too. This also implies that such
zones may vary dynamically, also depending on ongoing
changes in the overlaying artificial electromagnetic fields [47].
This is one of the reasons why a pure neutral zone cannot
exist.
Many minor but serious illnesses and psychological disorders
have been attributed to geopathic stress. Assuming that a
smaller GDV glow area represents a decreased overall energy
state of the measured person, the strikingly smaller GDV glow
area we observed in the geopathic zone compared to the more
neutral zone may be a sign of increased stress induction, indi-
cating an increased risk of a weakening of the immune sys-
tem’s capabilities for defense and repair. Dowsers reported
that some people, when in geopathic zones, relatively quickly
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Organ projection Geopathic zone Neutral zone
No change, Energy Energy No change, Energy Energy
%increase, % reduction, % % increase, % reduction, %
Pineal organ 34 57 9 33 59 8
Zerebral zone 34 57 9 37 59 4
Head zone 34 57 9 33 67 0
Nose & ears 21 70 9 23 69 8
Jaw 19 7 011 2569 6
Throat / tonsils 21 67 12 14 74 12
Right heart 15 77 8 12 88 0
Left heart 23 72 5 18 69 13
Liver 21 68 11 22 73 5
Gastrointestinal tract 23 73 4 23 77 0
Urogenital tract 13 80 7 10 84 6
Cardiovascular system 13 81 6 20 67 13
Lymphatic system 17 72 11 23 74 3
Table 1.
Percentages
of test persons
(n = 52) showing
notable changes in
the whole body
corona diagrams
obtained with the
Geowave device
sense a reduction in well-being [1, 48, 49]. Some people be-
come nervous, and various symptoms may arise. Retardation
of the immune system has several consequences. Firstly, if the
stress-inducing situation lasts for a long time, the incidence of
minor infections, such as colds, increases. Secondly, it is likely
that undesirable psychological effects are developed. Thirdly,
long-lasting exposure to geopathy may also prove to make the
organism more likely to acquire cancer.
A number of publications present data which underline the
potential risk of development of malignancies, such as
leukemia, triggered by some types of electromagnetic radia-
tion. Some authors speak of slightly elevated levels of relative
risk [50], others about highly significant increases in the inci-
dence of malignancies, cardiovascular deficiencies, immune
deficiency disorders, restless sleep, chronic pain, migraine/
headaches, sudden signs of physical aging, irritability and
chronic fatigue. Stress of various causes, including geopathy
and technical fields, has also been suggested to be a common
factor in cases of infertility and miscarriages, learning difficul-
ties, behavioral problems and neurological disabilities in chil-
dren [2–6, 50–62].
The experimental design used in our study allowed to examine
short-term effects only. Concluding a general validity for long-
term effects appears to be problematic. However, relevant im-
plications can be expected: Although acute stress may some-
times have stimulating effects on the immune system, certain
stress-inducing conditions may have negative effects, even if
present for only a short time. Long-term exposure to stress-in-
ducing factors usually causes more pronounced negative ef-
fects. It is widely known that in such cases of chronic stress the
immune system may be down-regulated. Whole cascades of
messenger factors are released, directly influencing the im-
mune system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system
and the psychological status. In severe cases, cancer, cardiopa-
thy, autoimmune diseases and major psychopathies may devel-
op [41, 42, 44, 62, 71–73]. There is, however, considerable indi-
vidual variability in the immune response to stress. To a large
extent, this seems to be determined by the subject’s way of
dealing with stress [72]. Meditation and life style improve-
ments may help to cope with stress to a certain degree. Pro-
longed exposure to stressors may, however, sooner or later out-
weigh the person’s coping resources [72, 74]. Long-term expo-
sure to geopathy, e.g. sleeping in a geopathic area, may prove
particularly stressful. In such conditions, the organism would
not receive the full rest required for repair and regeneration.
In our study, a harmonizing/compensatory effect of the Ge-
owave device was detectable in almost all test persons, with
only very few exceptions. Provided that the short-term effect
detected in our study also applies to more long-term situations,
our observation may be very valuable: For instance in places
where people have diminished resistance and health, such as
hospitals, the device may prove to be beneficial for healing.
Geopathic/electromagnetic stress zones may influence the re-
lease of messenger substances (hormones, regulatory peptides,
cytokines) needed to maintain a balanced function of the im-
mune system. In this context, special attention has been paid
in the literature to melatonin which can be suppressed by stat-
ic and certain electromagnetic/magnetic fields. This effect is
well documented, and increased incidences of cancer may, in
part, be attributed to it. The full complexity of the problem is,
however, far from being understood, and there is discordant
literature [55, 60, 63–70]. One study related the melatonin de-
crease to geomagnetic disturbances in conjunction with artifi-
cial magnetic field exposure. Increased geomagnetic activity
was shown to cause significant reduction of nocturnal mela-
tonin excretion [63]. The additional data from the corona pro-
jection diagrams (beograms) obtained in our study (table 1)
showed that in many of the test persons the areas representa-
tive for the pineal organ and the lymphatic system exerted
below-average energy levels (indicating higher stress levels for
these particular systems). This may be understood as an indi-
rect complementary finding supporting the melatonin-sup-
pressing and immune-system retarding effects described by
others for stress situations.
It has been speculated that not only the central nervous sys-
tem (CNS) and the lymphatic system are likely to be affected
by geopathic stress. It is known that electromagnetic radiation
from various sources can also interfere with the peripheral
nervous system (PNS) and the diffuse neuroendocrine system
(DNES), thereby influencing glandular functions, the cardio-
vascular system, the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital
system [42, 43, 75]. The GDV corona diagrams obtained in our
study indirectly support for this hypothesis: In more than 70%
of the test persons, weakened energy levels of the cardiovas-
cular system were observed, and weak points were also found
in other organ projections, such as the urogenital system or
the gastrointestinal tract.
Dowsing
The experimental study presented here is based on the as-
sumption that the areas at which the GDV measurements
took place corresponded to a geopathic zone and a more neu-
tral zone. Due to the lack of reliable geophysical equipment
that could prove these assumptions, we had decided to use
dowsing performed by highly reputed dowsers. It is undeni-
able that dowsing is being successfully used throughout the
world for numerous applications, e.g. by governmental depart-
ments, engineering companies, geologists, water companies,
armed forces, mining companies, building contractors, brew-
eries etc., as an efficient low-cost alternative to all other meth-
ods known today for the detection of water supplies or geo-
pathic stress zones. From the studies of the Munich group, it is
known that only a small proportion of dowsers is accurately
able to detect water reservoirs, faults, fissures and fractures
[8–11]. In our study, the 6 independent professional dowsers
presented their ‘muting’ results in drawn form, and those
6 maps showed sufficient agreement with each other on the
location of such zones in the laboratory. The results of the
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GDV measurements finally showed that using dowsers for
selecting the test locations was an acceptable compromise.
GDV
The question may arise of whether GDV is an acceptable sys-
tem to provide scientifically exploitable data. Already in 1939,
the Russian scientist Semyon Kirlian discovered by accident
that by subjecting different types of objects to strong impul-
sive electromagnetic fields, gas discharge image formation
around these objects is created (Kirlian effect). As it turned
out, gas discharge pictures around biological objects can pro-
vide substantial information about the internal state of an ob-
ject. First-generation GDV equipment and also older setups
relying on the Kirlian effect, such as Mandel’s energetic termi-
nal point diagnosis (ETD) turned out not to be reliable
enough to justify their use in medical research [35]. Later-gen-
eration GDV instruments are believed to be much more con-
sistent and effective systems to evaluate responses to physio-
logical or psychical stressors [12, 15, 16, 22, 29]. It should also
be mentioned that not all authors support the claims made by
Korotkov regarding GDV [21, 76]. However, the mean GDV
image area of glow parameter appears to gain increasing sci-
entific acceptance as being useful in examining the overall
level of energy, detecting influences of a certain stressor on
test persons with high sensitivity [12, 14, 21].
Furthermore, there is convincing evidence that standardiza-
tion and precise precautions and control during experimenta-
tion are of crucial importance [12, 13, 37, 77]. Only today, in-
struments for GDV are available which are stable enough to
deliver reproducible and therefore scientifically acceptable
data. One of the points that need to be verified is whether it
would be valid to add up the single glow image area data of all
fingers to yield an overall mean. This question arises, because
it is known that the images from single fingers give different
outputs related to the different individual projections from the
organ systems connected by meridians [12, 14, 21, 29]. In the
SciLab GDV software used in our study, internal non-para-
metric controls check the validity of the raw data and their
summing up (e.g. by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). In
addition, before and during this study, we calculated mean val-
ues obtained from single finger measurements and compared
them separately. As we did not see substantial differences in
the outcome when comparing mean values obtained from sin-
gle fingers with those derived from area data of all fingers to-
gether, we regard our assumption that overall mean values
can be used in this kind of study to be confirmed. A third in-
ternal control was to also use dynamic measurements ob-
tained from ring fingers only, which essentially yielded compa-
rable statistical results of high significance.
The Geowave Device: Function?
It is not yet known why the tested device showed a harmoniz-
ing effects. Taking the human body as a physical object, we
suspect that the device, instead of the body, goes into reso-
nance with the geologically and possibly also with some
technically originating fields, as a kind of a predominant res-
onator antenna. We do not know whether this is a valid expla-
nation, but various academic physicists we have discussed this
matter with could not give an alternative explanation. The
overall size of the device, the distance between the corruga-
tions, the shape and size of the sigmoid bending, the composi-
tion of the alloy used and a number of other factors may influ-
ence the effect.
Short Critical Appraisal
Short-term stress may also have beneficial effects, e.g. stimula-
tion of a person’s maximum performance (eustress, in contrast
to distress [78]). Long-term exposure to stressors, however, has
negative effects on the majority of people. With the methods
used in our study, we could find a small number of persons (out
of the 52 test persons) whose GDV glow image areas did not
change or even increased after exposure to geopathic stress.
This does not appear to be the rule, but seems to be possible in
certain people as a short-term effect. With the exception of a
few test persons, the Geowave device showed a harmonizing
effect on almost all test persons. It might therefore be neces-
sary to check individual effects of the device before mounting
it. Again, it should be emphasized that only short-term effects
have been measured here, long-term studies are to follow.
The study presented here is based on a number of assump-
tions: 1. We assume that the dowsed zones were representa-
tive for geopathic zones and more neutral zones. 2. We assume
that the used GDV system provided valid measurements al-
lowing highly sensitive and reproducible detection of stress-re-
lated reactions of the body. As we have thoroughly ensured
stability of the apparatus and standardization of the test pro-
cedures and implemented randomized variation of the se-
quence of the experimental sub-phases, we regard our results
to be justified. We are aware that we are only at the beginning
and are already in the process of performing a number of ad-
ditional experiments which will enable us to address the phe-
nomena attributed to location dependency or geopathy by dif-
ferent scientific approaches. The new studies will also involve
direct measurement of various factors of neuroendocrine/hor-
monal and immunological regulation as well as efficacy testing
in work areas and reaction time testing.
In conclusion, we have obtained reproducible, statistically sig-
nificant data indicating that the human body reacts differently
in different areas. The zones investigated were muted by pro-
fessional dowsers. We showed that the device tested provided
a statistically significant harmonizing effect. Also, a number
of the findings obtained in this study support the idea of earli-
er work that the main effect of geopathic zones might be due
to effects on the immune system and the pineal system. These
results await confirmation by direct measurements of the pa-
rameters involved.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the extensive support and expert assis-
tance by the following persons and institutions: Land Salzburg: G.
Burgstaller (Governor), A. Grüner (Department of Health), W. Fries, G.
Brandstetter (Presidial Department); SALK, St. Johanns-Hospital,
Salzburg: M. Piberger (Hospital Technology Department), M. Weinberger
(Public Relations), M. Hader (Director of Nursing), G. Biber (Economy
Director), I. Jekel and S. Roth (Research Institute for Frontier Questions
of Medicine and Biotechnology); Stadt Salzburg: H. Schaden (Mayor), J.
Riedl (Municipal Authorities of Salzburg City); H. Koutny and A. Karl-
bauer (Trauma Center of the Austrian Social Insurance for Occupational
Risks); J. Aumayr and B. Klausbruckner (Wiener Krankenanstaltenver-
bund). We also thank Mr. A. Wiebecke, Salzburg, for allowing us to ex-
amine the Geowave device in our study and congratulate him on this most
promising development.
Dedication
This study is dedicated to one of the European fathers of geopathic stress
research, the late Prof. Otto Bergsmann. We thank him for stimulating
our work and for his enthusiastic and professional approach towards clar-
ifying geopathic phenomena. His profound work has provided an invalu-
able basis for the multitude of knowledge in this field today.
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