All wellness pundits would tell you: exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle. According to Bloomberg4, the healthiest countries in the world exhibit high levels of physical activity along with the propensity to eat natural, healthy food in small portions. For this reason, a person must include exercise in their daily routine to remain healthy.
Contrary to popular belief, exercising is not limited to people who want to lose weight, as the benefits of any physical activity abound and are well documented2. Even during ancient times, its importance was highly emphasized.
One device that can help with exercise and health is the Chi Machine.
An Overview of Chi Machine
Chi — ‘breath’ in English — is a vital concept in Chinese philosophy, especially in Taoism. According to Chinese Taoists, chi is the root of the human body, and maintaining the balance, quality, and quantity of Chi determines human health.
It is the energy that runs through the body that provides circulation, nutrients, and minerals. For this reason, breathing exercises are as powerful as physical exercises in prolonging life.
It is the energy that runs through the body that provides circulation, nutrients, and minerals. For this reason, breathing exercises are as powerful as physical exercises in prolonging life.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been using the art of harnessing and harmonizing chi to restore the body to its healthy state. If your chi is out of balance, it can cause hormone imbalance, irritability, pain, depression, and muscle weakness, among others. Luckily, there are various ways to get your chi in order.
Aside from the usual Asian martial arts techniques that help balance the chi, there are exercise machines that are specifically designed to maintain its quality and quantity. One of the more popular ones is called a Chi Machine.
What is a Chi Machine?
The Chi Machine was invented and developed in Japan in the late 1980s9. It was initially called Sun Harmony, but it was later changed to Sun Ancon5. It promotes passive aerobic exercises, which help oxygenate and strengthen the body.
Using the machine requires very minimal effort and no drugs. It has no side effects; thus, no risk of injury.
Passive aerobic exercises are those that apply constant movement and pressure to the various body parts through an outside force. These low impact exercises help oxygen to metabolize and produce more energy. It is a good option for people who cannot or would not like to do any vigorous physical activity. It can also be used as a daily indoor exercise tool.
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How Does Chi Machine Work?
The Chi Machine was invented so the human body gently oscillates from side to side without experiencing any pressure or stress. It is a rather small machine — about the size of a large briefcase — with a padded ankle rest that supports the body swaying back and forth in a figure eight motion.
The person need only rest on their back with their ankles propped on the machine, so they would not experience any discomfort. This movement mimics the Japanese martial arts motion known as “the goldfish”4.
The Chi machine produces a set speed of motion at around 144 cycles per minute , creating a rhythmic, wave-like motion. The speed is constant to avoid imbalance , which would lessen the machine’s benefits.
The Chi machine produces a set speed of motion at around 144 cycles per minute4, creating a rhythmic, wave-like motion. The speed is constant to avoid imbalance, which would lessen the machine’s benefits.
The machine massages the internal organs through its consistent motion. The rocking movement, coupled with the gravitational angle of the ankles, promotes increased oxygenation of the blood, and improves lymphatic drainage, which normalizes cerebral spinal flow.
Introduction Video About Chi Machine
Who Can Use the Chi Machine?
Anyone can use the machine. However, people who do not have enough energy to exercise (e.g. stressed adults) and those who are physically challenged may benefit the most from its use. It is also good for hyperactive kids and inactive seniors.
Additionally, it is a great tool for athletes since it promotes the oxygenation of the muscles and can be used as a warm-up machine. Because it is a passive aerobic exerciser, the machine is extremely valuable to people who are suffering from either advanced age or physical limitations.
Does Your Body Need the Chi Machine?
As mentioned earlier, anyone can use the machine. If you feel tired even with eight hours of sleep or if you constantly feel fatigued, you should try using this machine. You can also try using it if you tend to be moody or irritable, as exercising can improve one’s emotional state.
Moreover, if you are trying to lose weight but do not want to physically exhaust yourself, using the Chi Machine is the next best thing.
Benefits of Regularly Using the Chi Machine
Improved Blood Circulation
The Chi Machine can provide anyone with many benefits. If you are physically inactive, your body’s blood circulation can be impaired. The machine’s goldfish motion helps improve blood flow by stimulating the legs and the feet.
Since the exercise effectively loosens up the muscles of your legs and lower back, it also helps reduce pain or pressure from those parts. This reduction of pain or pressure can greatly help individuals with limited mobility.
Improved Spinal Alignment
Another benefit is that the exercise improves spinal alignment. The repetitive motion adjusts and stretches the spine, which helps reduce any misalignment.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the device as a Class 1 Therapeutic Massager7, but it is not recommended for treating people with lower spinal disc problems.
Reduced Stress
It was also found that the Chi Machine is beneficial to those undergoing stress management. Chronic stress can disrupt all body systems and can cause muscle pain, headache, increased blood pressure, and other health problems.
Since the Chi Machine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, it can effectively reduce these symptoms.
Cell Oxygenation and Activation
The most important benefit of using the Chi Machine is cell oxygenation and activation.
Cells in the human body are mostly fueled by oxygen. The massage stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and thus helps open the bronchioles1, providing maximum delivery of the oxygen to the lungs. This, in turn, enhances the oxygen exchange between the lungs and the blood cells, allowing it to course through your body more effectively.
Is the Chi Machine Recognized by Medical Experts?
It is nice to know that the Chi Machine is certified as effective in bringing all the benefits that it claims to have. The original Chi Machine is classified as a medical device in three countries—Japan, Australia, and Canada. These are among the countries that ranked highly among the healthiest places in the world.
Relieve Chronic Secondary Leg Lymphedema with The Chi Machine
Studies show that the Chi Machine can be used as an effective remedy for chronic secondary leg lymphedema. Lymphedema refers to muscle swelling in the arms and/or legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system.
This condition is commonly caused by the removal of damaged lymph nodes as a side effect of cancer treatment. As such, a significant number of cancer patients eventually develop either bilateral or unilateral leg lymphedema. The swelling it causes can range from mild to severe.
Studies show that the Chi Machine can be used as an effective remedy for chronic secondary leg lymphedema. Lymphedema refers to muscle swelling in the arms and/or legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is mainly responsible for removing toxins from your body. The lymph fluid carries viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. They are carried through the lymph vessels then filtered out by the lymphocytes before ultimately being flushed out of the body.
Although there is no exact cure for lymphedema, physical therapy can help relieve the swelling. A home-based therapy using the Chi Machine helps promote drainage of the blocked lymphatic fluid through constant passive leg exercises. Studies7 show that doing passive exercises and leg elevation using the Chi Machine provides beneficial effects within weeks of therapy.
Summary
Physical exercise is a vital part of keeping the body healthy and should not be skipped. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time, energy, or physical capability to perform vigorous exercises, especially if they are at increased risk of injury.
The Chi Machine is a great alternative to staying in shape without breaking a sweat. All you need to do is lie down on your back and let the machine do its work. The repetitive oscillation massages the muscles and internal organs to provide immediate relief.
Chi Machine is not only good for balancing and re-aligning your chi, but it can also help your body to become healthier and stronger.
Aside from the regular health benefits for blood circulation, symptoms of stress, and cell oxygenation, the machine can also help cancer patients who have developed lymphedema due to their ongoing treatment.
Studies show that using the Chi Machine significantly reduces the swelling of the lymphatic system. The goldfish motion set by the machine promotes lymph drainage, in turn removing blockages.
In conclusion, a Chi Machine is not only good for balancing and re-aligning your chi, but it can also help your body to become healthier and stronger.
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References
- Alternative Solutions. (n.d.). Major benefits derived from the chi machine. Retrieved from http://alternativesolutions.net/benefits.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 7). Benefits of physical activity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
- Charlotte Carreira Wellness Coaching. (n.d.). Chi for health. Retrieved from https://www.radiant-wellness.com/chi-machines.html
- Chi Machine International. (n.d.). Chi machine benefits. Retrieved from https://www.chimachine4u.com/chimachine.html
- My New Life Spa. (n.d.). Benefits of the original chi machine by Sun Ancon. Retrieved from https://mynewlifespa.com/pages/oxypro-chi-machine
- Reno Integrative Medical Center. (n.d.). Chi machine benefits. Retrieved from http://www.renointegrativemedicalcenter.com/chi-machine-benefits/
- Stein, N. (n.d.). What are the benefits of chi machine? Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/224688-what-are-the-benefits-of-chi-machine/
- Twin Peaks Nutrition and Wellness. (n.d.). Chi machine benefits. Retrieved from http://twinpeaksnutritionandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/serviceschi.pdf
- Yokota, H. (2019, June 3). Benefits of chi machine. Retrieved from https://www.usjaclean.com/us-jaclean-blog/2019/6/3/benefits-of-chi-machine
