The Chi Machine

The Chi Machine is a passive aerobic exercise device, developed and first manufactured by the Japanese engineer, Keiichi Ohashi, in 1988. The Chi Machine was granted a patent by the Japanese Patent Office on December 18, 1990.

In 1927, Katsuzo Nishi created ‘The Nishi Health System‘, a series of six exercises, one of which (kingyō undō) was the basis for the motion of the modern-day Chi Machine. This specific exercise of the body was adopted in the martial art of Aikido and known as “goldfish exercise”.

The concept for the original Sun Ancon Chi Machine device came from Japanese Shizuo Inoue, Chairman of Japan’s Oxygen Health Association, who studied the effects of oxygenation of the body for 38 years and believed that lack of oxygen in the body is a primary cause of disease.

The Chi machine was designed and is best suited for passive aerobic exercise, a form of exercise that basically involves applying constant movement and pressure to parts of the body through an outside force which may be another individual or a motion machine. During this form of low-impact exercise, oxygen is metabolized to produce energy which is dispersed to all parts of the body.

The Chi Machine is not as bulky as regular exercise machines but is about the size of a large briefcase. It also has padded ankle supports that oscillate back and forth. Minimal effort is required to use the machine; all you have to do is lie on your back with your ankles propped on the machine supports. The machine then sways your legs back and forth at a set speed, mimicking the Japanese martial arts move known as “the goldfish”.

Very little effort is required to use the Chi machine, and this makes it a good option for individuals who dislike the vigorous physical activity, individuals who are weak and sickly, those who dislike the stuffy atmosphere at the gym, and even those who like to exercise but never seem to have enough time to do so. It also allows you to exercise without the risk of sustaining injuries.

The chi machine benefits

There are a lot of factors responsible for ensuring a healthy lifestyle, and the list would be incomplete without ‘exercise.’ As much as everyone talks about the importance of keeping fit, very few individuals actually know what that entails, and it is therefore not surprising when people wrongly assume that exercise is only meant for people who wish to lose weight.

Essentially, physical activities affect every system in the body, and without actively engaging your body, you increase the risks of weight gain, chronic diseases, and discomfort. Exercise not only helps to reduce the prevalence of pain and aches in certain body parts, but it also helps to increase blood flow, build endurance, delay aging, improve both physical and mental wellbeing, and enhance the function of internal body organs.

With a consciousness of the great importance of exercise, several right-thinking individuals have over time, created a variety of exercise machines suited for different body types, according to the user’s requirements and discretion. One of these is the Chi machine, a Japanese invention that has existed for over three decades.

• Improved Blood Flow

Staying sedentary for long periods of time can impair the flow of blood from the legs to the feet. The goldfish motions of the Chi machine help to stimulate the legs and feet, thereby increasing blood circulation to the lower half of the body.

• Weight Loss

Weight loss is actually one of the major benefits of exercising, so it stands to reason that the Chi machine would offer the same option. It is interesting to note that exercising with this machine can allow you to burn as many calories as you would while walking, and this is especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility.

• Reduced Leg and Back Pain/Swelling

By stimulating blood flow in the lower parts of the body, the Chi machine can effectively loosen up stiff joints and muscles of the legs and lower back. This effect has the added advantage of reducing any form of pressure or swelling in the lower part of the body.

• Enhanced Lymphatic Function

The lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins and other waste materials, and it performs this function by circulating a fluid called lymph, which contains white blood cells, around the body. The Chi Machine can help in improving this function by enhancing circulation and thereby aiding the detoxification process.

• Improved Performance

A good option for athletes, dancers, and exercise enthusiasts, the Chi machine can be used as a warm-up tool to get the blood flowing and provide increased oxygen before you get down to business. It could also be used to cool down aching feet and leg muscles after a particularly rigorous routine.

• Stress Reduction

There is nothing as calming as a massage, and the soothing goldfish motions of this machine can help to relax tensed muscles and reduce stress in the body.

• Suitable For the Physically Challenged

Facts about the Chi Machine

The Chi machine is designed to run a low-impact operation, hence, it can be helpful to the bedridden, physically challenged, and aged individuals who cannot be involved in vigorous physical activities due to their physical limitations.

When to use Chi Machine
Perfect for days when you can’t be outdoors.

1) The Chi machine is recognized and registered as a medical device in Japan, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

2) Highly rated by hospitals and doctors around the world as an important clinical, medical, and health-promoting entity.

3) Healthcare Professionals – Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Doctors, Chiropractors, Clinics, and Day Spas in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and Asia are using the health and wellness benefits of the Chi Machine in both their business practice and their everyday lives.

4) Millions of people all over the world use their Sun Ancon Chi machine recurrently, with amazing results being constantly reported and published.

5) ‘The Chi Machine’ is a brand name of HTE (Hsin Ten Enterprise). This means that you need to lie down and relax for 5-10 minutes at a time. It will make a huge difference! Are you wonder why this device is called the CHI machine?

Chi is the life force energy within every living being, stimulated and empowered by the movement of the Chi Machine. A wave of this energy can be felt gently sweeping through the body after the Chi Machine has stopped moving. Chi is a metaphysical and universal energy well known by ancient cultures as well as throughout the world today, used in ancient healing modalities such as Reiki and Pranic Healing and by Martial Arts such as Chi Lel, Tai Chi, and Aikido.

Clinical Trials

In June 2000, HTE contracted with Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia to conduct clinical trials focusing on secondary lymphedema and venous edema of the legs. Results showed a reduction in test subjects’ weight an average of 1.45 kg (approx. 3 lbs.) in 3 weeks. The results showed that “After a three-week treatment period there were statistically significant reductions in total leg volume and fluids, whole body extracellular fluid, weight, and subjective leg symptoms.”

Conclusion:

Chi machine is an effective passive exercise device that can be beneficial in different medical conditions and also great to keep your health in a perfect state.

Philadelphia Holistic Clinic has a Chi machine and you can contact our clinic to schedule an appointment for Chi massage aka swing massage, aka vertebral massage. 20 minutes of this procedure is virtually equal to 7 miles of jugging.