Therapeutic Massager
"Chi Machine"
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BACKGROUND: AN INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
Since 1990, half a million Chi Machines have been sold worldwide, primarily in the Far East. The machine has gained a tremendous reputation for its solid construction and outstanding health benefits. And unlike many types of exercise equipment, the machine is easy to use, providing excellent results without stress or injury.
The idea behind this unusual therapeutic massager was developed by Dr. Shizuo Inoue,a medical visionary and inventor in Japan. Dr. Inoue has spent decades researching the relationship between body movement and minor muscular pain & tension caused by fatigue or over-exertion.He was inspired by watching goldfish swimming. Dr. Inoue thought that perhaps the steady undulation causes the fish's whole body to be massaged and provided it with some benefits.
 | Figure 1: The comparison of swinging motion |
Noting how healthy and well-toned fish are, Dr. Inoue thought that the steady undulation of the spine causes the fish's whole body to be exercised and oxygenated. Oxygen and exercise starvation of the cells result in many disorders in the human body. The spine's design permits sideways, snake-like movements that serve to relieve vertebrae joint pressure. The chi machine is believed to deliver the best possible lateral snake-like movement to the spine with the body in the ideal therapeutic position.
Engineers took his basic concept and created the technical design for the Chi Machine. "The pattern of motion that the machine generates in the human body uses minimum effort and achieves maximum results," says Dr. Inoue. "It relaxes muscles locally, temporarily increses our comfort, adds temporary relief to minor tension in muscles from fatigue or overexertion. It can also increase our sense of comfort, through the temporary relief of minor muscle pain and aches, due to fatigue or overexertion."
The Chi Machine's ability to oxygenate, tone and strengthen the body increases the feelings of aliveness and well-being,that is, raises the chi of life force-in the bodies of those who use the machine on a daily basis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
Description And Specifications of the Chi Machine
 | Figure 2: A Chi Machine |
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The Benefits Acclaimed
Most of the manufacturer claims that the machine will give these benefits to the consumers:
Greater energy.
Stronger and more limber spine and joints.
Firming and toning of thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Sounder and more restful sleep.
Greater ease in getting going in the morning.
Stronger immune system-fewer or no colds.
Better stamina.
Alleviation of many stress-related conditions--headaches (including migraines), anxiety, depression, constipation, etc.
Improved function of the internal organs.
Improved circulation of the blood.
EVIDENCE OF SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES APPLIED TO THE DEVICE
The Chi Machine working principle based on the reflexology concept. In general this modern machine of pain relief works by mildly stimulating the nerve pathways. Reflexology is a non-invasive form of therapy, which helps to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. Its origins reach back to ancient Egypt. Scientific principles behind modern reflexology were researched and developed by Eunice Ingham (1889-1974), who determined and proved that reflex areas in the feet and hands reflect all the glands, organs and other anatomical parts of the body. Through application of pressure to these reflexes one can relieve tension and improve circulation, preventing or eliminating health problems in a natural way.
Listed below are some of the common principles of how the Chi Machine works.
The Nerve Impulse Principle
When pressure is applied to the foot, or any other organ in the body, afferent neurones conduct the message to ganglia or groups of neurones outside the spinal cord. Normally, messages pass from the ganglia to the spinal cord then up to the brain for interpretation. Motor nerves then carry responses down the spinal cord, out to the ganglia then on to the appropriate muscles for activity.
The electrical impulse theory states that for a reason, as yet unexplained, messages from the feet reaching the ganglia connect up with the messages going to muscles, so that working the feet has direct action on bodily organs. This explains why reflexology zones are vertical, with pressure on one side of the foot affecting organs on the same side of the body. The principle can also be used to explain how this could benefit people with paralysis due to severing of the spinal cord.
Impeded and Unimpeded Energy Flow Principle
This principle suggests that the ground pulsates with positive and negative electrical energy charges that are picked up by positive and negative receptors on the feet. The energy receptors in the feet are a part of the nervous system. In a healthy person, the charges and energy from the earth pass freely into the nervous system.
If the positive and negative charges in the feet are not in contact with the earth, due to congestion in the feet or particles impeding passage, they cannot pick up the earth charges as effectively and energy flow is impeded.
The Chi Machine could unblock the pathways allowing the electrical terminals in the feet to touch the ground again so that energy can flow freely again.
Electromagnetic Principles of Healing
A number of slightly different principles have much in common. It is known that all matter, including human cells, vibrate at certain rates. The brain in particular has recognized waves that can be detected on Electroencephalograms (EEGs).
It is theorized that the brain is the link between the earth's vibrations and our bodily vibrations. Electromagnetic messages are created in the brain as it oscillates between positive and negative polarities. It is also known that the human body contains iron (in red blood cells), dissolved electrolytes (sodium, chloride and potassium bicarbonate, in blood plasma), proteins (which act as semiconductors) and water, and therefore generates a bio-magnetic field. To send rapid messages the brain works like a radio transmitter/receiver, sending and receiving electromagnetic signals directly to and from our body cells to regulate their vibrational frequency. The brain also uses the much slower nervous and circulatory systems to pass chemical and electromagnetic messages to and from cells to regulate vibrational frequency.
Problems can arise in two ways. Firstly, under certain conditions the electrical messages from the brain can become blocked or distorted like a radio not quite tuned into a station. With damage e.g. caused by stress, the pairs of electrons spin in the same rather than in opposite directions, distorting the signal and causing cells to malfunction.
Secondly, cells can vibrate at less than optimum frequency due to injury, emotional trauma or a decreased magnetic field. Degenerative diseases and memory loss have all been associated with magnetic field deficiency.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO THE USERS
Based on our findings, we discovered that each chi machine manufacturer claimed that their product is the best. Although the machine is considered as an alternative medicine equipment, most manufacturers managed to obtain approval from the FDA and the products are manufactured under patent and under strict quality control.
For instance the chi machine product which is manufactured by Hsin Ten Enterprise Co., Ltd. product SUN ANCON (Aerobic Exerciser Chi Machine). It has been patented in many countries including the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Australia, etc. It received the Silver Eagle award at the Second Asia-Pacific Direct-Selling congress in 1993 and is registered as a medical appliance by Japan's Medical Affairs Bureau (Type No 02B, Serial No. 1539). Moreover, the number of consumers has been increasing tremendously since the past years .
Because of the dramatic and miraculous response obtained by most manufacturers, there are now fraudulent copies on the market. The objective of these cheap "copy-cat-products" is only monetary gain. These fraudulent copies are only capable of vibrating but are not effective. They cause potential hazards towards cheated consumers.
The possible potential hazards are as follows:
Could cause injury such as to the back, knees, and shoulder due to the higher speed than the one recommended speed.
Headaches.
Electrical hazards
However, in general, all the manufacturers do not recommend these people to use their products:
Pregnant women.
Patients with heart problems.
Patients with an unhealed bone fracture.
Persons that have eaten within the past hour.
Patients with bone fusions
RECOMMENDATION OF USE
To preclude unwanted incidents from happening the massager should not be used under the following conditions:
Immediately following an operation or suffering from bone fracture. (within three months after an operation).
If suffering from a serious infectious or bleeding injury or serious heart disease.
During pregnancy.
Within 30 minutes after eating.
If extreme pain occurs during the massage. Such pain should be Investigated and rectified before further use of the unit.
Other aspects to consider while using the Chi Machine are as follows:
Speed Adjustability
A speed-adjustable Chi Machine would not be helpful or beneficial to the human body. A faster speed could cause dizziness, fatigue, or even strain any part or parts of the body. Moreover, a higher noise accompanying a faster speed might also cause stress. However, the speed of this Chi Machine is a result of rigorous and thorough study. It precisely conforms to the human body's metabolism. It's safe and the most beneficial to human health.
Feeling of Dizziness and Having Headache After Using the Chi Machine
This symptom occurs when the customer has one of these four possible conditions:
Hypertension
Hypotension
Anemia
Weakness
Users should not close their eyes while on the machine. Doing so causes an illusion that the Earth is moving. This suggestion should help this type of customer feel more comfortable.
This symptom is most common in those new to using the Machine. It is related to the duration of use. It is recommended that those using it for the first time (or after not having used it in awhile) limit the duration to no longer than 5 minutes. For the elderly and frail, the duration for initial use is 2-3 minutes. Another helpful tip is to place a fairly thick and soft pillow under the head to relieve pressure).
Vomiting After Using the Chi Machine
Usually such consumers would have hypotension or Meniere's disease. These two diseases produce a brain-balance problem when the body has been swinging. The suggested approach is to use the machine for a duration of 1-2 minutes, several times per day (instead of longer-fewer sessions). They could use it for longer duration once they have adjusted to it.
The Effect of Chi Machine on Shoulder Stiffness
It is suggested that for initial use, people could apply a pain-alleviating plaster on the shoulder area or spur location. This will help the pain to disappear very quickly and the shoulder stiffness or backache spurs will diminish.
While using the Chi Machine, they can put their hands on the area of discomfort. The hands can massage the affected area while the machine is swinging them which subsequently would reduce the pain. It is exactly the same as when one rubs an injured area when fall down. After awhile, the pain would gradually be relieved.
It is also suggested that consumers stop using the Machine if they experience extreme discomfort or perhaps using it at a later time for a smaller amount of time.
The Use of Chi Machine During Pregnancy
Consumers who are pregnant could use it but those who are suffering from presentation placenta of habitual miscarriage should not use it. They should suspend using it during the first trimester and during the final months before delivery. It is best that they consult their physician before hand.
CONCLUSION
Over the last decade millions of Chi Machines have been sold worldwide, primarily in the Far East. Obviously the machine has gained a tremendous reputation for its outstanding health benefits. And unlike many types of exercise equipment, the machine is easy to use, providing excellent results without stress or injury. Moreover, the machines are approved by the FDA, thus consumers has no second thoughts of using the machine.
However, consumers should be aware of the existence of 'copy-cat-products' which could be obtained in the market at cheap prices. These products could vibrate but are not effective. They are very similar in layout as far as where the motor is and the appearance of the drive mechanism for the footrest. Usually the motor housing is cheaply made and open; the clearance between the motor with sloppy moving parts, and the piece that transfers the power from the motor to the moving shaft is made out of plastic rather than steel as in the Chi Machine. Obviously it would not last very long and could lead to injury.
There are many Chi Machine products available in the market. Among them are SUN ANCON and The Sun Harmony products by Hsin Ten Enterprise Co. Ltd (Japan-based company), Chi Machine CN-305 by Buy-A-Mag Company (American-based), Osim Health Focus (has many branches in Malaysia), and OTO BODYCARE (Malaysia).
We made a visit to two of our local distributors, namely Osim (M) Sdn. Bhd and OTO BODYCARE to get the brochures and obtain more information on the machine, but apparently they were running out of brochures. However, we discovered that the price range is from RM 900 to RM 1000 over and most of the products available were imported from Japan and Taiwan.
We also found out that there are two types of chi machine available: the 'traditional' and the 'modern'. Apparently the traditional ones are more effective as they have the exact effect that of our normal reflexology method ("machine-less"), so they are usually costs slightly more.
There are many types of brands available in the market for consumers to choose from. It is recommended they obtain as much information as possible on the various products available before hand. They must make sure that the product they choose is reliable, tested, and warranted. It is also best that they consult their general practitioner prior to purchasing it.
REFERENCES: The Reflexology Workshop, Jenny Hope Spencer, Crowood Press, 1999 The Practisioner's Guide To Reflkexology , Englerwood Cliffs, Prentice Hall, 1990 Perspectives in Healthcare Technology lecture notes Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, John Enderle, Susan Blanchard, Joseph Bronzino, Academic Press, 2000 http://ahealthybody.net/ChiMachine.shtml http://www.iwr.com/chimachine/chimachine.htm http://universalhealthproducts.com/chi-intro.shtml http://www.ycyhealth.com/foot_shaker.htm http://www.buyamag.com/cgi-bin/html/chi_machine.htm