by Doreen Bonin

Western medical science is now beginning to consider ancient Far Eastern traditions that focus healing and good health on the life-force energy which flows in channels through all living forms. Acupuncture and associated therapies are being increasingly used by western practitioners to invigorate the life-force energy flow to restore health to unhealthy organs. The Chinese refer to this energy as Chi, the vital life force energy of the Universe, present within every living thing.

In Eastern Medicine, doctors see illness, pain and other incapacity as signs of overall imbalance in the body, not simply in one organ, muscle or limb. They look for weaknesses and blockages in Chi. When Chi is blocked or diverted, doctors seek to relieve the blockage as a means of creating balance. It is believed that once the body is in balance it may be able to heal itself, and prevent disease from happening.

The practice of Qi(Chi)gong including Tai Chi, encompasses a broad range of exercise systems for developing one’s chi. The three basic elements of these forms are (1) adjusting and preparing posture, (2) adjusting and regulating breath, and (3) adjusting or calming the mind. The movements have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, calming the body and leading to the regeneration of vitality and the recovery of health.

Ancient Oriental medicine has now been combined with modern technology to provide a new way of accessing and moving Chi. The Chi Machine is the culmination of 38 years of research by Japanese medical doctor Shizuo Inoue.

Lying on the back with feet slightly elevated and resting in ankle cups, the body is moved in an undulating figure of eight motion, just like a fish swimming in water. This position reduces stress on the spine while the lateral swinging of the ankles creates movement throughout the body, maximizing the body’s natural absorption of oxygen. When you see a fish swimming, you notice that its tail gently swings back and forth which causes movement of the entire spinal cord and all muscles.

Like the ancient practice of Qigong, the Chi Machine aligns the spine, increases oxygen in the body and calms the mind. It also massages and stimulates the activity of the internal organs. unblocking the chi pathways ensuring a maximum flow of this healing source throughout the body systems. When the machine shuts off the body is showered with a wonderful tingling feeling that makes its way through to all the extremities from toes to fingers. It’s what some people refer to as a chiful feeling. or chi rush. A five minute session on the machine has the equivalent oxygen benefit of a thirty minute aerobic walk. The Chi Machine is a patented Health Canada Medical Device.