Any knowledge of or experience with chi machines?

[OneGrassRoot]

Evidently this product is fairly well known, but I just heard of it for the first time last night. Since I don't see commercials thanks to DVR, I missed this invention. :)

I also understand a very similar product may have been sold years ago as an exercise machine.

Since I'm experiencing L5-S1 disc problems, this was recommended as a home product which helps spinal alignment, and of course helps other issues related to lack of alignment. Supposedly.

Any thoughts?

If you Google "chi machine" a ton of things pop up. You evidently lie on the floor and this moves your feet in unison in a way I assume is hard to do on one's own.

Here's a video showing how it's used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU0zFaM5yw0

The next question is, if this is a good route, how on earth to decide on which one works best? Maybe Consumer Reports reviewed them....I'll check that now.

Thanks. :)

[Warpy]

1. I'm not altogether certain that passive exercise works that well

Back rehab is aimed at strengthening the muscles, something that passive motion really doesn't do.

Good luck, backs are buggers.

[derby378]

2. I've tried one - basically you're looking at a novel approach to ankle massage

I don't see where this device will cure disease, realign chakras, or anything else.

As for a side-by-side comparison, however, I don't know of one off-hand. My suggestion is to check for decent padding and go for the cheaper models.

[Why Syzygy]

4. I wouldn't advise going for the cheaper models in this case.

The Chi Machine is a Passive Aerobic Exerciser. Since it's popularity many manufacturers have built their own version of a Passive Aerobic Exerciser. The secret of a genuine Passive Aerobic Exercisers (A) is their motor is perfectly balanced and the rocking motion is perfectly balanced from left to right. Imitation Passive Aerobic Exercisers (B) look like they perform the proper movement, but are not balanced, thus they do not produce optimal effects.

There are other imitation/copycat devices on the market today. These devices, in an attempt to sell the machines for less, have used inferior motors in them. This causes the machine to not be able to provide the smooth, consistent, balanced motion necessary to receive the health benefits the machine was designed for. The fake machines usually sell for between $98-$449.

Our Manufacturer has tried a number of Imitation/Copycat machines, here are their comments:

The Oxyciser, which is available from the Home Shopping Network for $98. It has a very weak motor and a violent motion that has had many people complaining of injury. This Oxyciser comes with a warning that you could burn the motor up if you use it for more than 15 minutes at a time and don't rest it a half hour between uses. It also specifies that it is not to be used commercially or in a professional healthcare office. The Chi Machine is made to be used in a busy doctor's office (MD, DC, ND, LMT).

The Stress Buster by Tinny Beauty, they have 2 models one cheap one and a 'deluxe' model. This was made by a former Chi Machine distributor that took the Chi Machine to China and through a Chinese government sponsored program is having this fake machine built there. It is sold here though a couple of distributors. It is not his main business, he just makes these as extra income. Just call them and you will see.

The Swing Machine or Healthy Swing. Again a variable speed control and an inferior product. It weighs only 7lbs. The Chi Machine is more sturdy and built to be used in hospitals. There are probably others, but these are the ones I have run across the most.

If you have any doubts as to any of this information I suggest you call the company that makes each machine. You will find NO real companies behind any of these other machines, just importers of boxes trying to make a quick buck. They have had people purchase these machines only to return them and buy a Chi Machine.

Do your own research and you will realize that it is no bargain to buy an inferior product that could not only break down in a few months, but could harm you. It's not worth saving a few bucks on something that you'll be using to maximize your health two or more times per day. No copy can compare with a Genuine Passive Aerobic Exerciser.

A note from a recent customer;

By the way, I recently purchased a chi machine knock-off. What a mistake!
The chi machine is so much more relaxing--the other thing beats me up!

http://www.thechimachine.com/Imitations.html

[TlalocW]

3. I generally don't trust my health to...

Devices that I only have seen demonstrated at the State Fair. My girlfriend and I both tried it out though... mainly because we were tired from walking and wanted to lie down for a couple minutes. :)

TlalocW

[juno jones]

5. You might want to check out Feldenkrais.

The movements are slow and simple, as easy as rolling back and forth on the floor or in a bed. Very gentle exercise. My Physical Therapist mom swore by it, especially when someone had a limited range of motion.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Thank you, and thanks to everyone else who responded....

I've heard of Feldenkrais but am not familiar with it. I'll Google it now. :)

Thanks again.

[Richard D]

7. I use one regularly

I don't consider it to be miraculous, but it feels good and seems to release a lot of tension in my back. Great rush when it stops too. I doubt it burns calories or leads to weight loss though. I have an l5-s1 protrusion as well and it seems to offer some help for that.

[Ian David]

8. What you need is one of these...

... because if you're gonna buy a Chi machine, you're obviously looking to get fucked anyway.


Geesh.

[OneGrassRoot]

9. LOL!

Geesh to you! I'd never even heard of these before, hence my coming here to get some feedback. I'm doing my research dude, and DU is one place I choose to do research.

Even if it comes with the obligatory slams of "you're an idiot" posts.

It's called many things, as I'm discovering, so just because it has "chi" in the name, I didn't assume it was an unworthy device.

But thanks for the other pics.

;)

[Orrex]

13. Best. Post. Ever.

:yourock:

[Liberal Veteran]

10. For a full chi do over, get a Hawaii Chair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_amg-Aos4

[BuddhaGirl]

11. I LOVE my chi machine

It does wonders for my back - releases the tension, and makes me feel energized. You do definitely need padding around the ankles.

Good luck - I think you'll like it! :-)

[Orrex]

12. Chi machines are exceptionally good

at extracting money from the pockets of the desperate and the eager-to-believe.

[eShirl]

14. Stupid name and rather overpriced IMO, but gentle motion and traction

can encourage tight muscles to relax.

I should mention I've never used one of these machines myself or seen one in person. The name conjures up images of Wilhelm Reich's orgone energy accumulators, which is why I hate it.

[Peregrine Took]

15. I ordered a chi machine upon a recommendation that it helped intersititial

cystitis.

I had high hopes for it but for me, it actually, made my bladder hurt more than before.

A crushing disappointment. Bottom line - the bladder is nothing to try to home remedy.