But intrepid journalist that I am, I duly laid down and switched on.
Once I'd got my ankles in a comfortable position (not easy) and my spine straight, it vibrated my body into ripples. The motion swings your entire body from side to side in a gentle, undulating fashion.
At first it seems like a silly thing to be doing. But you stop giggling as the gentle rhythm soothes and lulls. I could feel the wiggle going from my feet right down my legs, up my body and spine into my neck.
I laid there, head wobbling like David Grey mid-song, aware that I looked a bit ridiculous. But after a few minutes I didn't care; I'd gone with the flow. And when the machine timer suddenly clicked off, I felt quite robbed.
Instructions said I should lie still for a few minutes afterwards. As I did so, I could feel a tingling sensation in my — a boost in circulation, I assumed.
As I got up, my back felt stiff, but it soon eased. After using it a few times, I noticed niggly aches in my back and neck were relieved each time and, bizarrely considering I’d done nothing, the backs of my legs and bottom felt like they had gone through a mild workout.
Although I did feel slightly more energetic, the overriding benefit I felt was one of relaxation. I definitely felt better for those ten-minute sessions.
I felt myself long for a chi break all day...
September 26th my own machine arrived. We used it for 5 minutes initially. Within a few days my sleeps were far more restful and my temperament was so much better. I was handling my son's pooh-filled nappies better. Dreams were vivid, more clear and able to be totally recalled.
By the first week I had more energy -- I put my clients on the machine, they felt the benefit. First period in years only lasted two days and I felt no discomfort - didn't know it was there. My depression decreased and I had an all over feeling of well-being. For one month use on a steady basis I can report a 2 kg weight loss.
Hearing is returning to my deaf left ear, I use The Chi Machine to help
me relax and enhance my digestive process. Thank you.
I attended seminars and workshops on mind-body or alternative medicines, gaining insight into various healing programs. At a 1999 workshop, I spotted a demonstration of an unusual machine. Intrigued, I tried it.
I was invited to lie on a mat and place my feet into the device, which was called The Chi Machine. When it was turned on, the machine moved my legs laterally. After 5 minutes it was turned off and I felt simultaneously relaxed and energized.
The Chi Machine was developed by a Japanese physician who was looking for a way to more efficiently oxygenate the body. The wavelike motion of the body on the machine creates a lateral flexion of the spine, which stimulates the autonomic nervous system to open the bronchioles, thereby increasing oxygen exchange and creating an alpha wave state similar to meditation. Fifteen minutes on the machine provides the oxygen equivalent to 90 minutes of brisk walking. Once I discovered the benefits of this alternative treatment, I wanted to share it with everyone, including my patients. I use the machine in a variety of ways in my practice.
Before patients undergo LASIK and other surgeries, we put them on the machine for about 10 minutes. We combine this with another therapy called the HotHouse, a far infrared device. The combination helps our patients relax and enhances their LASIK experience. Our patients are enthusiastic about these therapies. They leave my office rejuvenated.
In the office we also have a "Relaxation Room", where we play relaxing music and have The Chi Machine on a massage table. When patients have had to wait too long to be seen, we instill their eye drops and put them onto the machine. After 15 minutes they become different people, often asking if they can stay on it longer. This reduces stress and any ill will they're feeling for the long wait.
We've introduced this treatment to patients with various conditions and with outstanding results. For example, Jennifer is a 31-year-old cystic fibrosis patient on a waiting list for a lung transplant. When her husband came to me for LASIK, she saw him on the machine and asked if she could have a turn. After 15 minutes, Jennifer said her breathing had significantly improved. She phoned 4 days later to report her physicians found her oxygen levels had also improved. We've also had outstanding success treating patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression and neck and back pain.
I'm excited to present my patients with solutions to chronic complaints.
I've discussed this treatment with other ophthalmologists, who are incorporating
it into their practices. Because I'm an ophthalmologist, patients
come to me to treat their eyes, but as a physician, I want to treat their
whole mind and body.