Don’t goldfish seem so graceful and happy as they undulate in their lovely ponds and aquariums? Well, if you look beyond the beauty of the biological nature of goldfish, you’ll see the physiological contributions they’ve made to  natural health—specifically spinal health.  Did you know that 80 percent of chronic illnesses are related to spinal nerve function, according to recent research?

Beginning with Japanese scientist Shizuo Inoue, who studied the effects of oxygenation of the body for nearly 40 years, the idea of the Chi machine was born. Dr. Inoue believed that a lack of oxygen in the body is a primary cause of disease. He believed that the best way to be healthy is to absorb oxygen in the air efficiently. He suggested that in order to do this, we should follow the example of the goldfish. Their gently swaying bodies stimulate the spinal column, which allows them to absorb oxygen.

Our spines are capable of sideways motion, like our goldfish friends, but because we are naturally inclined to hold so much tension in our body our spinal movements have been reduced.  We’ve all experienced the pleasurable feeling of relief we get when standing and raising our arms over our head while we stretch and yawn and move our spine from side to side to release tension. The chi machine instantly provides the same feeling by moving our energy continuously, increasing mental alertness and promoting oxygenation of the cells as well as momentarily releasing pressure on the inter-vertebral discs.

Chi machine therapy combines the intriguing combination of stimulation and relaxation to engage every muscle and bone in the body, allowing the brain and body to let go and tune in to the stimulation motion.

To get started, you recline face up, with both ankles in the specially-designed footrests. The chi machine rocks the entire body from side to side in a gentle undulation motion. Fifteen minutes on a chi machine is the equivalent of ninety minutes of aerobic exercise, or 10,000 steps, but without the stress on body. Once the machine stops you get a rush of energy, which finds its way into all of the weak points in the body.

With regular use, chi machine therapy can benefit the body by:

• Removing blockages in the lymphatic system, which alleviates water retention, and promotes the healthy function of the immune system.
• Proving prompt, temporary relief from aches and pains in the spine, hip, and neck.
• Massaging internal organs and all body systems.
• Promoting hip and spine alignment.
• Aiding the digestive system,
• Releasing tension and helping the body and mind de-stress.
• Transforming the mental and emotional state
• Stimulating respiration, circulation, and nervous systems for increased energy.