The word chi stems from Chinese culture and for refers to balance between positive and negative effects on all living things. When the first chi machine was invented in Japan, its main purpose was to create chi for the body by using rhythmic movement to move the lower abdomen back and forth --- also known as the goldfish movement. Since then, the chi machines popularity has grown, along the number of health benefits offers, including increased circulation and back pain relief.
Getting Into Position
While there many to choose from, all chi machines are bases on the same back-and-forth motion. You use them by lying on the floor with the machine placed at your feet. On top of the machine is an area that has two dips on which you rest your ankles. This moves sways horizontally, providing a gentle side-to-side movement allows your entire lower body to move.
Back Relief
The side-to-side movement may not seem like much, but during this motion, your hips and back are able to relax and re-align themselves, thus allowing your back to regain a natural posture. Common causes of back pain are stress and tension. Studies reported by Positive Health Magazine show that with regular use of a chi machine, stress and tension levels are lower, thus decreasing back pain.
In-Direct Help
While this motion can directly decrease your back pain, it has additional benefits that can indirectly alleviate back pain as well. Positive Health also reported patients experienced better digestion, a process that can put pressure on the back from inside your body. It also can takes a load off of your back and help your other joints are move easier. Additional benefits: include weight loss, better sleeping, and easier breathing, which itself can decrease back pain.
Side Effects
Most people can benefit in many ways through regular use of the chi machine, but there are some cases in which it can irritate. If you become nauseated easily, the motion, while gentle, may be too much for you. It can also trigger headaches and irritate muscle injuries. If you experience any negative effects, try decreasing the time spent on the machine. And if lying flat is not be a comfortable position for you, place pillows under your knees or lower back to relieve discomfort.
