Surge of Chi Exerciser | Chi Machines

Overview,
about Chi and Passive Exercise

The Surge of Chi Exerciser is the culmination of decades of therapeutic knowledge and experience, originating in Japan and China. 'Goldfish exercise', as it is affectionately known by the Japanese, has become a popular way for millions in the Far East to help their bodies stay young.

Use of the exerciser is simplicity itself. Simply lie down and relax, with your feet on the padded ankle rests. Let your body respond to the movement of your feet as the exerciser swings them gently and rhythmically from side to side. Adjust the speed with the dial on the easy to use hand control, finding the rhythm which suits you best.

Experience the release of tension as the wavelike motion moves through your body. Lie still and enjoy the afterglow as the chi energy continues to flow through your body after the exerciser stops. Savour the sense of well-being that the exerciser helps to create as you let yourself sink into the relaxed state stimulated by this unique form of spinal massage.

History

The Surge of Chi® Exerciser is designed to provide a special type of exercise that we call 'passive exercise' - it's called 'passive' because the exercise is happening while you are lying down doing nothing! Its origins lie in Japan, where many years ago there was a recognition amongst healthcare professionals of the value of creating a sideways motion starting at the feet. Originally the movement was achieved either by a therapist swinging the feet of the patient manually, or by teaching people to simulate the movement themselves, using various self-applied techniques such as the Nishi-shiki method.

The original Japanese version of the exerciser - called a 'feet-swinging device' - was invented in 1988. The invention was apparently inspired by a Japanese medical doctor, who had specialised in studying the action of oxygen within the body at all levels. The story goes that the doctor's inspiration for this concept was the elegant swimming motion of the goldfish. He observed that fish and almost all animal life enjoy a natural exercise of the spinal column that humans lack - due to our erect posture. This inspired him to design a machine that could generate movement in humans while lying in a horizontal position.

When this simple concept was put into practice, the Japanese realised that benefits occurred at many levels. The finished product was recognised as a remedial medical device by the Ministry of Health & Welfare in 1990, and with their health-conscious and busy lifestyles, the Japanese quickly became enthusiasts. This newly found way of exercising became known in Japan as kingyo undo - or 'goldfish exercise' - and its popularity soared.

The boom in popularity of these exercisers then spread to the Chinese, who have a strong tradition of taking personal responsibility for their own healthcare too - as exemplified by the well-known sight of Tai Chi enthusiasts of all ages exercising daily in public open spaces, and in group sessions at their places of work.

Chinese researchers realised that the flow of 'chi' energy throughout the body was significantly raised by their use. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on stimulating chi energy to keep the body's systems in balance, so the Chinese understood how valuable this revolutionary exerciser was on many levels.

Later the concept was introduced to America, where it was first patented in 1992 as "kinesitherapic equipment", providing stress-free aerobic exercise.

The Second Generation of Chi Exercisers

The Surge of Chi Exerciser was developed for Western physiques, adopting a more robust engineering model than the early products - which were generally designed for the Asian market. The big step forward was to adopt a heavy-duty DC motor. This has given a more robust performance with a smoother ride, and enabled utilisation of more refined technology - including electronic programming. This means the user can adjust the speed during use, and enjoy other advanced controls along with other improvements over the original versions. Please see our Product Information page for the specification of the Surge of Chi Exerciser.

What is 'Chi'

'Chi' (also spelt 'Qi') is the Chinese word for 'life force energy', and is known as 'Ki' in Japanese. It is the subtle energy which can be considered to be the fundamental fuel for all life. The Chinese and Japanese have recognised the central importance of Chi in mediating all the processes of life for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the key understanding that in a healthy body this subtle yet powerful energy is being channelled to all the organs of the body on a regular cycle - and that any blockage of this flow will inevitably result in ill health and other disabilities.

Many traditional approaches to supporting good health in Asia - including the age-old medical systems of China, Japan, Thailand and India - emphasise that balance is best maintained within the body through encouraging the flow of this vital energy throughout the body. These approaches recognise the wisdom in nature's design, and seek to bring back the healthy balance that children enjoy.

The body has a marvellous inbuilt capability for self-correcting action, but this can become blocked through habitual abuse - poor posture, poor diet, inadequate sleep and rest, and excessive stress can all lead to failure of the body's natural self-regulatory mechanisms.

Many of the therapies we now enjoy in the West - such as acupuncture, reflexology, shiatsu and the other wonderfully invigorating forms of Asian massage - share this basic understanding of the need to keep energy moving, and the inherent capacity of the body's systems to keep functioning efficiently when given adequate exercise and other forms of stimulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to ensure the smooth flow of chi through the body's meridians. This approach is based on the belief that illness is generally caused by an imbalance of chi - t'ai chi, for example, is practised daily by millions of Chinese - more as a form of preventive healthcare than as a martial art.

Balance

It is believed that stimulating the flow of chi energy helps to promote vitality and balance, eliminates blockages and stagnation, adjusts metabolism, supports the body's systems to function smoothly and efficiently, and helps regenerate the body's energy reserves.

By stimulating the flow of chi, regular use of the Surge of Chi Exerciser can help to bring balance back to bodies suffering from stress and loss of optimum health.