LYMPHEDEMA AND THE CHI MACHINE

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The Chi Machine - Complimentary Treatment for Lymphedema, Edema

Discussion:

I am including a clinical study done on the effectiveness of the Chi Machine in helping treat lymphedema.  This is not to be intended as either a recommendation nor an endorsement, but as an information resource for our visitors and members.

The chi machine, first created by De. Shizuo Inoue, a Japanese scientist now has FDA approval as a Class i Medical Device Regulation #890.5660.  However, please understand that this does not mean it has been approved for or proven effective in lymphedema.  As of this date, March 29, 2008, there still is no further evidence or verification that it helps either venous edema or lymphedema.

Professor Neil Piller of the Flinders Medical Centre - Lymphoedema Assessment Clinic in South Australia has been conducting trials on the Chi Machine.  You can learn more about him and his work at:

http://www.flinders.sa.gov.au/lymphoedema/pages/overview/

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Introduction

Secondary lymphoedema of the legs effects 30% of people after surgery/radiotherapy

Venous Oedema effects 5% of the adult population

Both result in swelling, discomfort and can interfere with quality of life

Conventional treatment expensive, ongoing, with little patient control.

There is no good cure for either condition.

Where the study was conducted

This study was conducted at the Flinders Medical University in Adelaide, Australia. Which is part of Australia's Department of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences School of Medicine.

Who was in charge of the study

It was headed by Professor Neil Pillar, the Team leader of the Lymphoedema Clinic of Flinders Surgical Oncology Unit. The Chief Research Officer was Ms Amanda Moseley.

The Goal of the Study

To find and test the effectiveness of a treatment that would be:

The Design of the Study

What measurements were taken and how.

Results for Control Group

Average Weight Loss in 3 weeks

Average fluid Loss in legs in 3 weeks

Results for Secondary Lymphoedema Group

Average Weight Loss in 3 weeks

Average fluid Loss in legs in 3 weeks

Average circumference reduction in legs in 3 weeks

Results of the Lymphoscintigraphy Scans

Improvements in Leg Symptoms
(smaller numbers are better)

Symptom

Initial

Final

1 month

Pain

3.7

2.0

3.5

Tightness

6.0

2.0

5.0

Heaviness

5.0

2.0

5.0

Skin dryness

4.0

2.0

1.0

Limb size

7.0

5.0

5.0

Patients were asked to grade these symptoms from 1 to 10. Patients had good symptom control while using the machine, some of these symptoms returned once treatment ceased. Many where happy to gain relief from these symptoms.


Improvements in Quality of Life (%)

Range of movement

55%

Increase in ability to exercise

36%

Walking up/down stairs

27%

Improvement in sleeping

21%

Easier to get dressed

15%

Positive impact on daily life

45%

Decrease in depression

21%

Satisfaction with treatment regime

85%

Feeling of control over condition

67%

Results for Venus Oedema Group

Average Weight Loss in 3 weeks

Average fluid Loss in legs in 3 weeks

Average circumference reduction in legs in 3 weeks

Improvements in Leg Symptoms
(smaller numbers are better)

Symptom

Initial

Final

1 month

Pain

4 .0

1.0

2.5

Tightness

5.0

2.0

3.5

Heaviness

5.0

2.0

2.5

Skin dryness

4.2

2.7

2.6

Cramps

5.0

1.0

3.0

Limb size

6.0

4.5

4.0

Patients were asked to grade these symptoms from 1 to 10. Good symptom control whilst using machine, some return of symptoms when treatment ceased - but not back to original level.



Improvements in Quality of Life (%)

Range of movement

68%

Increase in ability to exercise

56%

Walking up/down stairs

40%

Improvement in sleeping

25%

Easier to get dressed

20%

Positive impact on daily life

56%

Decrease in depression

16%

Satisfaction with treatment regime

88%

Feeling of control over condition

52%

Final Results, Summary & Conclusion

Results (overall)

Summary

Conclusion

After analyzing the complete data it is the conclusion of Professor Pillar and Flinders Medical University that: Used on a frequent basis, the Chi Machine™ has great potential in Health Maintenance and Disease Management in those who suffer from Secondary Lymphoedema and Venous Oedema of the legs.

http://www.wellnesspartners.com/lymphatic_system/summary.html

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Chi Machine
Sun Ancon Chi Machine

Passive Aerobic

Exerciser

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COUNTERPOINT

Chris Woolston
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE

PRINCIPAL HEALTH NEWS

Below: 

Advertisements on the Internet make the Chi Machine sound like the biggest medical breakthrough since penicillin. In addition to promoting weight loss, it supposedly boosts energy, strengthens the immune system, eases back pain, and cures allergies. All for slightly less than $500!

After selling and using the machine for more than two years, Linda Basta of Buffalo, New York, is a true believer. She uses it to relax her body, ease aches and pains, and -- as a saleswoman -- to make money. Many of her customers hope to lose weight, and many are satisfied with the results, she says. "I never tell people they are going to lose weight, but a lot of them do," she says.

Basta believes the machine burns off pounds by putting the body in a "better state of balance." The machine also detoxifies the cells and helps cure learning problems, she says.

Up close, the Chi Machine looks less than miraculous. It is essentially a small box with two leg supports. You lie on your back, place your lower legs in the supports, and let the machine rock your body back and forth. (Judging from the advertisements, the machine is especially popular among attractive young women in unitards.)

Many marketers proclaim the Chi Machine is "FDA approved," meaning that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given its approval. However, this alleged stamp of approval is a mirage. The agency has never examined the machine for any purpose, says FDA spokeswoman Sharon Snider. "Therapeutic massagers are regulated by the FDA, but they don't have to go through any approval process," she says.

To its credit, the company that manufactures the Chi Machine, Hsin Ten Enterprise USA Inc., doesn't promote the machine as a slimming device. "There's no scientific evidence that [the machine] speeds weight loss, and we arenąt allowed to make that claim," says Chris, a company representative who declined to give her last name. According to the company web site, the machine is useful for "local muscle relaxation and temporary relief from minor muscular aches due to overexertion."

http://www.principalhealthnews.com/topic/abmachines

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Testimonial from a member of a lymphedema online

support group:

Hi guys,
I have the Swing Chi machine--it's the $149 one, not the very, very expensive one.  I was struggling with my legs one day and really in  "spending mode" and splurged.  My LE is stage 1, but has gotten a little  worse this year due to a sedentary job and weight gain.

The Chi basically works like this:  You put your ankes into the two  "dips" in the machine--it elevates your feet about 8-10 inches. There is a  remote that allows you to change speed and vary the motions. The motions  go side to side or "shake". You can set a timer anywhere from 5-30  minutes.  It really does feel wonderful!  I find that if my legs feel  heavy or tired, 10-15 minutes on it rejuvenates them.  Best of all, I can  read or watch tv while using it. I have even put my legs in Reid sleeves  and then used it.

Lots of times I do 10 minutes on the machine and then put my Reid sleeves  on before bed.  It seems to help with reduction during the night.

One caution, though.  One night it was feeling so good that I did it  for almost an hour.  There is such a thing as overdoing it with LE!  When I woke up the next morning, my legs and ankles were bigger than they were  before!  I didn't wear my Reid sleeves that night though, so maybe that  would have made a
difference.  

Overall, the Chi machine has been worth every penny for me.  I  don't use it every night, but about 2-3 times a week.

from New York

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The Sun Ancon Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser: a new patient focused, home based therapy for people with chronic secondary leg lymphedema.

Lymphology. 2004 Jun

Moseley AL, Piller N, Esterman A, Carati C.

Department of Surgery and Lymphoedema Assessment Clinic, School of Medicine, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.

A significant proportion of those who survive lower torso cancer treatments will go on to develop clinically discernible bilateral or unilateral leg lymphedema. Although beneficial treatments exist for this condition, many are expensive and involve visits to outpatient clinics or allied health professionals--making the patient dependent upon others for treatment and maintenance. This clinical trial tested the efficacy of the Sun Ancon Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser, a home based therapy that delivered both elevation and passive exercise to the legs. This machine was used in the participant's home according to a set regime with measurements being taken immediately before trial commencement, at weekly intervals and then 1 month after treatment cessation. After a three week treatment period there were statistically significant reductions in total leg volume and fluids, whole body extracellular fluid, weight and subjective leg symptoms. Lymphscintigraphy in a sub-group of patients suggested an increase in lymphatic transport in some individuals. Although some of the fluid and symptoms had returned at the 1 month follow up, none of the parameters had returned to pre-treatment levels. This finding indicates that this equipment may have ongoing beneficial effects. This clinical trial demonstrates that the Sun Ancon Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser is an effective adjunct therapy that can be used in the patient's own home.

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* This page updated on March 29, 2008*

Index of articles of LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT OPTIONS

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Kinesiology Therapy

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Laser Treatment

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Reflexology Therapy

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Lymphedema Surgeries

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_surgeries.htm

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Compression Bandages for Lymphedema

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Lymph Vessel Transplant

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Lymphedema People Forum on Treatment Information for Lymphedema

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For information about Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema

For Information about  the Complications of Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=complications_of_lymphedema

For information about How to Treat a Lymphedema Wound

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=how_to_treat_a_lymphedema_wound

For information about Lymphedema Treatment 

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=treatment

For information about Lymphedema in Children

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema_in_children

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Lymphedema People

Support Groups

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Children with Lymphedema

The time has come for families, parents, caregivers to have a support group of their own. Support group for parents, families and caregivers of chilren with lymphedema. Sharing information on coping, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Sponsored by Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/childrenwithlymphedema/

Subscribe: childrenwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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Lipedema Lipodema Lipoedema

No matter how you spell it, this is another very little understood and totally frustrating conditions out there. This will be a support group for those suffering with lipedema/lipodema. A place for information, sharing experiences, exploring treatment options and coping.

Come join, be a part of the family!

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lipedema_lipodema_lipoedema/?yguid=209645515

Subscribe: lipedema_lipodema_lipoedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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MEN WITH LYMPHEDEMA

If you are a man with lymphedema; a man with a loved one with lymphedema who you are trying to help and understand come join us and discover what it is to be the master instead of the sufferer of lymphedema.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/menwithlymphedema/

Subscribe: menwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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All About Lymphangiectasia

Support group for parents, patients, children who suffer from all forms of lymphangiectasia. This condition is caused by dilation of the lymphatics. It can affect the intestinal tract, lungs and other critical body areas.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/allaboutlymphangiectasia/

Subscribe: allaboutlymphangiectasia-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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Lymphatic Disorders Support Group @ Yahoo Groups

While we have a number of support groups for lymphedema... there is nothing out there for other lymphatic disorders. Because we have one of the most comprehensive information sites on all lymphatic disorders, I thought perhaps, it is time that one be offered.

DISCRIPTION

Information and support for rare and unusual disorders affecting the lymph system. Includes lymphangiomas, lymphatic malformations, telangiectasia, hennekam's syndrome, distichiasis, Figueroa
syndrome, ptosis syndrome, plus many more. Extensive database of information available through sister site Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lymphaticdisorders/

Subscribe: lymphaticdisorders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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All About Lymphedema

For our Google fans, we have just created this online support group in Google Groups:

Homepage: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/All-About-Lymphedema

Group email: All-About-Lymphedema@googlegroups.com

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Lymphedema Friends

http://groups.aol.com/lymphedemafriend

If you an AOL fan and looking for a support group in AOL Groups, come and join us there.