A ZenChi massager wobbles the user like a fish and can, reportedly, solve a whole heap of problems
I FIRST came in contact with the ‘Oxygen Exerciser’ as it was then called, when visiting a friend in a convalescent home in England a few years ago. It was touted there for recovery from a number of different ailments and sounded so beguiling that I immediately wanted to sign up for a session.
My friend quickly convalesced – as one does when post-op care is expensive – and was duly delivered home and I had no cause to visit that area again. It wasn’t until at least six months later that I came across the machine again, at a huge trade show for health professionals, and I enjoyed a quick five-minute session, surrounded by all the bustle of exhibitors, salespeople and visitors. This time it was called a ZenChi aerobic massager. Now it’s here in Cyprus.
What is it supposed to do
The ZenChi machine is essentially a very simple and very portable machine: it has a padded footrest cum cradle, which both elevates the feet and moves in a fairly rapid side to side movement. When feet are placed in the cradle, the machine induces a regular and gentle wave-like motion through the whole body from the ankles upwards. This unique ‘fish-like’ motion is said to open the vertebrae, alleviating stress and tension placed on the spinal column. The makers claim that the rhythmic swaying provides a gentle massage, which promotes blood circulation and fluid drainage while rapidly inducing a deep state of relaxation. Body detoxification is improved through enhanced lymphatic circulation and abdominal peristalsis (involuntary digestive tract muscle movement), which results in a higher metabolic rate.
What benefits does it claim
It is claimed that the boost to the anatomical system may assist to relieve a wide variety of symptoms as diverse as lethargy and weight problems through to stress and tension. In between, those with pain from sports injuries, arthritis, poor posture, period pains and headache, among others, may also experience relief.
For sports people, build up of lactic acid in muscle tissue restricts the muscle contraction and reduces performance. The ZenChi, by boosting circulation of oxygenated blood through the muscle in a relaxed state, helps eliminate lactic acid build-up and accelerates recovery time.
According to Paul Sherrif, Acupuncturist and Naturopath the machine has “an amazing army of benefits. The massager definitely stimulates venous and lymphatic return, oxygen absorption and the cranio/sacro respiratory mechanism.”
Is there any science behind it?
The brochure explains that Western health practitioners have recognised the Eastern theories that chi (life force energy) may be the key to a healthy balanced lifestyle. Chi flows through channels in all living entities and acupressure and other forms of massage invigorate its flow via the body’s meridians, rebalancing the whole body. ‘The ZenChi aerobic massager combines modern technologies with essential principles to produce an outstanding beneficial passive exercise and massage,’ it says. Published testimonials for it are impressive, including recommendations from both osteopaths and chiropractors.
It can also be used in sequence with a series of torso-strengthening exercises to help reduce body flab and improve posture.
Who shouldn’t use it: I would suggest that pregnancy, epilepsy, heart disease, any recent operation or fracture, or newly replaced hip joints would make the treatment inadvisable.
What is it like?
In a word, pleasant! I lay on a padded yoga mat, took a deep breath in and turned the machine on. Immediately the side-to-side movement took control over my feet and literally wiggled me – just a like a fish. For a first-time treatment, it is sensible to start with just a five-minute session to allow the body to adapt to the movement and to ensure that there is no associated pain. It’s quite hard to relax and let it get on with the job in the first five minutes and I noticed a definite difference in the motion on exhalation and inhalation. If you can really ‘go with the flow’, it produces a very relaxing sensation.
After five minutes, you are encouraged to rest for at least a minute before stretching thoroughly and actively exercising the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle and also the middle body and thighs. Depending on your level of fitness, you may do tummy crunches, oblique curls and side reaches. At this stage the exercise can be expanded into a mini yoga session away from the ZenChi and flexing the spine in all directions. It feels very good!
A second 10-15-minute session using the ZenChi is sheer luxury. By this time you can alter the impact of the massage by moving your arms so that your body – shoulder girdle in particular – comes in more direct contact with the mat. I’m quite sure that, if used in conjunction with proven meditation techniques, you can experience a wonderful, deep relaxation.
Where and how much?
It varies. The Aphrodite Hills Spa has listed the treatment in their plush surroundings (with use of pool and facilities as well) at £40. Lesley Patroklou at The Sanctuary, Anavargos (Pafos), includes it in the treatments available there at £20. If having tried it you want one for personal use, you can purchase one from Paul Rudge at Zen Life Styles 00 44 1606 352277 or [email protected]. Do e-mail me if you have any difficulties getting a treatment: [email protected]
