Lymphedema
THE SUN ANCON CHI MACHINE
AEROBIC EXERCISER:
A NEW PATIENT FOCUSED, HOME BASED THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH
CHRONIC SECONDARY LEG LYMPH EDEMA
A.L. Moseley, A. Esterman, C. Carati
Lymphology 37 (2004) 53-61
Departments of Surgery and Lymphoedema Assessment Clinic (ALM,NP),
Clinical Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Unit (AE), and Anatomy (CC), School of Medicine,
Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
Comment in: Lymphology. 2004 Jun;37(2):43-4.
Lymphedema Study Abstract
A significant proportion of those who survive lower torso cancer treatments will go on to develop clinically discernible bilateral or unilateral leg lymphedema (lymphodema). 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. You can view more information on the Flinder's Lymphedema Study here.
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. You can view this finding here PMID: 15328757 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE].
Lymphology with Dr. C. Samuel West
Dr. C. Samuel West is a Chemist and Lymphologist and involved with The Academy of Lymphology.
Dr. West believed in "lymphasizing" which is the art of speeding up the movement of your lymph system which also speeds up the movement of oxygen getting to your cells allowing for the removal of more wastes.
"The Chi Machine movement is patterned after a fish swimming. The back and forth or side to side movement of the legs therefore flexes the spine, and this motion pumps the lymph fluid around."
Page 343, McCabe, Ed. Flood Your Body With Oxygen. USA: Energy Publications, 2008.