Chi Machine - Medical Research



Research study on the effect of using the Sun Ancon Chi Machine with sufferers of Secondary Lymphoedema and Venous Oedema



In June 2000 a large scale clinical trial began at Flinders University Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia, looking into the effect of using the Sun Ancon Chi Machine with sufferers of secondary lymphoedema and venous oedema.

The research was conducted by Professor Neil Piller, a specialist lymphologist, with the help of his professional team. The results were released in January 2002 and were very positive.

Secondary lymphoedema


is characterised by the swelling of the leg(s). It occurs in men following surgery and/or radiotherapy for the treatment of bowel and prostate cancer and in women following bowel, breast cervical and other reproductive system cancers, where the treatment damages or removes the lymph nodes. About 30% of all men and women who have these treatments develop some sort of limb swelling. It is believed that another 30% of these patients have problems such as aches/pain, heaviness and problems with quality of life and activities of daily living.

Venous oedema


occurs when the venous blood system is not draining and/or circulating well as a result of venous insufficiency from disease, varicose veins or previous deep vein thrombosis. It is estimated about 5-6% of the adult population suffer venous oedema. A further number suffer from some discomfort of the limbs or problems with quality of life and activities of daily living.

Each patient was allocated a Sun Ancon Chi Machine which they used for 21 days in their home adhering to the following regime:


  • Days 1-2: 5 minutes both morning and evening
  • Days 3-7: 8 minutes both morning and evening
  • Days 8-21: 12 minutes both morning and evening

Patients returned to Flinders University Medical Centre at the end of each week for a further full assessment. In addition there was a follow-up assessment one month later to assess the longer term impact of the treatment.
The research encompassed three groups:
  • A group of people with normal healthy legs
  • A group of people with secondary lymphoedema
  • A group with venous oedema

In brief, the results were as follows:

For people without any medical problems:


  • A slight reduction in fluids in the limbs
  • The group experienced a reduction of 45 mls in fluids over the three week period
  • A reduction in weight
  • The group lost an average of 0.6 kg over three weeks
  • A reduction in percentage body fat

For people with secondary lymphoedema due to lymphatic damage and those with venous oedema through venous insufficiency:


  • A significant reduction in the limb volume and circumference
  • Extra-cellular fluid for the group with secondary lymphoedema fell over the three week period
  • One month after the trial the fluids had risen but not back to their original levels
  • A significant loss of oedema fluid from the limbs
  • The group with venous oedema experienced an average volume loss of 440 mls of leg fluid over the three-week period
  • Fluid levels had increased one month after the trials but they were not back to their original levels
  • A significant loss of weight
  • Average weight loss for the group with venous oedema was 1.45 kgs over the three week period, this remained stable at the one month follow up
  • Of those with secondary lymphoedema, average weight loss was 0.5 kgs and this remained stable at the one month follow up
  • A reduction in percentage body fat
  • An improvement in lymphatic drainage
  • Lymphoscintigraphy showed a marked improvement in lymphatic function
  • A significant improvement in subjective symptoms
  • Most participants reported a reduction in pain, tightness, heaviness, skin dryness, limb size difference, cramps, pins and needles, burning feeling and temperature difference
  • A satisfaction with the treatment an an improvement in the quality of life

85-88% of participants were satisfied with the treatment regime.


Other improvements felt by participants:
  • Increased feeling of control over their condition
  • Increased range of movement
  • Positive impact on daily life
  • Increase in the ability to exercise

Included in the results presented below are the findings from 33 chronic lymphoedema sufferers and 25 with venous oedema.

Changes in Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living (% showing improvement)


Lymphoedema:


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 associated with condition = 21%
Satisfaction with treatment regime = 85%
Feeling of control over condition = 67%

Venous Oedema:


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 associated with condition = 16%
Satisfaction with treatment regime = 88%
Feeling of control over condition = 52%

Other improvements reported by the overall group:


Shoes felt looser = 34%
Higher energy levels = 10%
Greater flexibility = 12%
More relaxed = 24%
Feeling of wellbeing = 16%
Reduced abdominal congestion = 7%
Improved shape of limb = 26%

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Email: chi4me@heatherhull.co.uk

Tel: 0114 289 1342

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