Using the Chi Roller like a Master

To get the most benefit from the Chi Roller, get your body as relaxed as possible. We recommmend taking a very hot bath followed by a cold shower. Direct the spray on the areas of your body that need healing. Next lie as naked as possible on your bed or mat, allowing your body to cool to room temperature naturally. You can adjust the pressure that the Chi Roller exerts on your back by varying the surface. A hard surface like the floor will give you a very instense massage, but for most people we recommend a softer surface like a bed, with a supportive mattress like a futon. If you desire even less pressure you can add blankets underneath.

As you become comfortable using the Chi Roller, try to begin your session by massaging the very top of your neck where it meets the base of your skull (see figure A). This area contains 32 pairs of nerve bundles, and massaging these will release any tension in your face and neck areas. If you have a headache, this will usually relieve the pressure.

Next move to the bottom of the surface (bed or mat) to allow your body space to move up without having to readjust the Chi Roller as you move it down the spine. Bend your knees and move the Chi Roller to the tops of your shoulders (figure B). This is usually a tender area and you may want to sit up a bit to relieve the pressure. If you want to exert more pressure, raise your arms straight up.

A

B

The key to relaxing the knots in your muscles and speeding relief is through your breathing. You may think you know how to breathe correctly but very few of us do. In order to move the oxygen to the afflicted areas you need to use a very slow, deep, three-part breath. First exhale completely, pulling your stomach all the way toward your back. Next begin to fill your lungs from the bottom by inhaling slowly from the belly. Next begin to fill and expand your rib cage, creating space where there was compression. Finish by expanding your chest, filling the tops of your lungs, then hold this breath for a few moments. Visualize the oxygen surrounding your sore muscles. If you practice this three-part breath you will increase your healing dramatically and relax your mind at the same time. This is the same breathing used in yoga and meditation. Using the Chi Roller will be very similar to meditation. Creating a good atmosphere will increase your benefit. Keep lighting dim or light a candle. Put on some relaxing music. Pick something without lyrics which would distract your mind from your breathing.

As you move the Chi Roller down your shoulders it is helpful to place a neck-roll pillow under your neck to support your head and stretch out your neck muscles (figure C). If you do not have a neck-roll you can simply roll up a towel to about the size of your lower leg.

C

D

E

When the Chi Roller reaches your lower back or lumbar region you should be extremely relaxed and close to sleep. A word of caution here, DO NOT FALL ASLEEP on the Chi Roller.

Too much stimulation on one point can be painful and you may wake up sore. Massaging the lower back helps you to sleep because a hormone is released which causes you to relax.

After you finish the lower back move chi on to your buttocks. This will reverse the curve in your back and will also massage the sciatic nerve which runs along the back of your legs and on up your back. This nerve is the longest in the human body and is often the source of much discomfort.

When you finish with the Chi Roller we recommend that you counter-stretch all the muscles you just streched. The best way to do this is to bring both knees to your chest and wrap your arms around your shins. Next try to bring your nose to your knees (figure D). Take a few complete breaths then return to the prone position. If your lower back is a weak spot, you might also want to try this stretch to align your spine. While lying on your back, bring your right foot up and rest it on your left knee. Next put your right hand straight out to the right and put your left hand on your right knee. Now pushing with your left hand, bring your right knee down toward the left while keeping your right arm and shoulder down (figure E). Repeat this to the opposite side. You may feel some clicking in your spine. This is normal and healthy and may also happen as you move chi down your back. This is your spine's way of re-aligning itself.

Most people find that they like to use the Chi Roller at night in bed before they go to sleep. Using the Chi Roller helps you to relax and fall asleep on your back. This is good for your posture. Those of you who share the bed with a partner may find that they become jealous of the time you spend on the Chi Roller. The best way to keep them happy is to buy them their own! Feel free to use the Chi Roller whenever and wherever you like. You can use it while sitting, or standing. It also works well on the arch of your foot. You can use it up to three times a day. This really helps speed your recovery from injuries. If you eat too much at a meal, try moving the Chi Roller to the middle of your back. This will help your digestion. You will discover many great uses for your Chi Roller. Enjoy it in good health.

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.