• Always start with a short time span. If you are reasonably healthy, start at 3 - 4 minutes, and then build up gradually to a comfortable time over a period of a week or more. If your health is delicate, start with just 1 or 2 minutes, and build up very gradually. The Auto Modes are 15-minute sessions, but you can watch the timer and stop at any time.
• Drink a glass of water before and after using the exerciser. One of the effects of using the exerciser is to release toxins from your blood system, as well as the lymphatic system. These toxins need to be moved out of your body fast, otherwise you may feel discomfort. Once this initial detoxification process has happened (possibly over several days after starting regular use) you will feel much better. But keep drinking plenty of water, as the exerciser will continue to help the body flush out the toxins before they build up again. Another reason for drinking water is to help reinforce the Exerciser's action of clearing the body's memory of 'bad use' (postural and other 'habits'), held by the body at cellular level. The best practice is to drink a glass of water before and after using the exerciser.
• Start at a slow speed. As you turn the dial, the speed increases. It's good to monitor your physical feeling as your body responds to the oscillation of the ankle rests. This will allow you to discover a speed that sets up a good rhythm for your body. Everyone's body is a little different, and the adjustable speed control allows you to find what suits you best.
• Lie still afterwards. The most important time is after the movement stops. Lie there for at least 2 or 3 more minutes, or optimally 5 minutes after a 10 to 15-minute session. Enjoy the afterglow of 'chi' energy (often felt as a tingling sensation) while it continues to flow through the body. This is where the most benefits occur. The body will usually continue to release tension in this period, especially if you mentally focus on lengthening areas of habitual tension.
• 15 minutes is the maximum. The timer automatically stops the motor after the maximum session time of 15 minutes. Never exceed this in one session. On the other hand, it is fine to have several short sessions during one day. Two or three sessions of 3 to 5 minutes each day is better than one of 15 minutes! One session after getting up in the morning and one in the evening is ideal. If you have sleep problems, use the exerciser before you go to bed - or even if you wake up in the middle of the night (many people find it gives them very relaxing sleep, especially with the Sleep Mode, Auto 3).

• RELAX: Enjoy the ride! Your body will move rhythmically, responding to the movement of your feet. If you are fairly relaxed, you will experience a wave from your feet all the way to the top of your head, especially from the hips upwards. If you contract your muscles, your body may stay rigid in places and not join the wave. This is not what should be happening! A good way to relax is to focus quietly on your breath passing through your nose. No need to breathe forcefully, as it will deepen naturally during the movement - just watch the breath coming in and out in its natural rhythm. Focus 'inside' but not on your thoughts! Playing some relaxing music sets a nice tone and may help to make it a nice, pleasurable experience - which is how you will get the most benefits! You can also focus your attention on parts of the anatomy where you feel aches or discomfort, which will help to bring relaxation there.
• Drink lots of water. One of the effects of using the exerciser is to release toxins from your blood system, as well as the lymphatic system. These toxins need to be moved out of your body fast, otherwise you may feel discomfort. Water helps to flush them out fast. Once the initial detoxification process has happened (possibly over one to two weeks of starting regular use), the body flushes out the toxins before they build up again. Another reason for drinking water is to help clear the body's memory of 'bad use' (postural and other 'habits'), held by the body at cellular level. The best practice is to drink a glass of water before and after using the exerciser.
• The Auto-modes will allow you to relax and let the programme take you through various speed changes over a 15-minute session - so you can completely forget about watching time and using the manual controls if you wish. This does not mean you must use Auto-Mode only for a 15-minute session. You can, if you wish, check the timer and stop the machine at any time. You can also press the dial to go into manual mode at any time, so that you can then change the speed yourself as desired.
• Do not run it too fast, until you know what speed is comfortable for you. Most people will find that the optimum speed for achieving a rhythmic movement and deep but undisturbed breathing is considerably less than full speed. We recommend that only those who are fit and with a strong constitution should run it close to full speed. Please take the time to experiment and feel out what speed is best for you.
• BODY POSITION: Always lie on your back. If you have back or hip problems, make yourself as comfortable as possible. Use a pillow or bolster or a wrapped towel under your knees if this helps. Place a pillow under your neck if you wish. Place your arms at your sides, with hands up to 1 foot away from your body. This is the standard position.
• OTHER BODY POSITIONS: Once you are familiar with the Chi Exerciser, you can experiment with where you place your arms. There are different beneficial effects if you place your hands behind your head, or with arms extended beyond the head (stretching the muscles and 'thinking long', but not too tense - a soft feeling is better) - as in pictures 2 & 3. These alternative positions can be done for 2 - 3 minutes each, midway during your regular session, and are illustrated below. Make sure you stay relaxed in these positions even though it's a little more challenging for the back than the standard position. Start and finish your session with the standard position (picture 1), with arms relaxed by your side.

• CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is important to know that the Surge of Chi Exerciser should NOT be used in certain situations; please refer to the notice concerning CONTRAINDICATIONS below.
• We strongly recommend that you make an effort to settle into a daily pattern for use of the Exerciser, as regular use will bring the most significant benefits. Many of these benefits may not become immediately apparent. Although each individual's experience differs, according to their body type and general health conditions, long-term users usually notice that regular use supports a general uplift in the quality of their health - and become enthusiasts!
• Please note that this is just an introduction to use of the Surge of Chi Exerciser. A more detailed set of User Guidelines is provided with each Exerciser, and should be consulted carefully before use. It contains many hints to allow you to gain maximum benefit. You should read carefully all product user guidelines.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

The Surge of Chi Exerciser should NOT be used in the following situations:

• for one hour after eating while the body's energy is directed to digestion (this applies even to regular users)
• within three months of surgery
• within three months of bone fractures (or before they have fully healed)
• if you have a damaged or sensitive coccyx (tail bone)
• during the first three months of pregnancy
• when suffering from open wounds, serious infections or undiagnosed injuries
• if you suffer from epilepsy (except with doctor's consent*)
• if you have heart disease or other heart conditions, consult your Doctor for advice*

Please also note the following:

• if you are prone to vertigo, nausea or motion sickness, start with a slow speed and a short time span; then gradually work up as you feel comfortable to do so.