Chinese stress balls are an alternative therapy developed in ancient China during the Sung Dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1279 A.D. Today, these balls are made of materials ranging from steel to jade. They may be solid or hollow with a small chime inside. Chinese stress balls may help release unblocked chi to relieve stress and tension and allow your body to relax.
Chi
Chinese stress balls work according to the principle of chi. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chi is the life force and organizing principle of the body, the force that keeps you alive and healthy. Chi is manifested when your body heals itself of a cut or returns to health from illness without any treatment. Chi can become blocked due to various imbalances in the body, and Chinese medicine offers various techniques to unblock it.
Unblocking Chi
Chi flows along specific pathways of the body known as meridians, which are associated with various pressure points in your body. Thousands of these pressure points are located in the hands and feet; by stimulating them, you help release blocked chi all over your body.
Using Stress Balls
Roll the stress balls in the palm of your hand to stimulate the pressure points in your hands, unblock the flow of your chi and develop a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Hold two or more balls in your palm and gently roll them in a circular motion. Try going clockwise and counter clockwise and switching back and forth to increase your dexterity and skill. As you develop more control and skill, you may experience deeper relaxation with this technique.
Hand Techniques
Try beginning with just one ball in the palm of your hand and roll it along your palm, pausing to press a point below each finger as you go. With both balls in your hand, roll them over each other by flicking your thumb while holding your fingers steady. Gently roll one ball from your palm to the tips of your fingers.
Foot Techniques
You can also roll the balls under your feet. Try rolling two balls along the arches of your feet. Use the sole of one foot to roll one or two balls along the side of the opposite foot. Roll your foot in a circular motion with one ball under your heel and the other just below your toes. Alternate rolling clockwise and counterclockwise.
References
- The Soko: Chinese Baoding Balls: A Complete Guide
- "Reflexology Basics"; Denise Wichello Brown; 2001
