Chinese stress balls originated in China in a small town in Heibei province during the Ming Dynasty. They were first called "iron balls", since they were original made of iron. Even back in the Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368 to 1644), Baoding balls were mass produced by Baoding craftsmen just as today. Today, there is a great need to have time to calm the stressful day with simple exercises such as using a Chinese stress balls. You will begin to feel a peace within yourself through this exercise.
Different Names
Chinese stress balls are also known as Chinese exercise balls, Chinese therapy balls and Chinese health balls, to name just a few. If you are looking for them online, you will find them called Baoding balls.
Materials used in Chinese Stress Balls
Years ago, the balls were made of heavy solid metal, but that has changed to be easier to lift. Today the Chinese stress balls are made of hollow chrome-plated steel with a chime inside. You can purchase the Baoding balls with many symbols painted on them. They also come in several sizes to fit all hand sizes.
Exercises Using the Chinese Stress Balls
Exercise and meditation are a couple of the main uses for Chinese stress balls. Take the balls in the palm of your hands and rotate the balls clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Another exercise is manipulating the balls in your hand. Doing this it will strengthen your hand muscles along with your forearms.
Benefits
The health benefits are many much like acupuncture or shiatsu massage on the hands. When the hands are stimulated, it helps reduce stress and promote good health. The other benefits are relief of joint stiffness and soreness in the hands and improved memory and blood circulation in the hands.
Theories
The theories behind using Chinese stress balls were to increase circulation throughout the body. All ten fingers are connected to the cranial nerves and other nerves throughout the human body.
Care for Chinese stress balls
No matter if you using them on a regular basis or letting the Baoding balls sit for a time, simply wiping them off just as you would any other chrome item is a good idea. Use a light oil to prevent any rust from forming.
