Ancient Chinese Medicine Balls

Chinese Medicine Balls or Baoding Balls have been used for centuries for both exercise and health. They consist of two weighted iron balls which you can rotate in your hand to improve both strength and dexterity.

Originally they were made of solid iron, but today they are usually hollow with an inner ball inside so that they chime when they are hit together.

They come in lots of different patterns and can either be smooth or have small bumps on them.  They can come in various sizes although the 50 millimetre diameter balls are most common.

They might also be called Chinese health balls or Chinese therapy balls.

Many practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) use Chinese medicine balls to stimulate acupuncture points on the hands. According to TCM there are many points on the hand that relate to other parts of the body including the heart and other internal organs. As the balls rotate in your hands they stimulate these pressure points which in turn stimulate the central nervous system.

By using them regularly they promote the healthy flow of chi energy throughout the body.

They most benefit the body by helping to reduce high blood pressure, liver spots, arthritis and other diseases of old age.

Even used short term they are beneficial in reducing stress and helping you relax (which is why they are also commonly called Chinese stress balls). Many people with insomnia say that it improves their sleep and they wake less during the night. Some Chinese medicine practitioners also prescribe them for depression.

By rotating both the balls in your hand at once you are able to build up your hand muscles and also your forearm and shoulder muscles as well.

You can build up quite a strong grip with continued use.

Many users also say that they increase hand-eye co-ordination as well.

Cradle the two balls in one hand and rotate them either clockwise or counter-clockwise so that they remain in contact using your thumb to steer them while your fingers slide the balls around the palm.  It might seem awkward at first, but as you practice you will find your own natural rhythm soon enough.

As you become better you can try different techniques such as rotating the Baoding balls around your palm without them touching. 

You can even try using both hands at the same time with two sets.