Chinese iron balls can be either plain silver or cloisonné.
Chinese iron balls, called Baoding in Chinese, are one of the three treasures of Baoding, He Bei, China. They have been used for therapy for over 300 years and are still in common use throughout China. There are many sizes of Baoding balls, both to suit hand sizes and to hit different points of the hands. There are two common types of balls. The first is a silver colored pair of balls. The second is cloisonné. Both types of balls have bells inside. The differences are entirely cosmetic.
How they Work
Baoding balls work by toning the chi, or life force in all living things. In addition to providing physical exercise that focuses on dexterity, they press acupressure points in the hand. Their sound helps people correctly rotate the pair of balls in the hand, and thus to maximize their effectiveness. In addition to helping free the flow of chi, Baoding balls help with blood flow.
Basic Exercises
The basic exercise with Baoding balls involves twirling two of the balls in one hand. By varying the angle of the rotation, different acupressure points are pressed and different aspects of the chi are affected. Starting with smaller balls makes it easier to learn the exercise. Larger balls press different points, and many people recommend using several sizes in one exercise session. Balls should be twirled both clockwise and counter-clockwise for maximum effect.
Multiple Balls
People who are very good twirling two balls sometimes use three balls in one hand. This both hits different acupressure points, but also increases the physical and dexterity benefits of the exercise.
History
Baoding balls are thought to have been developed based on wood and stone balls that were used for chi manipulation and health in ancient times. Between the development of those early balls and iron balls, wealthy aristocrats would twirl balls made of glass or jade.
Tags: Baoding balls, acupressure points, balls hand, iron balls, Chinese iron, Chinese iron balls, different acupressure