How to Use Shouxing Balls

Shouxing balls with Chinese designs.

Shouxing balls, also called Chinese stress balls, were first produced during the Ming dynasty. Shouxing balls are used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate acupuncture points on the hand, which in turn stimulates blood flow and energy throughout the body. Rolling shouxing balls in the palm of the hand is also used as a stress reliever, and the characteristic sound they make is meant to ease anxiety.

Instructions

1. Place two shouxing balls in the palm of your hand. Roll the shouxing balls toward the middle of your fingers.

2. Rotate the shouxing balls. Roll the balls over one another, back and forth, for 5 minutes. Switch hands and repeat.

3. Practice rotating the shouxing balls at the base of your fingers, closer to your palm. This stimulates different acupuncture pressure points.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to practice rotating the shouxing balls until you can rotate them without separating them.

• Shouxing balls come in a variety of sizes to suit large and small hands.

• Shouxing balls can be used to stimulate pressure points on the feet as well. You can do this by placing the shouxing balls on the floor and gently rolling your feet over them.

References

• Asthma Alternitive Method: Balls of Eternal Health
• Boquet Spa: Shou-xing (Balls of Eternal Health)
• Stress Relief Ball: Chinese Stress Balls