How to Use Baoding Balls
Baoding balls, also known as Chinese exercise or stress relief balls, are believed to have originated during the Ming Dynasty in the town of Baoding, China. Originally made of iron, most modern baoding balls are hollow stainless steel balls coated with chrome. Many come with colorful, hand-painted Chinese designs. The basic idea of the baoding ball is to place two or more balls in the palm of one hand and, using only the muscles of that hand, spin the balls clockwise and then counter clockwise. A true baoding ball artist spins the balls rapidly without allowing them to touch one another. Many people believe that baoding balls have medicinal properties, helping to exercise the hand, wrist, forearm and shoulders, as well as helping to relieve symptoms of arthritis and other ailments.
Instructions
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1
Place two baoding balls in the palm of one hand.
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2
Manipulate the muscles and fingers of your hand so as to cause the balls to spin around in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
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3
Reverse the spin of the balls using only the muscles of the hand in which the balls are rotating.
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4
Spin the balls without allowing them to touch one another. Reverse their direction of spin, still not allowing them to touch one another.
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5
Add additional baoding balls to your hand until you have mastered the art of spinning three, four, five or even more baoding balls at a time.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice makes perfect: Try spinning the balls in one hand, then the other and, finally, in both hands at the same time.
