How to Use Chinese Iron Balls
Chinese iron balls, considered one of the three treasures of China, originated in Baoding, China. Twirling Baoding balls presses on acupressure points in your hand and helps to improve hand strength and dexterity. Baoding balls can either be plain steel or decorated with cloisonné patterns. The balls generally come in three sizes. Smaller balls tend to be easier to work with and to twirl and work best if you have never used Baoding balls.
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Instructions
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Hold the hand in which you would like to twirl the Baoding balls palm up.
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Place two balls in your palm.
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Use your fingers to twirl the balls in a clockwise direction. While twirling clockwise, use your thumb to prevent the balls from falling off your thumb and to direct the ball back toward your fingers.
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After several minutes of twirling, stop the balls and reverse the process by starting the counterclockwise motion with your pinkie. One or 2 minutes is a good starting goal. As you become more proficient with the Baoding balls, you will be able to increase your time working with them. If your hand gets tired, take a break.
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Reverse the twirl after several minutes of counterclockwise twirling. Do two or three sets of twirls. Each set should be around 2 minutes each to start. Increase the time as you gain proficiency and your hand gains strength. The exact amount of time you should twirl the balls will depend on how your hand feels. Take a break if your hand becomes tired or stressed.
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Add another ball when twirling two becomes effortless. Add a fourth when twirling three becomes easy.
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Tips & Warnings
When you first start working with Baoding balls, twirl over a carpet or other soft surface. It is common to drop the balls while becoming familiar with the twirling motion.
If you would like to work on twirling more than two balls, try to use balls that are the same size.
Remember to work with both hands. Most people find it easier to twirl with a particular hand and tend to favor that hand.
