Meditation balls are basically of a Chinese origin. Meditation balls are rotated in the palms of the hands to help a meditation practitioner calm down and concentrate. Meditation balls are also known as Chinese balls or Baoding balls, as they originated in the Baoding region in China.
Meditation balls used to be made of solid iron in the olden days. But now, they are mostly made of stainless steel and they are hollow. The balls contain a chime, which make a pleasant sound when the balls are moved.
Meditation balls are not only can be used for meditation, but also to increase strength and flexibility in the fingers and wrists.
Meditation balls come with a variety of designs imprinted on them. A pair of good meditation balls will be yours for as low as $9.
How meditation balls work
Meditation balls work on the same principle as acupuncture. The Chinese believed that the fingers contained nerve endings which regulated the flow of energy to all the vital parts of the body. Maintaining a proper balance in this energy creates good health. This can be done by stimulating the nerve endings using meditation balls.
How to use the meditation balls
- You will need two balls for each palm, four balls totally.
- You need not use the balls while meditating only. You can use the balls while walking, sitting or doing any other activity that does not involve the hands.
- Place two balls in each palm. Now you use your thumb and your little finger (pinky finger) to revolve the balls counter clockwise. That is, the ball near the wrists should go to near the fingers and the ball near the fingers should come near the wrists. The process should continue.
- Always keep the balls in contact in the beginning until you get enough practice. The banging of the balls creates a sound which may be irritating.
- After some time, rotate the balls counter-clockwise for a change.
- Increase your speed as you keep practicing. But you need to revolve the balls in a rhythm.
- When you get enough practice, you will be able to revolve the balls in a fluid motion, without bringing them into contact.
