In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many people had a small ornamental box lined with red satin. Inside of it lay two smooth metal spheres (usually with a sun painted on one and a moon on the other). These balls were called Baoding Balls, a Chinese implement for hand therapy that had been around for many centuries. They had suddenly found their way into the minds and hearts of many westerners, in homes and offices.
Baoding Balls originated in Baoding, China, during the Ming Dynasty. They were originally made of solid iron and used for promoting strength in the fingers. They also improved coordination and circulation. Twirling them about in the hand leaves the mind empty. This helps stimulate points that can be traced along the acupressure meridian points, as defined in traditional Chinese medicine.
Their resuscitation in the west during this period is coincident with the growing interest in eastern methods. These methods were for obtaining wealth, health, and tranquility of mind. Baoding Balls became popular because they offered tranquility to the senses. Their peculiar shape, similar to a ping pong ball wrapped in a thin membrane of iron, intrigued many.
Each one includes a small, internal chime. This causes it to emit a soft sound when rotated about its axis. The smooth motion of twirling the balls about in one hand leads to a meditative exercise. This is very refreshing and calming to many. As a stress-relieving device, the Baoding Balls were always kept on the desk, coffee table, or nightstand. They were kept within easy reach for quick retrieval when one needed a bit of fresh air.