Chinese health balls (or chi balls) were made 2,000 years ago in China. Chinese chi balls were originally used to train in the martial arts. Many Chinese martial arts focus on 'qi' or energy, and health balls help the user to move the energy into the whole body. Chinese believe that there are certain acupuncture pressure points in the hand, and that by using chi balls one will be able to activate those pressure points. At one point in China's history chi balls were only to be used by members of the royal family. Our Chinese chi balls come in many different colors. The material on the outside of the Chinese chi balls is cloisonne. These Chinese chi balls are very durable. Along with Chinese chi balls being useful for stimulating acupuncture pressure points, they are also good for strengthening the muscles in your hand, and physical therapists often recommend the use of Chinese chi balls.