A stress ball or hand stress ball is a soft plastic ball, typically not larger than 7 centimeters in diameter, that is squeezed firmly by the hand and manipulated with the fingers, theoretically to ease muscle tension and stress on the hands. The concept behind the stress ball is similar to that of the yoga pose called the Suk asana (or Hand Stretching pose) where the practitioners hold their palms flat on the floor, cross their arms over their chest and then stretch their hands out to the sides.
Many schools of yoga recognize
this pose as a key exercise for the practitioner, as it facilitates the
relaxing and deep breathing associated with the pose. Some martial arts schools
also view the practice of the Suk asana as a form of stress relief. Stress
balls were created as an alternative treatment for the symptoms associated
with high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends squeezing
the ball between the thumb and forefinger to increase blood flow, just like you
would do when squeezing your fist while doing yoga.
While there is no scientific data that proves the effectiveness of stress balls in lowering blood pressure, studies have shown they help reduce symptoms such as headaches and migraines. The amount of blood that is pulled into the arm increases blood circulation, which in turn increases oxygen levels in the blood, and triggers natural healing responses in your heart and other muscles.
While this effect may be short-term, they have been clinically tested and has proven effective. During those times when your stress balls are not being used to treat conditions such as hypertension, they can still be used during yoga sessions for added therapeutic benefits.
