Ben Wa balls, also known as orgasm balls, rin-no-tama, Venus balls, or mien-ling, are marble-sized balls, usually hollow and containing a small weight, that may be inserted into a female’s vagina, and held in place by the pubococcygeus muscles. They may be used as a sex toy by creating sexual stimulation or pleasure by rolling around in the vagina stimulating movement and/or vibration. They create a subtle stimulation that do not bring the user to immediate orgasm but rather to tease.
They may also be used for a medical purpose, such as to increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, much as Taoist sexual practices have been used for centuries and the Kegel exercises are used today. Similar to Kegel exercises, Ben Wa balls and other shaped vaginal weightlifting equipment are recommended by gynecologists and obstetricians to increase vaginal elasticity and bladder control.
It is possible to leave the balls in place in the vagina all day, or use them while seated in a rocking chair. Health experts caution against prolonged placement of foreign objects in the vagina due to the risk of infection.
Description
The balls are available in a variety of forms, and may be solid, or contain clappers or chimes within. Other, larger versions made of plastic encasing lesser balls are called Duotone balls. The balls sometimes comprise multiple metal covered balls linked by either a chain or silk string for easy removal, but they do not have an adequately flared base for safe anal play. The balls should not be confused with anal kegel exercisers and prostate stimulators.
History
Ben Wa balls have a varied history; their origin and method of construction varies depending upon location. Most information concerning Ben Wa balls is vague and apocryphal. Originally they were made of a single ball placed in the vagina, used to enhance the act of sexual intercourse, but then evolved into multiple metal covered balls linked by either a chain or silk string for easy removal.
See also
References
- Dalby, Liza (1998). "Geisha Parties". Geisha (2nd ed.). California: University of California Press. p. 145. ISBN 0-520-20495-6.
A rin no tama is a hollow metal ball a little larger than a quail's egg. Inside it is another, solid ball that makes a gentle click as it rolls about. Nestled deep inside the vagina, the rin no tama moves when a woman does, not exciting great waves of pleasure exactly, but making her aware of that part of her body.
- Gulik, R.H. Van; Goldin, Paul R. (2002-01-01). "Sui Dynasty 590–618 A.D.". Sexual Life in Ancient China. Brill. pp. 119–169. doi:10.1163/9789004487864_013. ISBN 978-90-04-48786-4.
- Svobodova, L.; Dvorakova, M.; Rucki, M.; Kejlova, K.; Kandarova, H.; Kolarova, H.; Mannerstrom, M.; Heinonen, T. (2020). "Safety testing of adult novelties using in vitro methods". Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 117. Elsevier BV: 104780. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104780. ISSN 0273-2300. PMID 32898621.
- Ng, M. L. (1992). "Treatment of a case of resistant vaginismus using modified Mien-Ling". Sexual and Marital Therapy. 7 (3). Informa UK Limited: 295–299. doi:10.1080/02674659208404490. ISSN 0267-4653.
- Reay Tannahill (1980) Sex in History, Stein and Day
- Downey, Lillian. "How to Use Kegel Balls". livestrong.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved August 29, 2015.
- David Reuben (1969). "Masturbation". Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask). New York, D. McKay Co. pp. 162–163.
- "Goop Settled a Lawsuit Over Jade Egg Health Claims—Here's Why You Still Shouldn't Put One in Your Vagina".
We don't recommend that tampons or menstrual cups be left in for longer than 12 hours and those are either disposable or cleanable
- "Ben Wa balls do what?". Archived from the original on 5 January 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2014.