http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/news/20070814p2g00m0dm010000c.html
Giving an entirely new meaning to “exercise balls” is a new health method gaining popularity in Japan. But instead of an air-filled sphere, the balls used are the exerciser’s own, according to Asahi Geino (8/9).
Unlike other forms of strenuous exercise that can often be painful and difficult to maintain momentum, the “ball-stretching health method” is, so the weekly says, “simple,” “cheap” and “pain-free.”
Inoma, former managing editor of music magazine Oricon Style and now lead singer of punk band Onani Machine, says he has been using the ball-stretching method for 20 years, testing his testicles to the limit and improving his health.
“It has taken the stiffness out of my entire body and improved my eyesight. Whenever I got tired during my magazine days, I’d really give my ball sack a good stretch,” Inoma tells Asahi Geino. “From the time I started until now, I haven’t had a single major illness. And that’s despite smoking three packs of cigarettes and downing a bottle of shochu (potato-based, vodka-like liquor) every day. There’s not a thing wrong with my liver or anything.”
The 40-year-old vocalist explains how the method works.
“You grab the sack and give it a yank, then gently move the skin around in circles while still pulling on it,” he says. “I’m constantly putting my hands in my pockets and pulling on my sack five to six hours a day, whether I’m at home watching TV or outside somewhere. I think for beginners, though, a 1-minute set would be more than enough.”
Inoma says the ball-stretching method has not only improved his overall health, but given him greater sexual vigor and improved his sexual performance.
“My sperm count has increased without doubt. I’m also 2 centimeters longer when erect. I’ve gained more confidence in my manliness and feel as though I’ve gone up a stage in life,” he tells the weekly. “And when you ask most women to do the exercise for you, they generally think it’s a great laugh and get right into it, heightening the intimacy between you.”
Miss Phuket Ikebukuro Higashi, a Thai-style massage parlor in Tokyo, offers a testicle massage additional option to its 1-hour massage sessions. It’s proving to be popular.
“Testicle massages improve circulation and liver functions and boost male bodily functions,” Thai masseuse Izumi tells Asahi Geino. “About 97 percent of our customers take up the option of having their testicles manipulated.”
Dr. Hideo Yamanaka, head of the Hibiya Clinic in Tokyo’s prestigious Toranomon district, is also an advocate of the ball stretching method of exercise.
“There are two reasons,” the doctor tells Asahi Geino. “Firstly, by massaging the testicles, it improves circulation and sparks testicular functions. This leads to better erections and makes sperm flow easier. And the other reason why it’s good is because if you’re feeling your testicles, you’re more likely to discover malignant tumors at an early stage. It’s easier to find any hard lumps there.” (By Ryann Connell)
August 14, 2007