Healing Through Hand Massage

Do you want to prevent pain and arthritis in your hands? Would you just like to relax? Perhaps typing all day on a computer has got your hands aching and feeling worn out. Well, the perfect solution just might be a hand massage!

If you’re on a computer constantly or you have another job which requires you to always use your hands, you may feel pain from the repetitive motions you have to perform. This can cause tension in the muscles and tendons of your hands. You may also feel stiffness in your hand’s joints.

Where does a hand massage come in?

A hand massage can relieve much of the pain caused by these repetitive movements. Your hand is composed of many small bones, tendons, and muscles. A massage will improve circulation, reduce tension and increase flexibility in all of these parts. Further, having a hand massage will help you release stress by exposing you to calming touch and pressure. Hand massage can also involve the use of soothing lotions, oils, and scrubs. These sensory cues allow a person who is stressed to relax and feel pampered.

Many people opt to receive professional hand massages from massage parlors. Indeed, many such 5-10 minute massage parlors are popping up all over your local malls. Though you usually see the frustrated husbands of mall-crazed wives sitting in the massage chairs, hand massages are for everyone! Here are some things you might expect when receiving a professional hand massage.

First, you will be seated in a massage chair. You may have 2 people massaging you—one for each hand, so that both can be done at the same time. Or you may have one person massage you, either one hand at a time or alternating between both hands. Generally, a lotion or oil will be applied to your hands to facilitate the massage. Do let your masseuse know if you are allergic to certain oils and scents or whether you prefer to have an unscented massage.

Using gentle strokes and light to moderate pressure, the masseuse will use his thumbs and fingers to massage your hand. Be sure to indicate what type of pressure you desire and if you’re feeling pain in a particular area (joints, muscles, etc.), tell your masseuse so he can focus on it. That way, you get your money’s worth and the massage can be tailored to your needs. If you want to have more flexibility, the masseuse can focus on certain tendons and muscles, gently stretching them out to increase their rotation and range of motion.

If you have neither the time nor money to get regular professional hand massages, performing them yourself is easy! Begin by arming yourself with the proper self hand massage arsenal. Assemble your collection of lotions and oils with scents you think will have a calming, relaxing effect on you. Some soothing scents you might include are lavender and chamomile. Once you have these tools at your disposal, you want to massage all the way up and down your hands and forearms in a circular motion, working the oil or lotion gently into your skin. You’ll be moisturizing, releasing tension, and improving circulation as you perform these movements!

Check out this video for a detailed tutorial on hand massages!