Thanks to hand massages, in addition to releasing the tension, we could benefit in general. What are these advantages? How to do a good massage?
You may not know it, but receiving a hand massage can be not only relaxing but also beneficial for health. Reflexology states that, in addition to improving mobility and circulation, the hands have multiple points that connect to various organs and body parts, which receive immediate relief.
Hand massage is not very complicated to carry out and can have a repairing effect. You may never have considered it, but its virtues are so positive that it is worth experiencing the pleasure of receiving this type of massage. In this article, we invite you to know its benefits and how it is done.
Benefits of a hand massage
According to the Arthritis Foundation, in the case of chronic arthritis of the hand, a regular massage in this area will help reduce pain and improve mobility.
However, people without arthritis can also benefit from a hand massage. So if you use them for everyday tasks, be it with the computer or for other manual jobs, and even if you usually have pain or cramps, this massage could be beneficial.
Studies confirm that massages generally improve circulation; likewise, other beliefs affirm that these prevent the nerves and tendons from becoming rigid and harmonize the mobility of the muscles. It also has the ability to relax the area.
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, other research suggests great relief after the massage. Friction massage, for example, would contribute to improving the range of motion, since in these sessions the fingers are slightly stretched.
According to reflexology, the hands have points of union with different organs of the body. Thus, for example, the right hand is related to the liver, small intestine, stomach, or thyroid glands.
Instead, the left hand is associated with the brain, kidneys, and vertebrae, among other parts of the body. Then, applying pressure to different points of the hands, we could find relief in these areas.
Keep in mind that reflexology is part of alternative medicine and that it does not have scientific support, therefore, its effectiveness is not proven or guaranteed.
How to give a hand massage?
The first thing is that you and another person learn these steps to be able to apply the massage to each other. Keep in mind that the indications that we will offer here do not come from a professional, but from traditional techniques that have been popularly extended due to their supposed effectiveness.
As we have already said, if you suffer from pain, it is best to put yourself in the hands of a doctor and, if indicated, go to a professional physical therapist, chiropractor or masseur.
To message someone’s hands in a “non-professional” way, we must lean on a table and a towel. The first step, of course, is to sit comfortably and hold the other person’s hand.
The second instruction is to put cream on your hand. We can use aloe vera cream (aloe) and apply it while giving gentle scrubs that go from the wrist to the tips of the fingers. First, we will do it gently, and then we will apply a little more pressure, but without doing harm.
Next, we must press and make small circles with the thumbs across the palm of the other person. It’s easy to do: press and make circles with your thumb. Again, start gently and continue with a little more pressure, but as always, without causing pain.
Now, let’s move on to the fingers. Take the other person’s hand and, as you can see in the drawing, massage your partner’s five fingers. Next, we must place both thumbs in the center of the other person’s hand. Go massaging at this point and exerting pressure for five seconds; then loosen.
After having massaged the central point of the hand, do the same but in the area of the thumb. This area is usually the one that concentrates the most pain: it is the joint that is used the most and is the most overloaded. Do the same thing again: press five seconds and then relax.
Joints, the finishing touch
The last step is more complex but effective. Look at the photograph: the objective is to massage each joint of the fingers.
So, start from the bud and then go down along the phalanx. Massage with a little force without damaging; press for a few seconds and then relax. Do this exercise for two seconds.
If the nuisances persist, don’t ignore them
If this technique works for you and you notice improvements, you can continue applying it when you consider it necessary. Do not forget to use a cream to apply the massage. You might see benefits in the short term!
But as we warned before, if the discomfort persists over time and intensifies, consult a health professional as soon as possible.