5 Best Self Hand-Massage Techniques

Hand Massage Benefits

Hands have around 17,000 touch receptors and free nerve endings. No wonder hand massage is one of the most desirable types of massages. What would you say if we told you that you can get a high-quality hand massage every day, for free, right at your home? Yes, a hand self-massage can be easily done at home. There are just a few things you should know and rules you need to follow, and you’re all set for a perfect hand self-massage at home.

• Reduce Anxiety: Multiple studies show that a simple regular hand massage reduces anxiety before and after serious treatments and surgeries. A hand massage also has positive effects on anxiety improvement when added to a regular daily routine.
• Health Benefits: Hand massage is a great addition to conventional treatment and helps to lower pain and symptoms of arthritis, neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, autoimmune conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and others.
• Improve Sleep: Hand massage has been used for centuries to improve sleep quality. It soothes and helps people fall into a deep sleep faster, whether for babies, children, or adults.

What You Should Know Before Giving Yourself a Hand Massage

• Hand massage doesn’t require any equipment and can be done using your hands only.
• Aim for at least 15 minutes to get the most benefits from a hand self-massage.
• Try using moderate pressure instead of light pressure if you’re comfortable with it.
• Apply heat to your hands and arms before a self-massage to help the muscles relax; you can take a warm bath or use a massage candle.
• Place one hand on a table and massage it with the other hand to keep the hand relaxed for better results.
• Stop the massage if it becomes uncomfortable; it should never be painful.
• Consult your doctor if you have any conditions before starting a hand self-massage.

5 Best Hand Self-Massage Techniques

1. Warm Up: Apply warm massage oil to your palm. Use your palm to stroke your forearm from the wrist to the elbow and back again on both sides. Repeat for at least 1 minute. Extend the stroking up to your shoulder if comfortable.
2. Strokes: With your palm, stroke from your wrist to your fingertips on both hands. Repeat for about 3 minutes. Gradually increase the pressure from light to moderate. Reapply massage oil if needed.
3. Pinch: Cup your hand around your forearm with your thumb underneath. Starting at the wrist, pinch your skin and work slowly up to the elbow and back down to the wrist again. Do this on both sides of the forearm for at least two minutes from each side. Use moderate pressure but do not squeeze. Reapply massage oil if needed.
4. Circular Motion: Use your thumb and forefinger—or your thumb and all your fingers—to press in a circular or back-and-forth motion, slowly moving up your hand and forearm. Do this on both sides of the forearm for at least two minutes from each side. Use moderate pressure but do not squeeze. Reapply massage oil if needed.
5. Thumb Walking: In a circular motion, press your thumb all around the back of your hand and then your palm. Continue pressure with your thumb along both sides of each finger. Use your thumb to massage the area between your thumb and forefinger. Repeat for about 3 minutes. Use moderate pressure but do not squeeze. Reapply massage oil if needed.

Massage Candle Safety Tips

• Always blow out the flame before pouring the oil.
• Keep the candle away from pets and small children. Do not leave the candle unattended while burning or hot.
• Test the candle wax on a small area of your skin first to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients. Premium quality massage candles have low fragrance concentrations and are gentle.
• Avoid applying hot oil directly to sensitive areas or open wounds. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, discontinue use immediately.

Conclusion

A hand massage is a wonderful way to reduce stress and achieve deep relaxation in just about 15 minutes. Combine the self-massage techniques with the quality fragrance of a massage candle to create a spa-like experience at any time of day and in any place.