The Health Benefits of A Hand Massage: 11 Proven Effects You Should Know
Contents
- 1 What is A Hand Massage?
- 2 What Are The Benefits of A Hand Massage?
- 2.1 Replenishes Energetic Balance
- 2.2 Helps with Insomnia and Better Sleep Quality
- 2.3 Relieves Stress and Anxiety
- 2.4 Improves Flexibility of Wrists and Fingers
- 2.5 Decreases Swelling from Excess Fluid Retention
- 2.6 Boosts Delivery of Nutrients to Underlying Tissue
- 2.7 Improves Blood Circulation
- 2.8 Helps to Have Softer Skin
- 2.9 Relieves Pain
- 2.10 Decreases Headaches
- 2.11 Helps to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- 3 How to Give a Self-Hand Massage
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Hand massage may seem like a relaxing spa treatment, but it is a form of reflexology designed to increase physical health.
It uses pressure on the nerves and their related muscles to stimulate other organs and muscle groups to activate or relax as needed.
Research shows that it can improve anxiety and headaches, as well as sleep quality.
You can do it almost anywhere, so you don't have to worry about scheduling a time in advance or dealing with traffic!
Hand massages are beneficial for more reasons than just feeling good. Take a look at these benefits below.
What is A Hand Massage?
A hand massage is a type of massage that focuses on the muscles in the hands. Massage can be combined with other forms of treatment or used as a stand-alone technique.
Hand massage is beneficial for people who spend a great deal of time with their hands in constant use, and it can also provide relief to someone who spends many hours per day at a computer.
Massage therapists commonly use reflexology techniques when performing hand massages. Reflexology works by applying pressure to certain areas of the feet, hands, and ears to stimulate organs or body parts.
According to these principles, applying pressure to specific points in the hands can reduce pain and relieve certain ailments in the affected body parts. It also promotes an improvement in circulation and general well-being.
What Are The Benefits of A Hand Massage?
A hand massage is a great way to give yourself the care and attention you deserve. It can help relieve stress, reduce pain, and improve circulation.
Hand massages are also very relaxing for both the person giving and receiving them. Massaging your hands helps loosen tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, arms, back, and chest, which can otherwise lead to tension headaches or muscle spasms.
Replenishes Energetic Balance
Tired and stressed out? Take a break with an invigorating pressure point hand massage! Relaxing your body can not only be enjoyable, but it also helps those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or sinus problems.
The muscles in the hands release tension, such as emotional tensions, while pressing them on specific points of tissue near the stomach area.
A hand massage is beneficial for people with severe respiratory issues because it releases stagnant energy.
Helps with Insomnia and Better Sleep Quality
What does a hand massage have to do with sleeping well at night? The answer: Serotonin!
Your happy hormone is released when someone gives you a massage. You can achieve this positive state of mind at any time, and it's most effective before bedtime because serotonin levels are highest then, too!
Hand massages also release the neurotransmitter dopamine that correlates with feelings of contentment, so your mood will get even better after this brief break from life for some self-care.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Hand massage therapy is the perfect way to help relieve your mind from all of its tension and anxiety!
Massages will stimulate nerve endings in your hands which relaxes you from head to toe.
Various anxious thinking patterns, such as overthinking, overanalyzing, and fearful thoughts, may be present in the daily thinking process.
With these symptoms naturally relieved as well as their accompanying stressors released with each relaxing session - it's no wonder so many people enjoy them every day!
Improves Flexibility of Wrists and Fingers
A hand massage can break up stiffness that causes discomfort and increase the joint’s range of motion. It is excellent for people who have arthritis and sports injuries. The gentle pressure will reduce stiffness, particularly in those with painful joints or limited range of motion.
Hand massage also helps improve flexibility in the wrists and fingers by breaking up old scar tissue that has built up over time due to repetitive movements like typing on a computer keyboard all day long!
Decreases Swelling from Excess Fluid Retention
If you’re experiencing hand swelling, it may have something to do with too much fluid accumulating in the area. When massaged, this retained water is released and dispersed from the body!
A hand massage will help get rid of all that excess moisture for good – if unchecked, it can lead to other issues like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, so don't neglect your hands!
Boosts Delivery of Nutrients to Underlying Tissue
A hand massage is a great way to reduce toxins. When you get your hands massaged, the muscles can release lactic acid and other chemicals that allow increased nutrient delivery throughout the body.
It also helps with muscle recovery and the release of endorphins, which are substances that make you feel happy.
A hand massage also relieves the emotional tension and physical stress of your day, which will help you sleep better.
Improves Blood Circulation
A hand massage is like a magic wand for the body; it can work wonders on your hands. The benefits of hand massages include increased blood circulation and balancing the condition that affects them.
When you start experiencing painful extremities like fingertips, know your body needs some relief! It will improve blood flow throughout your arm, heal injured tissue faster than ever, and relieve strained muscles, so they don't worsen untreated.
Helps to Have Softer Skin
Hand massages don't just improve how your hands feel. They also make them look more youthful and attractive! When you give yourself a hand massage with lotion, it will leave behind an oily film that replaces the natural oils in your skin. You'll notice the smoother texture and improved elasticity after one treatment!
Relieves Pain
A hand massage is a soothing and relaxing treatment for arthritis or other pains in their wrists, arms, hands. A routine of these massages will help decrease the pain felt by your grip on objects and increase the time it takes before flare-ups occur with this condition.
Hand massage can help release tight hand muscles, improve range of motion in the fingers and reduce trigger finger.
This method targets explicitly tight muscles due to stress, which is often overlooked and doesn’t get as much attention in other ways- but not with this! It also eliminates trigger fingers that make simple tasks like opening or closing your hands difficult.
Decreases Headaches
You know that feeling when you have a headache, and your head feels like it's in pieces? It's no secret that a variety of different methods can help ease your headache.
However, few people know about the power behind hand massages and how they can relieve pain in just minutes with little to no effort on their part!
There are reflexology points in the hands which correspond to different spots on the head.
Applying light pressure to these points during a hand massage can help with headaches, so next time you're getting one, try giving yourself some relief!
Helps to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive motion injury caused by prolonged use of computers, tablets, and smartphones.
The longer you are on these devices, the more likely it will be for carpal tunnel to develop into an acute or chronic condition.
The extent of the disorder varies from being mild to being severe enough to need surgery.
The pain caused by a case of carpal tunnel can often be relieved with massage therapy and other measures such as ergonomics or taking breaks when possible.
How to Give a Self-Hand Massage
When it's not convenient to go outside, you can still give yourself a hand massage at home. You should heat your hands and arms before massaging them to help relax the muscles in the area. Then, take the following steps:
And there are also hand massager machines available to do this for you if you're not feeling up to the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hand massages feel good?
Since a hand massage is so relaxing, it calms the central nervous system. The stimulation releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural painkillers that we produce in our bodies to make us feel happy.
These chemicals can also lower blood pressure and even reduce depression symptoms!
Is it OK to massage the carpal tunnel?
Yes! A hand massage can help to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. Massaging stimulates blood flow which helps promote healing from injuries and relieve pressure on joints and muscles.
What techniques are used in a hand massage?
The following techniques are frequently used in hand massages:
Frictions: This type of massage technique provides relief from hand injuries by increasing elasticity and decreasing pain.
Trigger pointing: Trigger points are found in the center of muscle fibers and cause pain if not treated. Massaging them causes an ischemic reaction that encourages increased blood flow to the area, keeping muscles strong and healthy.
Skin Rolling: It is a massage method that reduces pain by releasing muscle and fascia tension.
Acupressure: Acupressure is applying pressure to the hand to break down muscle knots and increase blood flow.
