Hand Massage
Feeling stressed? In need of some relaxation - quickly? But not a lot of time?
Then the following method for giving yourself a relaxing hand massage, soothing
aching muscles and joints, will be just the thing to take aware your cares,
leaving you feeling relaxed and ready to go again!
Here it is, in seven easy-to-follow steps. Feel free to adapt it following
your own preferences and moods.
1. Add a few drops of a pure essential oil to a carrier oil. Almond oil is
usually a good choice. If you don't have these oils, you can always use moisturizing
cream instead, although oil is better. Then apply this to your gands, rubbing
your palms together quickly so that you feel the heat generated. Then spread
the oil over each hand, rubbing the palm of one hand over the back of the other
- just like when you wash your hands.
2. Using the thumb and index finger of one hand together, massage the other
palm and upper hand using circular motions. Then, taking each finger in turn,
grasp it and gently pull from the knuckle joint to the finger tip. Finish off
by massaging the knuckles. Do this to both hands.
3. Place one hand in the palm of the other and massage one palm with the thumb
using rotating movements, first in one direction, then the other. Be sure to
massage the entire palm in this way. Repeat this procedure wit the other hand.
4. Place the palms of both hands together with fingers outstretched, slide
the fingers of one hand up and down the fingers of the other hand, pressing
firmly. Whilst doing this, with arms outstretched, gradually start turning
the palms outwards.
5. Using the index and middle fingers of one hand, grip each finger of the
other hand in turn, commencing close to the knuckle then gently squeezing and
pulling as you work your way down to the finger tip. Think of this as a "milking" action,
like milking a cow! Repeat this for each finger, then do the same with the
other hand.
6. Now for the forearms and elbows. Massage the elbow and forearm of one arm
with the fingers of the other. Use circular motions and work your way down
from the elbow right to the wrist. Be sure to massage well the outer forearm
muscle, working up and down the arm. Once again, repeat with the other arm.
7. To finish, relax the fingers of both hands, then shake your hands, just
like when drying your nails.
Congratulations, you should now feel much more relaxed and less stressed.
You can repeat this hand massage as often as you like. And remember, it works
better using oils, but don't put off doing it if you don't have any. You can
still perform a satisfying hand massage using moisturizing cream.