Spotlight on Hand Massages: The Overlooked Step in Your Self-Care Routine

When I hear the term self-care, I rarely think of hand massages.

There are always a lot of obvious things that we all do and get wrapped up in—face masks, hair masks, bubble baths, and guided meditations.

But hand massages?

In fact, they are typically, well, forgotten.

The amusing thing is that our hands are such workhorses, it is rather fitting that they need a bit of pampering every now and then.

By typing and texting to lifting groceries and doing dishes, they work hard all day long like they have a second job.

If our hands could open their mouths, they would surely be asking for a break.

So why aren’t we giving them one?

Well, I must tell you that I’ve got some good news for you.

Hand massages are one of the easiest things that you can do in your self-care routine.

They will make your hands feel like they are in heaven, and have several health benefits as well.

It’s not just a bonus for your hands but a blessing for your whole hand and your mind as well.

Why Hand Massages Are So Important

You may be just thinking, why should I invest time to notice my hands when I have a full body to tend for?

It’s a fair question.

However, our hands are connected to so many other parts of our body.

So massaging them does not just relax your fingers, it can have positive effects all over.

Relief from Tension and Pain

Has it ever crossed your mind as to why the term ‘hand cramp’ is synonymous with typing or holding a mouse for an extended period?

If you haven’t, let me assure you, your hands have!

Hand massages are wonderful when it comes to making your muscles relax as well as the relief of pain in arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

That tightness and soreness in your hands can be eased by massaging your hands as circulation will be improved and inflammation will be reduced.

And it is not only your hands which will become more comfortable—when that tension is let go, other parts of your arm, your shoulder, and perhaps even your neck may feel more comfortable too.

It is like a domino effect of relief.

Boosting Circulation

Speaking about circulation, it is high time to discuss how a hand massage can help to stir things up.

Hands are trained and constantly busy but even after a whole day of working they can become cold without blood circulation they require.

It is one of the consequences of bad circulation when we stay too still or fail to move our fingers as often as we should.

The hands become stiff, uncomfortable and even feel cold and painful.

A hand massage causes a flow of circulation, meaning fresh oxygen, nutrient delivery to muscles and tissue.

Doing this can help bring down oedema, repair injured tissues as well as provide you with a tingling warm sensation – just like how your hands feel when you rub them together to warm them up on a cold day.

Who wouldn’t love that?

Stress Relief

We’ve all heard how massages can reduce stress levels and the same applies to hand massages or rather hand rubs.

This way, hands are packed full with nerve endings, therefore when we massage them, we are in effect, giving the signals to the brain to calm down the entire body.

Also, the process of paying attention to your hands, massaging the small pains and tense spots, and even just the act of continuous, slow breathing has the power to distract one from what may be causing the stress.

Hand massage is something that can take even as little as five minutes, yet it can help you feel much more centered and relaxed.

I don’t know how to describe it…it is more as if you are resetting your nervous system!

Improved Skin and Nail Health

Besides all the positive feelings associated with hand massages, let’s remember about their beautifying advantages as well.

When you massage your hands you are helping the skin’s circulation and thus promoting cell division and repair.

It also comes in handy especially in making sure that the skin on your hands remains soft and smooth.

Hand massages also include the massaging of the palms, nails and cuticles and these are known to improve the health of the nails and the cuticles.

If you apply oil or cream on your hands, then you’re feeding the nails and skin so they don’t become brittle with hangnails.

If you are somebody who likes your nails well-groomed, it’s essential to have regular rubs on the hands in order to maintain neat perception.

How to Give Yourself a Hand Massage at Home

That is the best part of hand massages, it does not require any tool and skills to carry it out.

It is not complicated at all to self-massage your hands at home (or at the workplace, or while watching your favorite show…).

No more cash, no more fancy stuff, no more prayers, no more sawdust.

All you need is just a few moments, some lotion or oil, and your hands.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to getting started with your own hand massage routine:

Step 1: Set the Mood

Although it is not required, making the atmosphere somewhat soothing will make hand massage seem like a treat.

Just light a candle, put on some soft music and prepare your hand cream or oil of your preference.

Step 2: Start with the Palm

Start out by making sure that your hands are slightly moisturized by using some lotion or oil for instance.

Then take your thumb and start rubbing the palm of the hand that is opposite to that in a circular manner.

Using a little force, start with the center of the palm and proceed down towards the periphery of the palm.

This is where you get the chance to relax and let yourself be more at ease.

Step 3: Massage Your Fingers

When the palms are calm then start massaging your fingers.

Taking each finger from the base, squeeze and apply pressure while making circular motions towards the fingertips.

Oh, and don’t forget to pay a little extra attention to your fingertips—this is where a majority of our nerve endings are located and if one can rub the tension out from here it feels amazing.

Step 4: Stretch and Squeeze

After that stretch out the fingers by pulling each of them slightly apart.

Do not pull too strongly, you just need your fingers to get slightly extended for lengthening stretch.

Then, grab the whole of your hand and apply pressure on the muscles which are found in the palm, and the back of the hands.

Step 5: Focus on the Wrist

Your wrist is also a very hard working part of your body and thus should be pampered as well.

Take your thumb and starting at the wrist, move the pad of the thumb in circles just below the palm area.

This is useful for the relaxation of the muscles and increases flexibility and is vital for anyone who spends lots of time typing.

Step 6: Finish with a Shake

After rubbing the palms of each hand vigorously, just wiggle it a bit to make all of the muscles relax completely.

Of course you should be aware that your hands seem to be lighter, warmer, and less tense.

When to Incorporate Hand Massages into Your Routine

So, when should you give yourself these amazing hand massages?

Quite frankly, whenever you want to!

But here are a few times when it might be especially beneficial

After a long day at work: Whether you’ve been typing all day or doing physical labor, your hands will thank you for a quick massage to unwind.
Before bed: Massaging your hands before you go to sleep can help you relax and drift off into dreamland more easily.
After a workout: If your hands were involved in your workout (think weightlifting or yoga), a massage can help prevent stiffness and soreness.
During a pampering session: Whether you’re doing a full-on spa night or just want to elevate your at-home manicure, adding a hand massage into the mix is the perfect way to treat yourself.

A Few Final Tips for Hand Massage Success

If you’re ready to start giving your hands the attention they deserve, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use a good-quality lotion or oil: I prefer using almond or jojoba oil because they are very rich in nutrients and give minimal slip needed. But to tell you the truth, it does not matter which brand of moisturizing lotion you are using.
Be gentle with yourself: To tense it up the goal is not to cause harm to your body rather the goal is to let it get relaxed. Therefore, if you realize there are some areas in the hands that are sensitive or have become sore, avoid them.
Stay consistent: Consistency is key, just like any other self care routine.