We use our hands constantly and we often overlook them when we ask for massage. They get shoved aside for a nice foot rub or for attention to our aching necks and backs; but, I have to say, a thorough hand massage is one of my favorites (especially to receive).
To treat someone to a relaxing hand massage try the following:
Find some lotion, cream, or oil (especially at this time of year- skin can be dry and cracked). I usually use all natural products.
Have your person relax. You can sit across from them at a table (you may want to cushion their forearms with a towel or pillow) or have them recline and sit or stand next to them. Let them know to just relax their arm and you will move it as necessary.
You can begin with pressing down on the hand and arm with your palms, just to warm up the area and get the circulation going. Then put some lotion in your hand (and hold it for a sec to warm it) and apply it to their skin. Use long gliding movements with your hands on the forearm and gentle pulls on the hand.
Next use your fingers to massage the palm. Make sure you treat the whole area with special attention to the "meaty" areas below the thumb and pinkie. You can use a combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and circular sweeps. You can also press in with your thumbs if they prefer a lot of pressure. Also work around the wrist.
Then move to the back of the hand. Work the back of the wrist. Then the hand, you can sweep along and in between the bones then across them. Next work up each finger- ending with a gentle tug.
Since the muscles that control the wrist and fingers go all the way up to the elbow, glide and knead the front and back of the forearm. You can end with a few more presses to "set" the work.
Then have them work on you!
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