Our hands. When are we not using them? Perhaps when we sleep. We clean, scrub twist, grab. We type on computers, buckle child car seats.. The list goes on! We can use lotion to care for our skin, but what about muscle or joint strain? What about the pain of overuse? Hand massage may be what we’ve been unknowingly seeking, not only to relieve hand pains and aches, but also to help a long list of problems.
If you are new to massage, heres something you should know. It is not a great new cure, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. So, how is this cure practiced? Well, there are a variety of methods, over 250 to be precise. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. Hand massage is done to restore function and alleviate pain in your hands. It is also done to relieve a plethora of symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, stomach problems to name just a few.
The art of massage became popular in the US in the 1800s. It had a surge of popularity until the 1930s. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as lesser than. Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. It again gained credibility when, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service.
There are many words in many languages that give us the word massage. I love studying different languages. Its especially exciting when all cultures have the same word and customs. The word comes from the Latin word friction”, as well as from the French word meaning friction or kneading”, and the Arabic word massage” meaning to touch, feel or handle. A hand massage can be done at your local spa, as one itself, or part of a massage package.
A hand massage is in some ways similar to a foot massage. There are a variety of pressure points on the palm, back of the hand, as well on fingers and finger tips. The map of the hand will show which point to rub to relieve problems. For example, pressure point #27 should be twisted to ease tired eyes. Hearing can be enhanced by rubbing and twisting the pressure point #9 . When looking for constipation relief, look no further than pressure point #22 and twist. Try it, its great. It really is amazing the number of ailments and the relationship to the inner parts of the body. Visit your local spa to talk to your spa technician about a hand massage. Try it, its great.
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