DIY Massage Therapy: Hands

Over the course of four blog posts, we will be introducing you to some easy massage therapy techniques for the face, scalp, hands, and feet. See the "Face" post here. Photos and descriptions will help you perform the movements, and you can also check out our social media for videos of some of the techniques. Give them a try at home and let us know how it goes!

General Tips Before Beginning

1. Make sure that both the giver and the receiver of the massage are comfortable with one another before beginning.
2. Speaking of being comfortable, choose a spot where the receiver can be seated or reclined in a comfortable position and the giver can stand or sit behind. This is an ideal position for performing the techniques optimally.
3. Be careful not to overuse your thumbs! Most of us instinctively rely on our thumbs when giving amateur massages, but this can easily overtax your thumb muscles and joints. Be sure to note in the photos when to use all your fingers instead (hint: it's most of the time!).
4. Communicate! Both the giver and receiver should check in with each other to be assess how each technique feels, whether the pressure is too much or too little, and anything else that will enhance the experience.

Use a good quality lotion that is smooth, not too greasy, and is either non-scented or has a scent that appeals to the one receiving the massage.

Begin by applying lotion with slow, deliberate movements along each finger.

Now use the following techniques....

#1. "Makin' Money": To perform this movement, imagine you are counting bills of money between your thumb and index finger, with the person's finger standing in for the money. Move up and down each finger, rubbing it quickly between your thumb and index finger.

#2. Rotations: Hold each finger gently at the tip and rotate them clockwise and then counter-clockwise.

3. Scrunches: After each rotation (above), continue holding finger at the tip and gently press the whole finger back toward the palm so that it scrunches up, like an inchworm crawling. Complete a few scrunches before moving on to the next finger.

Palm: Imagine a line down the middle of the palm, and place both your thumbs side-by-side on this line at the top of the palm near the wrist. Firmly move your thumbs away from each other to the outside edges of the palm. Start again at the midline of the palm but a little lower than your last position. Repeat the movement toward the outside of the palm. Then continue down the midline until you reach the fingers.

Our hands do so much for us everyday. And as you can see, it doesn't take much to give them some much-needed relief and relaxation. Try these techniques with someone at home, find your favorites, and then let us know what you think!