Benefits of Hand Massage

The health benefits of massage therapy are well documented, and a hand massage is no exception. Having your hands massaged feels good, it can help ease muscle tension, and it may even reduce pain.

Studies have shown that having a professional hand massage just once a week, and doing self-massage once a day, may help reduce the pain associated with many conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy.

A hand massage has the potential to improve your health and well-being in a number of ways. According to a 2011 study Trusted Source, the benefits of a hand massage may include:

• reduced hand pain
• less anxiety
• better mood
• improved sleep

According to a 2018 study Trusted Source, getting a regular massage may also help lower your blood pressure. This study, however, did not focus specifically on hand massages.

Another study published in 2015 Trusted Source involved nurses working in intensive care units found that a twice-weekly general massage significantly reduced their stress levels.

How give yourself a hand massage

• Sit in a comfortable position. To apply moderate pressure, it may be easier to have one hand on a table while you use your other hand to do the massage strokes.

• Use your palm to stroke your forearm from the wrist to the elbow and back again on both sides. If you want to, you can extend the stroking to your shoulder. Do this at least three times on both sides of your forearm. The idea here is to warm up your muscles.

• Use your palm to stroke from your wrist to your fingertips on both sides of your hand. Do this at least three times. Use moderate pressure.

• Cup your hand around your forearm with your thumb underneath. Pinch your skin starting at the wrist, and work slowly up to the elbow and back down again. Do this on both sides of the forearm at least three times using moderate pressure.

• Use your thumb and forefinger — or your thumb and all your fingers — to press in a circular or back-and-forth motion, slowly moving up your hand and forearm. Do this on both sides of your arm and hand at least three times using moderate pressure.

• Press your thumb in a circular motion with moderate pressure all around the back of your hand and then your palm. Continue pressure with your thumb along both sides of each finger. Use your thumb to massage the area between your thumb and forefinger.

Watch how to give yourself a hand massage

Scientific evidence has shown that a simple hand massage a day can ease pain, increase hand strength, and reduce stress and anxiety. 

Many published scientific studies have shown that doing something as simple as giving yourself a 15-minute daily hand massage can greatly improve not only your hand health but also your overall health.  So grab some oil, lean back, and get ready to learn what the ancient Egyptians started doing 4,500 years ago, and what modern science has finally proven! 

Studies have shown that giving yourself a 15-minute hand massage every day, along with a professional hand massage once per week, can reduce your overall stress or anxiety, reduce hand pain, increase grip strength, improve your sleep, improve circulation, and put you in a better mood.  And this is especially true for those with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), carpal tunnel, trigger finger, and a host of other hand issues. With benefits like these, there is no reason not to give yourself a quick hand massage at least once a day – while you’re watching TV, lying in bed, or at the kitchen table.  If you don’t know how, then keep reading!

This post is adapted from original articles, from Healthline and Jamber