Hand massage dates from ancient times. A painting in an Egyptian physician's tomb from 2330 B.C shows hand and foot massage. Hand massage may provide pain relief and reduce stress. A study conducted at Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital in Japan and published in 2009 found that brief hand massage appeared to reduce stress in patients with advanced cancer.
History
According to the National Institute of Health, massage came to the United States in the 1850s via two doctors who studied in Sweden. Swedish massage techniques form the basis of traditional massage, though many variations and specialties exist, all of which provide techniques for massaging the hands. Swedish-Esalen incorporates techniques from California's Esalen Institute with Swedish massage; sports massage focuses on athletic recovery and injuries. Shiatsu, a technique traditional to Japan, focuses on key points in the hands and other areas of the body.
Techniques
Common traditional massage strokes for the hands include rubbing the finger joints, gently squeezing the fingers, pressing along the palm with the thumbs with the fingers spread, circular pressure applied with the thumbs and fingertips, stroking between the bones running down the top of the hand, soft stroking, squeezing the wrists, gentle pulling of the fingers, pressing the fingers tips and wringing motions of the entire hand.
Features
Because hand massage requires no equipment and allows the recipient to remain in any comfortable position, it offers a way to provide touch in settings where a massage table or massage chair isn't practical due to space constraints or a recipient's mobility limitations.
Oil or lotion allows hand massage strokes to move smoothly without pulling the skin. This is especially important for elderly patients and those with sensitive skin, in order to prevent abrasions. Unscented products made from natural ingredients provide a versatile option, in order to prevent the risk of reactions in people with allergies or sensitivity to fragrance. Some products reduce the risk of stains, which helps prevent oil marks on bedding and clothing.
Features
Because hand massage requires no equipment and allows the recipient to remain in any comfortable position, it offers a way to provide touch in settings where a massage table or massage chair isn't practical due to space constraints or a recipient's mobility limitations. Oil or lotion allows hand massage strokes to move smoothly without pulling the skin. This is especially important for elderly patients and those with sensitive skin, in order to prevent abrasions.
Unscented products made from natural ingredients provide a versatile option, in order to prevent the risk of reactions in people with allergies or sensitivity to fragrance. Some products reduce the risk of stains, which helps prevent oil marks on bedding and clothing. Hand massage also provides a self-care technique--it's convenient to massage your own hands after working out, gardening, heavy lifting or during breaks at work.
Considerations
The National Institute of Health, or NIH, recommends that cancer patients consult with an oncologist before receiving massage and that pregnant women confer with a doctor prior to seeking massage. The NIH also cautions against performing massage on anyone with weakened bones, blood clots or bleeding conditions, injuries and wounds. On the hands, avoid massaging open skin or rashes of any kind.
References
- Wainapel, Stanley F. M.D., M.P.H. and Fast, Avital M.D., "Alternative Medicine and Rehabilitation A Guide for Practitioners" 2003
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Osaka I, Kurihara Y, Tanaka K, Nishizaki H, Aoki S, Adachi I; Endocrinological Evaluations of Brief Hand Massages in Palliative Care; September 2009
- National Institures of Health: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Massage: History
- University of Minnesota: End of Life and Hospice Care
- "Journal of Alternatvie and Complementary Medicine"; Immediate Effects of Manual Massage on Power-grip Performance; Brooks CP, Woodruff LD, Wright LL, Donatelli R; Dec. 2005
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