subject: Ease Hurts Sooner [print this page] We use and abuse them every day! Our hands, we clean and scrub, we pick things up, open close doors and typing on our computers! We open cans and jars, put shoes on, buckle children's car seats, turn knobs, dials, the list goes on. While most of us rub lotion on our hands this only takes care of the skin. Sure this helps after we wash dishes and counters, but it doesn't take care of muscles or joints. Guess what does? A good hand massage does. Even when we rub lotion on our hands, we enjoy the feeling of the rubbing motion. Let me tell you first about the art of massage, then about hand massage. I know youll be interested to learn more, I certainly was.
Have you ever had a massage? Do you think this is something new? No, it is not a new medical breakthrough, 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. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. A hand massage will enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being and can help with a host of issues ranging from headache to stomach problems.
In the early 1800s, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930s and 40s. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960s and 1970s nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. Its good enough for the Olympics, how about you?
The word massage comes from the Latin word friction", as well as from the French word meaning friction or kneading", and the Arabic word massa" meaning to touch, feel or handle. I am always interested in finding out the origin of words, and to me this was fascinating, as each culture derived its own word and meaning. A hand massage done well is luxurious and can be done at your local spa. While these spas offer a wide variety, this may be the one for you. It cure all those aches and pains, joints, tendons etc, while feeling great and relaxing.
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.
