subject: Defeat Stress But Also Combat Pain By Means Of A Soothing Hand Massage [print this page] Some may consider the practice of hand massage therapy as a new way to improve circulation and encourage your body to self-heal. But hand massages have been used as far back as classic Chinese and ancient Egyptian times. Apart from our face, our hands are often the most noticed part of our body, which is why we care so much about how they look. You've probably met someone who looks very youthful in their face, while their hands reveal their true age ... another reason to care for them properly via regular hand massages.
The theory of hand massage - that every part of one's body can be mapped on a person's hand - came by way of a Korean doctor who specialized in acupuncture. The acupuncture method that he developed led to the discovery of today's traditional hand massage.
During a hand massage, endorphins are released into the system to balance our body and reduce stress. So, while a hand massage feels wonderful, it's also working its healing magic to:
Increase the circulation in your hands;
Revive your skin's elasticity;
Relieve stiffness and increase flexibility;
Mobilize your joints;
Strengthen the muscle tone in your hands;
Prevent RSI.
All the new technological advances of today like video games, cell phones and computers have drastically increased the need for hand massage therapy to fight against the strain put on our hands. The concept of hand massages are much like those of a foot massage - although not yet quite as popular - that certain areas of the hand affect various other parts of the body.
Anyone whose daily work involves the use of their hands, wrists and arms likely experiences pain and tension in their hands as a result of their work environment. For people who spend a lot of time typing on a computer keyboard, a hand massage is very beneficial in relieving the effect of excessive use of their hands and arms. The relief provided by a hand massage is immediate (usually within 5 - 10 minutes), thereby increasing its popularity for those seeking instantaneous results. It has become popular among all age groups including teens, children and adults.
If you are familiar with the term "reflexology", you know that all the points in our body are connected to various internal organs and other parts of our body. A hand massage, therefore, not only relieves ailments our our arms and hands, but those associated with poor blood circulation, pressure in the neck/head and arthritis. Each area of the body is thought to have "access" through different regions found in our hands and feet. Hand massage therapy - offered by many massage therapists and spas - defines specific zones, pressure points and energy centers located on the palm and back of your hands and targets those areas to provide relief to different organs and functions of the body.
Below are just a few of the health issues that can be treated by hand massage therapy:
Symptoms associated with cold and flu;
Back pain;
Problems with our immune system;
Addiction and craving;
Sexual energy reflexes;
Mental stress and energy.
Though do-it-yourself hand massage is popular, having it done by a licensed massage therapist provides the maximum benefit. Nothing can compare to the hands of a professional.
