How to: Give Yourself a Hand & Wrist Massage

Are your digits due for a little TLC? Use these self-massage and reflexology techniques to relieve tension in fingers, hands and wrists.

When your purse strings are tight or you simply do not have time to make it to the spa, it is important to remember to take time out to pamper yourself. Relaxation and pampering is good for your body and soul. You will be more focused and able to better tackle your day if you spend some time centering yourself. If you spend all day typing, try this simple and self reflexology and massage techniques and get the sweet relief from over worked metacarpals.

• Begin your hand relief treatment by pinching the tips of each finger and thumb of your right hand. Reverse and repeat this process on your left hand. The pressure applied to your fingers should be firm, but not painful. A few seconds for each fingertip will do.
• After pinching the tops and bottoms of your finger and thumb tips, go back to each tip and pinch them again, this time squeezing from side to side.
• Combine steps 3 and 4 rubbing the tops and bottoms of your fingers and also rubbing the sides of each finger and thumb. Vigorously rub back and forth from the base to the tip.
• Grasp each finger at its base and tug firmly. Allow your grip to loosen slightly, graduating it from the base to the fingertip until your finger slips out of your grasp completely.
• Using your thumb and forefinger firmly grasp the webbed area between your thumb and forefinger of your other hand. Keeping a firm hold, tug at the skin gently until the fleshy web snaps away from your grasp. Repeat this process between all of your fingers.
• Rest the palm of your hand inside the palm of your free hand. Use your thumb to massage the back of your hand. Leisurely manipulate the knuckles and between knuckle area first. Continue thumb massaging each area on the back of the hand.
• Gently cradle your wrist inside your free hand. Use your thumb to massage your inner wrist. This is an especially soothing if you routinely use your wrists in repetitive movements (for example, using your computer mouse and typing).
• Massage the palm of your hand with your thumb. You can also use your knuckle to massage the fleshier areas more deeply.
• Wrap up by pressing your thumb firmly in the center of your palm. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths and center yourself. This is an opportune moment to relax, clear your mind, and focus on your healing intentions.

More reading:

• 3 Ways to Perform Reflexology on Yourself
• Spa Sister Hand Reflexology Gloves
• eHow Video on Self Massage Techniques for Hands