Give yourself a hand massage

What is hand reflexology?

Hand reflexology is an ancient healing practice that targets specific areas of your body by applying pressure to points on the hands. It is a quick, simple treatment that can help to alleviate a variety of ailments and issues.

It has been known to be effective in bringing about instant relief from pain and tension, although these results may also be cumulative.

Hand reflexology shares many principles with acupuncture, in that it relies on a belief that our bodies contain channels of energy. Over time, these channels can become blocked, resulting in illness.

Hand reflexologists believe that by applying pressure to certain parts of the hands, these energetic channels can be cleared. By removing the blockage you can restore balance and well-being to the whole body. 

Read more: Five things a reflexologist can tell, without you saying anything

What are the benefits of a hand massage?

Even though a hand massage may seem simple, it can provide a whole host of health benefits. These may include:

• Boosting circulation: either following an injury or as a result of a long-term complaint, such as Raynaud’s.

• Increased flexibility: by improving mobility and easing joint movement, particularly in older people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

• Pain relief: from chronic issues such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also contribute to the alleviation of common everyday difficulties caused by repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel caused by computer use.

This type of treatment may also provide some relief for the following conditions:

• Headaches

• Shoulder and back pain

• Stress

• Sports injuries

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Symptoms of menopause

• Sinus and breathing problems

How to do hand reflexology at home

If you’re interested in trying hand reflexology, the best thing to do is find a qualified reflexologist. They will be able to apply their specialist knowledge to meeting your specific goals.

However, if you’re just looking for general relaxation you can try the basics either yourself or with the help of a willing friend!

Here are five steps you can follow at home:

1. Relax the hand by rubbing your thumb in wide movements over your palm, working out from the centre to the edges. Then, gently rub down in long, straight motions from the knuckles to the wrist. Be careful not to press too hard and hurt yourself

2. Wrap your hand round each finger one by one and gently rotate at the joint, as if using a joystick on an arcade machine. You may like to add a small amount of oil or hand cream.

3. Wake up the hand meridians by pinching the end of each finger. You can see which meridian each point relates to by looking at a reflexology map . Remember that each hand is different!

4. Starting at the base of each finger, rub in small anti-clockwise circles until you reach the tip.

5. Apply gentle pressure in small circles all over the palms, pads and backs of the hand, working down to the wrist.

6. Drink a big glass of water! Increased circulation may result in your body processing expelling waste, toxins and lactic acid faster, so it needs water to help flush everything out.

Feel the difference with an at-home reflexology treatment.