A Hand massage as alternative

When done with focus and care, hand massage can be a surprisingly good alternative to a full body massage when the situation does not allow it. It can be relaxing, therapeutic or sensual if you wish. Below you will find links and information on how to get the most out of a hand massage.

Preparing for a hand massage

Some of this may seem obvious, but I’ll throw it out there anyway.

Go to the restroom first – both of you, nothing worse than developing such a need and having to break out of a zone of bliss and then trying to get back there.

Remove rings, watches, bracelets, etc. and anything else that might get in the way.

If you are going to massage your hands, make sure that your nails are not going to cause any physical damage.

Get some oil or lotion of your choice.

Grab a towel to rest your hands on so the oil/lotion doesn’t ruin your couch.

As you start to massage your partner they may feel inclined to close their eyes to relax better, having bright lights on or lots of daylight could provide for a little irritation so make sure you are in a low light environment.

Make yourself comfortable, this could mean sitting opposite each other or side by side.

Roll up your sleeves

If you really want to, you can pipe in some natural tunes and use aromatherapy oils if you want to girlify the whole thing …… otherwise hand massage is a totally butch activity!

Warm your hands!

Hand massage options

Establishing a comfort zone with your partner (especially with a new partner) is very important to get the most out of any massage. With a hand massage, the simplest thing to think about before you start is to cradle your partner’s hand with both of yours (above and below) and gently pull your hands away to create a stroke effect. This is personal and will help your partner relax with you as the masseuse.

Now grab the lube and work it into your partner’s hands, start with a little as it is easier to add more than scrape off. You don’t want so much that you’re either slurping or slipping! Start working into your partner’s hands with both your hand cupping around each slide of your partner’s hand and work/roll your thumbs over the back of your partner’s hand moving back and forth to cover the whole hand in a motion that stretches the skin. This is an easy action to do quickly, so to make sure you keep it slow and relaxed for maximum bliss, add a short count at the end of each stroke when you reach the sides. You are massaging, not tenderising.

Once you have got that over with, lubricate a bit more and go for a bit more reach with a half arm workout. However, it is most comfortable to hold your partner’s hand with one hand. With the other, gently grasp your partner’s hand and sweep the arm up to the elbow, increasing the pressure slightly to accommodate the extra muscle, around the elbow and back to the fingers, reducing the pressure as you go.

Now on to the main course…. you can use any of the following ideas as you like.

There are a variety of hand massage options and techniques to use as a massage therapist.

– Stand at the side of the table facing the head

– Apply lotion to the arm using effleurage only. Only a small amount of lotion or oil is needed for the hand.

– Gently rub between each metacarpal.

– Coin Rub each finger, gently pulling and ending with a light squeeze at the fingertips.

– Turn the hand over, working the palm well

– The inside hand can apply traction to the thumb while the outside hand gently pulls from the wrist to the elbow.

– With the inside hand, apply traction to each finger. Continue to effleurage from wrist to elbow

– Raise the arm (bent ninety degrees at the elbow). Perform the ‘milking stroke’ at least three times.

– To make the hand massage really special, your partner will enjoy having their arms professionally massaged as well.

– Facing the partner’s feet, arm out to the side

– Gently petrissage the biceps and deltoids

– Facing partner’s feet, raise arm and hold with inside hand at partner’s elbow

– Work triceps with effleurage, petrissage and raking of elbow just above axilla

– Gently return arm to table, sliding down deltoids

– Use spreading strokes to transition from shoulder to wrist

– Add a final effleurage over the entire arm with a light squeeze of the partner’s hand to close.

– Repeat the whole sequence with the other arm

– Connect the rest of the body and finish with a gentle touch and a “thank you”.

You may encounter people who have a slight tingling sensation in their fingers or fingertips. While gently massaging their hands, deep tissue massage therapy can be incorporated into their session.

Establish a firm grip on the chest. Allowing your partner to lift their arms off the table and towards you will help you to work your fingers deeper into the chest muscles. Hold for a few seconds and allow your partner to lower their arms onto the table. This ritual should be repeated at least three times and will gradually reduce the tingling sensation in the fingertips.

With the steps and tips above, you should be able to provide a good hand massage to your partner or client.