Start here: Palm massage and dry brushing

Palm massage and dry brushing have blood circulation-promoting and relaxing effects.

Regarding blood circulation,
research in the nursing field in Japan has reported that skin stimulation (massage and friction) increases skin blood flow.

This indicates that even simple acts like stroking and stimulating the hands can lead to improved blood flow.

As a result,

You can expect changes such as:

Reduced coldness in the hands

Reduced fatigue and heaviness in the hands

Your body feels warmer

There is also research on the relaxing effect.

Gentle tactile stimulation (touch) to human skin is believed to create a sense of security and comfort, and is involved in stress reduction.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that touch may promote the secretion of oxytocin (the so-called “calm hormone”), which is thought to lead to mental and physical relaxation.

Therefore,

You can expect effects such as:

You feel calmer

You fall asleep more easily

You experience relief from stiff shoulders and neck pain

How to do palm massage and dry brushing

Both are easy to do.
Here, we’ll introduce them in the order of “palm massage → dry brushing”.

① Relax your wrists

Relax your wrists and shake your hands loosely for about 10 seconds.

Even this alone will help promote blood flow.

② Palm massage

Lightly clench one hand,
so that the joints at the base of your index and middle fingers are touching your palm.

Gently place your other hand on top and
move it in small circular motions.

👉 Points

・Don’t put too much pressure on the upper hand

・Do it within a comfortable range

・Change the position while looking for areas that are tired

③ Fingertip and back of hand massage (if you have time)

To massage your fingertips, lightly clench each finger one by one, hold for about 3 seconds, and then release.

Then, pinch the sides and stroke from the base to the fingertips. To massage the back of your hand, place one hand on the back of the other hand and stroke from between your fingers towards your wrist. (See image)

👉 Points

• Don’t rub too hard
• Do it slowly

④ Dry Brushing

Gently rub your palms, the backs of your hands, and arms with a towel or dry cloth.

👉 How to do it

• Move from palm → back of hand → arm
• Use a comfortable pressure
• For about 10-30 seconds

👉 Recommended timing

• Morning (to wake up the body)
• After a bath (to improve blood circulation)
• Before bed (to relax)

Why I recommend this method

Palm massage and dry brushing are

No tools required

Can be done in a short time

Anyone can start immediately

These are very easy care methods to continue.

Also, from my experience working with people, I’ve noticed that
many people find their entire body relaxes just by loosening their hands.

As research has shown,
“Touching” itself has a positive effect on both the body and mind. Even amidst busy days, this is an excellent self-care method that can be done in just 1-2 minutes.

Summary: Start with once a day.

Cold hands and other discomforts can be improved through small, consistent efforts each day.

Try it while watching TV.
Or during your relaxing time before bed.

Just try it casually.

“It feels kind of good.”

That feeling is the first step to improving your physical condition.

Please try incorporating it into your routine starting today.

We’d love to hear your feedback!

References
Journal of the Japanese Society of Nursing Research
“A Study on the Effects of Skin Stimulation on Skin Blood Flow”
Yamaguchi, So (2012)
“Skin Sensation and the Human Mind,” Kodansha
(Research on Tactile Stimulation and Sense of Security/Stress Reduction)
Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, et al.
“A Study on Tactile Stimulation and Oxytocin Secretion”
Field, T. (2010)
“Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review”
Developmental Review, 30(4), 367–383.