Korean hand massage is an interesting form of massage therapy. It’s one of the newer techniques to be widely used across the Western world. The techniques have a range of beneficial effects however, and are worth considering.
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What is Korean Hand Massage?
It’s a form of massage therapy that is used to promote positive health effects across the whole body through massaging the patient’s hands. These techniques are believed to have been developed in the 1970’s and fall under the same umbrella as reflexology.
Similar to hand and feet reflexology techniques, Korean Hand Massage was developed from acupuncture techniques. The techniques involve targeting pressure points on the hands to connect with other areas in the body. Much like acupressure, it stimulates blood flow and healing.
A complete massage will massage every joint in the hand and can resolve painful musculoskeletal problems. Conditions such as RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated. Reducing the pain and stiffness without the need for invasive surgery. Patients often see an improvement in the skin on their hands too from clearing up skin conditions to reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
What to Expect from a Korean Hand Massage
The techniques are performed while you are usually sitting down and fully clothed. The therapist will ask you some questions about your general health. If you have any aches or pains you should explain where they are and how the pain is affecting your health. This information is important to the therapist and how they will tailor their treatment.
If you are having a massage because of a specific problem the therapist will focus on this. Otherwise you will have a general treatment to improve your overall well-being and increase the flexibility in your hands.
Some techniques are carried out with just the therapist’s hands. Sometimes they use tools to help them apply pressure to specific points and roll the skin. You may be asked what you can feel and if the pressure points are being reflected in the areas that are causing you pain. This helps the therapist locate the areas to work on.
Benefits of Korean Hand Massage
One of the main benefits to hand massage is how easy and accessible it is. The hands can be worked on anytime and with no preparation. It’s not expensive either compared to other forms of massage, and used a first point can often resolve the problem.
This form of treatment is advisable for people who use their hands a lot, especially for repetitive tasks. If you type a lot, write, use your hands for work and feel pain or stress in your hands you should seek out a therapist.
As mentioned earlier the pressure points located in reflexology and acupuncture are also used to treat other problems around the body. If you’re interested in this form of alternative medicine I recommend booking a consultation. A qualified therapist will be able to advise you on what a treatment can do for you and what to expect specific to your issues.
Contraindications to Be Aware Of
You should always reveal all of your medical history and current health concerns with the therapist before having a treatment. They will be able to advise you if you are suitable for a treatment. As well as what the effects may be in relation to your health issues.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Korean Hand Therapy in Summary
Digestive
- Stomach ache/upset
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Excessive/trapped wind
Female
- Painful/irregular periods
- Period pain and PMS
- Mastitis
- Excessive bleeding
Children
- Vomiting
- Bed-wetting
- Fever
- Asthma
- Colds and coughs
Skin
- Persistent rashes
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Shingles
Ear, Nose and Throat
- Sinusitis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Hearing loss
Dental
- Abscesses
- Inflamed gums
- Toothache
Nervous System
- Headaches
- Migraines
There are many more positive benefits, these are just a few of the more commonly treated conditions. A consultation with your therapist will help you understand exactly how you can be helped.
In Summary
Korean massage techniques can be used in combination with other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). People often have massages in combination with teas, acupressure mats and acupuncture.
Our hands and feet carry pathways and connections across our entire body maps. We also rely on our hands almost every waking moment and the amount of stress we put on our hands builds up. If you have never had a treatment like this, or are skeptical, I urge you to try it before making your mind up. You will be pleasantly surprised, I know I was the first time I had a Korean hand massage.
Korean Hand Massage Video Demonstration
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.