Pristine Spas Services Hand and Foot Massage

Among other massage types, hand and foot massage is one designed to target specific areas of the body and, in this way, encourage relaxation and stress reduction. The hand and foot massage generally involves light to medium pressure with strokes focused on, as the name suggests, the hands and feet. Often, this can prove to be a great way to ease muscle tension in those specific areas; not to mention, hand and foot massage is often connected to helping soothe other parts of the body. Massage therapists experienced in writing and foot massage understand the various trigger points located in these areas that, in turn, help to target other areas.

The primary benefit here is relaxation. Imagine a long week, and then afterward, after being on your feet most of the week or working on your computer typing away diligently, you get to unwind with a soothing hand and foot massage performed by a licensed therapist. Among some of the other key benefits of this particular form of spa massage are:

• Improves circulation - improved blood flow is promoted by massage and can help with the healing process
• Promotes better sleep
• Can reduce stress and anxiety
• Trigger points in the hands and feet can help other affected areas of the body, much as in reflexology
• Alleviate pain in certain areas
• Can help lift the mood overall

Perhaps one of the safest forms of massage available, a hand and foot massage is generally associated with other spa services. So, for example, if you are going to get a body wrap, facial, or hot stone massage, an add-on, in this case, maybe a hand and foot massage to help elevate the entire massage experience. Many people will also try DIY hand and foot massages or have another person with whom they live, for instance, perform a hand and foot massage. This is one of the more accessible massage types to try on your own.

The risks associated with this kind of massage are very minimal. If, however, you have open wounds on your hands or feet, any broken bones, certain types of cancer, or any other medical conditions that you may be worried about, then this type of massage may not be the right one for you. If you do have any issues or concerns and are not sure about getting a hand and foot massage, it is highly recommended that you speak to your physician first.

Much as with other types of massages, a hand and foot massage relies upon light to medium pressure strokes targeting the areas in question. When used in conjunction with reflexology, hand and foot massage may be utilized to pinpoint specific body regions. A skilled therapist will understand how these trigger points work in your hands and feet.

Getting started:

You will likely be made to sit (or lie down, depending on the nature of the massage). The key here is to achieve a level of relaxation that you do not get during your hectic day-to-day life. Hands and feet especially can take a beating during an average day. This is why hand and foot massage is so popular. It is recommended that you turn off your devices or leave them locked up in a locker provided by the spa to ensure the experience is a relaxing one.

The therapist may have you begin with several deep breaths—to help you further unwind and relax in preparation for the hand and foot massage. Once the massage starts, the therapist will likely begin with a lighter pressure that could grow into a medium force depending on your comfort level. If, for example, you are experiencing tension and pain in your feet and hands, they may opt to keep the pressure on the lighter side.

Often during a hand and foot massage, a therapist will employ oils or lotions to add yet another soothing layer to the experience and help facilitate the strokes. They will begin slowly until you are used to the touch, as some people are more sensitive to foot massage especially.

Typically, the massage treatment will start with the hands. They will work on both hands and then switch to the feet, massaging one foot at a time. With the hand portion of the massage, the therapist will work on the wrists, palms, tops of the hands, and fingers. Thumb strokes are often a crucial part of the hand, and foot massage process as this gives the therapist optimal control and allows for more directed pressure.

When massaging the feet, a therapist will most likely focus on the heels. People tend to have a lot of tension in the heel and back of the ankle area. This type of massage can thus feel incredibly relaxing and help you release a lot of the pressure from your feet and throughout the rest of the body, as the feet are often considered to be connected to various parts of the body and multiple organs as well.

The therapist may also work on flexing your feet to help loosen them up and thereby make them more prepared for the rest of the massage to follow. The stroke used during foot massage will often help stretch the muscles within the feet. Again, feet can get reasonably tense, and the muscles can be very tight in this area. These stretching strokes help to limber up the foot muscles.

A hand and foot massage most often will be an add-on or a la carte service at a spa. So while you may be booking an appointment for a facial or body wrap, perhaps, you might also ask about getting a hand and foot massage in conjunction with these services.