DIY Hand and Arm Massage

“Let’s get started!

Melt coconut oil and apply

Scoop about a quarter size of organic coconut oil into the palm of your hand and rub both hands together to melt. Slowly spread the coconut oil on the forearm and up to the top of the shoulder in a fluid figure 8 like motion using both of your hands, one following the other as you move up the arm. Repeat this 3-4 times allowing the coconut oil to spread to a light application where your hands move easily. If needed, apply a bit more coconut oil. 

Focus on the forearm

Making smaller figure 8 thumb motions, softly grab the belly of the forearm with your fingers gently squeezing the muscles in a “kneading” like fashion. This area is a place of particular tension. Repeat this figure 8 movement several times moving up and down the forearm from the elbow to the wrist. 

Turn the forearm over

Slowly turn the forearm over so that the receiver’s elbow is resting by their side and work your hands in a “hand over hand” motion working to the elbow and down toward the wrist, almost like pulling a rope. Repeat several times laying the forearm in its start position when done. 

Shoulder roll

Using a “hand over hand” method, gently slide your hands up and over the top of the shoulder and repeat this at least 6 times. With a slight pushing motion, spend some time with your palm in the area between the shoulder and the upper chest (pectoralis) muscle and the collar bone to gently open this space up. 

“Milk” the bicep muscle

Cupping both hands in a butterfly like position, alternate moving from the top part of the shoulder to the elbow using more pressure as you move up and less as you “pull” down. Next, bring this movement down to the wrist.

Decompress the joints in the hand

Slowly and gently sandwich the receiver and compress. Take the wrist in both hands and use one hand to rub from the wrist down each finger as you pull it slightly. 

Gently massage the wrist and hand with both thumbs

Use the thumbs to apply a light pressure and move them in small circular motions while massaging the entire hand, getting in-between the bones of the hand.  

Turn the hand over

Next, with the palm facing up and begin to open up the wrist area. This is done by placing both thumbs in the center of where the wrist meets the palm parallel to the fingers of the receiver then moving the thumbs outward towards the side of the hand. Repeat 2-3 times.  

Lay the arm back down

This should be done slowly and gently so as to keep the person you are massaging relaxed and comfortable. Place your hands in a rest position on top of the receiver’s hands.  

Take some time to rest

Then repeat this massage sequence on the other arm of the receiver by having them switch to the other side of the couch. When you’re finished, switch roles. Take your time with this ritual. Be patient with yourself and you will find that these moves come more easily with practice.”