Hand Health: Relaxing Rituals for a Massage Therapist

Coming from the tech industry, I’ve always relied on my hands for work. As a massage therapy student, those hands have taken on an even more active role. They are not just tools for my craft; they symbolize my commitment to self-care and maintenance. With this transition, I've realized that self-care matters even more in my daily routine to help my hands recover in between working on clients in the student clinic.

The Importance of Self-Care for Hand Health

Massage therapists use their hands to heal and connect through touch. I learned fairly quickly that the repetitive movements over a period of several hours of working in the student clinic at massage school can take a toll. That's why I’ve carved out space in my life dedicated to hand health. Self-care routines are now vital to preserving a healthy lifestyle.

Nurturing my hands not only benefits their physical condition but also boosts my overall well-being. For instance, after intense practice sessions, I appreciate how much better I feel when I incorporate calming rituals like stretching or soaking.

Soothing Epsom Salt Baths

One of my favorite rituals is indulging in an Epsom salt bath. I add about 2 cups of Epsom salts to warm water, which helps improve circulation in my hands.

Soothing Epsom salt bath setup with candles for relaxation.

After soaking for about 15 minutes, I feel a pleasant tingling in my fingers that tells me the salts are doing their job. Within 20 minutes, my hands go from sore and stiff, to light and rejuvenated. Epsom salt not only promotes relaxation but also reduces inflammation and pain, making it easier to continue my practice.

Setting the Mood

To create a relaxing atmosphere I add a few drops of aromatherapy oils. I also love lighting a few candles to enhance the experience. The flickering candlelight and soothing scents create a tranquil environment. I usually read a book while soaking however, I can’t resist bringing one of my devices along, whether it’s my phone or an iPad. I used the devices to play music and to take notes. It seems like whenever my brain is relaxed, my thinking tends toward more creative and in-flow. So I often jot down business ideas into Evernote. It makes the experience even more enjoyable because I don't have to stress about capturing the flowing ideas (something I stress often stress over).

Sitting in the bath with face treatment mask

Supplements and Prescriptions

In addition to my soothing baths, I rely on supplements to support my body as I transition into my 50s. For example, I take magnesium before bed to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Another key player is Seriphos, which helps metabolize any extra cortisol hanging out in my system before bed. It prevents 3:00 a.m. wakeups when our body's natural cortisol spike hits because any extra cortisol in my system means that that 3:00 a.m. spike will be enough to get me out of bed.

I also take progesterone due to a partial hysterectomy surgery that I had. This is for managing hormonal changes during menopause. Without it, I find myself sweating from hot flashes every 20 minutes, all day and night. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has helped me significantly through the transition into menopause.

Topical Solutions for Hand Care

My self-care routine wouldn’t be complete without topical remedies. After my bath, I apply a soothing salve like CBD-infused creams or Voltaren gel. These products are highly effective for muscle and nerve recovery. They provide relief from any lingering tension. This simple step is particularly effective after a day of giving massages, ensuring my hands are ready for more touch and care.

Physical Wind-Down

Once my bath is over, I devote time to a gentle wind-down routine. Engaging in a light yoga flow or stretching helps release built-up tension in my entire body to support recovery. I focus on overall joint health and fluid movement, gently stretching to maintain flexibility and resilience.

Taking this time to unwind prepares my body for restful sleep and refreshes my mind for the next day of massages.

Building a Consistent Routine

Do I follow this entire routine every night? Honestly, no. I aim to commit to these self-care practices 3-4 nights a week. Balancing school, hands-on practice, non-profit work, and personal life can be tough, but nurturing my hands is vital for sustaining my supervised massage learning hours in the student clinic and my future massage business.

I've learned that consistency is key in this field to have a sustainable career. The more I care for my hands and body, the better prepared I am to help my future clients heal and build resilience.

The Journey Ahead

As I immerse myself deeper into my massage therapy journey, self-care will always be central to my practice. The lessons I’ve learned about hand health benefit me and remind me of the importance of self-care to care effectively for others.

I encourage everyone —graduates, students, or simply those curious about self-care— to explore creating soothing and restorative routines. Remember, your hands deserve the best care possible!

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