By Nina Fisher | Licensed Massage Therapist at Bodhi Massage and Wellness Center
5 ways your hands can help you
It is easy to think we need to buy things to feel better. The comforts of convenience are a symbol of success, and we often turn to our gadgets and gizmos for our problem solving. Advertising agencies work hard to convince us these gadgets will provide a sense of well-being. Beauty and health magazines tell you which lip gloss to purchase and where to find the latest Lululemon Collection.
The tools you need to take care of yourself are not only at your fingertips, they often are your fingertips.
1. Put your best face forward. With clean hands massage your face and neck. Gentle maneuvering of the facial tissues daily will reduce inflammation, improve skin tone, lessen wrinkles and it provides a delightful glow. Many facial serums and creams have some form of alcohol, which over time dry out the skin.
2. Hold hands with your loved ones. Just under the skin there are pressure receptors that send messages to your brain and to the Vagus nerve. The Vagus nerve relays the message of contact to internal organs including your heart. This reduces stress in the body and creates a somewhat euphoric feeling of connection with your higher self and your loved ones.
3. Play with your food. When preparing a meal with fresh produce, use your hands to pull apart the leafy vegetables. They have structured veins that contain the moisture of the plant. Cutting them with a knife severs this and your food will wilt more quickly. Why not put a little love into what you eat?
4. Make art. Increase your happiness and spend time assembling something. Get to know how the things you use are built, and start some DIY projects around the house. Hand-crafting your life will build confidence and awareness.
5. Grow a garden. Urban gardening is not just a hipster trend. Growing your own food, or at least growing a few herbs to flavor your food, has infinite benefits to your health. Make a trip to your local nursery for the ingredients. With creativity, even the smallest of dwellings can sustain plants. Massaging the soil before planting releases stored nutrients so that you, and your plants, are happy.
“I’ve got gadgets and gizmos of plenty, I’ve got whose its and whats its galore. You want thing-a-ma-bobs? I’ve got twenty! But who cares, no big deal, I want more.” -Ariel, The Little Mermaid
Happy, healthy, witty and wise. Hand-craft your health, you are worth it!
