Touch has often been called the universal language of the heart. For individuals with a serious illness, touch, in the form of massage, reduces stress, anxiety and discomfort.
The elderly often have impaired hearing, visual acuity, mobility and vitality problems that can make someone feel isolated, helpless and vulnerable. Through the emotional involvement of touch, caregivers can reach through isolation and communicate love, trust, affection, security and warmth.
Massage can also help caregivers who are faced with managing behavior and guiding a person who may be confused or agitated. Touch is one of our most basic human needs and remains constant throughout life. Elders with dementia or other serious illness are often deprived of nurturing touch and meaningful physical closeness. Caring touch is necessary to bring about a sense of well-being and security.
Find out what's happening in Northvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The effects of massage on the body’s systems can be profound, directly impacting the immune system, digestion, respiration and circulation,” said Michelle Chaves-Torres, Arbor Hospice Massage Therapist and Complementary Therapies Coordinator. “Massage improves quality of life by relieving emotional distress, anxiety and pain. It can also promote more restful sleep and help with pain relief by releasing endorphins, a hormone that secretes a ‘feel good’ sensation and increasing blood flow throughout the body.”
Since touching someone’s hand is so familiar, anyone can give a simple hand massage without causing further confusion or agitation.
Find out what's happening in Northvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Arbor Hospice offers the following process for giving a hand massage.
1. Take your left hand and using the space between your pinky and ring finger, lodge it between the other person’s pinky and ring finger on their left hand, resting your thumb on their palm.
2. Take your right hand and using the space between your pinky and ring finger, lodge it between the other person’s index finger and thumb on their left hand, resting your other thumb on their palm.
3. Gently use your thumbs to put pressure on the other person’s palm.
4. Massage according to the direction of blood vessels and towards the heart. Apply light pressure for general safety and to ensure comfort.
5. Use both of your hands to gently rub from the base of each finger to the tip.
6. Gently squeeze the skin between the person’s thumb and index finger to loosen up any tightness.
7. Switch hands.
Massage therapy is one of the complementary therapies provided by Arbor Hospice through philanthropy. For more information, visit www.arborhospice.org.
