Benefits of rhythmic hand massage

Highest importance is given to rhythmic massage for hands and feet is given in Waldorf schools. Teachers in Waldorf schools not only take the responsibility of education of children but also work as healers.

Yesterday we had a hand massage for children and teachers.

Here are a compiled list of the benefits of hand/arm massage as mentioned by Rudolf Steiner and as used in Rhythmical Massage by Ita Wegman (which includes effects that would apply to hands/arms) from anthroposophical sources:

Benefits According to Rudolf Steiner

From his lectures (esp. Spiritual Science and Medicine, GA 312, etc.) Steiner mentions the following benefits specific (or partly specific) to massage of the arms / hands:

1. Astral element drawn inwards — When the upper limbs (arms/hands) are massaged, the astral body is “drawn from outside inwards” through the skin.


2. Arms become instruments of the will — Massage of arms/hands helps make the arms more “instruments of the will.”


3. Regulation of internal metabolism. Massaging arms/hands helps this internal metabolic regulation.


4. Effect on blood formation — Massage of the upper limbs “acts to a great extent on the formation of the blood.”


5. Regulation of rhythmic activity — Arms/hand massage contributes to the regulation of rhythmic processes in the human being.

Benefits According to Ita Wegman / Rhythmical Massage (and related anthroposophic sources)

Ita Wegman, often working with Steiner and later Margarethe Hauschka, describes many benefits of Rhythmical Massage Therapy (which includes but is not limited to hand/arm massage). Some of these apply specifically to or include hands/arms, others are more general but relevant. Here’s what these sources state:

1. Enlivening and warming of soft tissues — The massage “creates a gentle rhythm which enlivens and warms the soft tissues.”


2. Activation and balance of life-processes — Helps bring balance to breathing, circulation, digestion, excretion etc.


3. Release and awareness of inner spaciousness — Movements include a releasing component so the person becomes aware of subtle changes, of inner space.


4. Stress, anxiety relief, improved emotional health — Indicated for stress, anxiety; helps with emotional stabilization and calmness.


5. Sleep disorders improvement — Useful in treating insomnia or disturbed sleeping patterns.


6. Improved circulation / warmth / fluid flow — Stimulating blood flow, improving circulation; bringing warmth especially to extremities.


7. Pain and tension relief — Helps relieve muscular tension, strain, pain; helps with musculoskeletal issues.


8. Support for weakened or frail constitutions — Beneficial for people who are weak, with low vitality.


9. Support for immune / autoimmune / degenerative conditions — Among the indications: immune system support, degenerative disorders.


10. Digestive / gastrointestinal benefits — Helps with digestive disorders.


11. Respiratory benefits — Helps with breathing problems, e.g. improved respiratory depth.


12. Psychological / behavioral / developmental benefits — Including for emotional trauma, developmental disorders, attention/concentration problems.


13. Feeling of wellbeing / uprightness / less heaviness — After treatments people often report feeling more upright, less tired, less heavy, more free in their bodies.