Many of the health problems that can be discovered by an examination of the hand can be improved by relaxation. Getting a hand massage is a great way to help someone relax and a good way to end a palm reading. It also helps control pain, soothes the psyche, diminishes circulatory problems, and improves muscle tone. You can also give yourself a hand massage any time you have a free minute, especially after you have been using your hands at a particular task, such as typing.

Following are a series of steps for giving a good hand massage:

• Press your thumb across the base of the hand to loosen it up. Then press down and massage the fleshy areas of the mounts. Use firm pressure to stimulate the circulation and make sure your movements go toward the heart.

• After that, massage each finger and the thumb from tip to palm on both sides.

• Pinch the tip of each finger and the thumb and manipulate it from side to side and back to front to relax the hand and improve dexterity.

• Stroke the tendons on the back of the hand to relax them, and then rub the webs of the hand between the thumb and each of the fingers.

• Pull down on the fingers as a unit to increase wrist tension, and then release it. Pull up to bend the wrist the other way.

• Interlace your hands and stretch them out to release tension and flex the fingers repeatedly.

• Finally, shake your hands to improve the circulation.

Exercises like this — as well as aerobic exercise, getting enough rest, good eating habits, healthy relationships, and finding a good emotional balance — can go a long way toward improving your health or keeping yourself hale and whole. Remember that all of these indications show possibilities and potential, and that diagnosis should be based on many different features and cannot be substantiated without confirmation by a physician.