Massage Therapy Add-Ons: Hand Paraffin Dip

What is it?

Paraffin Wax is melted, then the hands are dipped in the wax, then wrapped up until the wax cools and hardens. Since the hands are completely covered by the wax, it penetrates all the nooks and crannies of the hand, wrist, and fingers, plus all of their joints. After dipping, the hands are wrapped in a plastic bag and then a warm mitten, allowing the hands to rest completely wrapped in the heated wax. This allows the hands to rest, surrounded by beneficial heat. Additionally, the natural oils in the paraffin wax can provide softening and smoothing of the skin.

*Author's note: Some establishments and spas also offer paraffin dips for the feet, but my practice simply isn't set up to offer this, but the benefits for the feet are also the same.

Why?

Heat can help provide relief from pain and inflammation, as well as create intense relaxation. Heat treatments, especially those that are liquid in nature are very effective in easing pain, promoting circulation, and removing inflammation. The hands can be a very painful area of the body since they are used so much, and there are so many muscles and joints that can suffer from inflammation, arthritis, and overuse. The benefits of paraffin wax allow the heat to fully surround the hands and conform to the shape of the hands and joints since it goes on as liquid and conforms to the shape of the hands as it cools. The wax can also remain soft and flexible due to the oils in the wax so the hands are not "locked" into a position that could be painful, and can still move around as needed while still pretty much remaining covered in the heated material.

Is it for me?

Arthritis, carpal tunnel, and other hand issues can benefit from the precise heat treatment and skin softening properties of the wax. It is a simple but useful and luxurious addition to any massage, and it provides great benefits without taking too much additional time away from a massage. In addition to the heat benefits, the wax's skin softening properties also are great for dry skin.

Hand paraffin dips are not advised if there are open wouds, sores, or injuries on the hands. The wax is not something you want to get in a healing injury, the heat may hinder the healing, and the open-ness of the injury could potentially contaminate the wax and melting tub, making all of it unusable for future applications.