So I learned this hand tapping routine from one of my clients last year, and have been sharing it with friends, family, or anyone who will listen {with symptomatic and asymptomatic hand dysfunction}, and I try to do the exercises on a daily basis. Mr. Ma, a very friendly elderly gentleman originally from Taiwan taught me this tapping routine. He also sent me a website with more information that I will link below {if anyone can translate, I would love to know how it reads in English}. One thing he did tell me "It good for Bowel movement." Thats a plus!!
http://www.360doc.com/content/15/0606/08/21796938_476016147.shtml
Amazing exercise clips, am I right!?!?! I put together a video below of my routine, just a few of the hand exercises. It is simple and takes very little time. When performed daily, you may notice decreased pain, tension, or disability of your hands. I like to do these in the morning when making breakfast, or in the shower. As a manual therapist, my hands are my livelihood, taking care of them is of upmost importance, should be the same for you.
Everyday do 50 TAPS of each exercise below {if this is too much start with 30 and work your way up}.
I did a little research on these techniques, they seem to be based on common acupuncture points, while the technique is similar to acupressure as no needles are involved. Depending on a practitioners background they may have different reasons for the effectiveness of a technique like this:
Acupuncture/pressure- or stimulation of acupressure points
Tapotement- massage tapping technique, rhythmic percussion
Myofascial Trigger point release- tight area in the muscle, can refer pain throughout the body
Muscle Adhesions- thick "knot" of muscle fiber
Meridian Tapping Therapy- focus on a thought or intention while tapping
Tai Chi- I've tried similar techniques during Tai Chi practices
Relaxation/Mindfulness- Let's go with this, just be mindful of the sensations in your hands, recognize how valuable they are in your daily life. Try to relax as much as possible, and move with mindful intentions. Feel the relaxation move throughout your fingers, hands, wrists, arms, elbows, shoulders, neck, and head. Try not to rush through this routine, breathe slowly and focus on the activity. Use this time to relax the brain and be mindful of all the goodness in your brain and body.
~Take Care!!