What are the benefits of a head massage?
A head massage feels great. In addition to the sensual pleasure it provides, a head massage can relieve headache symptoms, reduce stress and possibly promote hair growth.
What's the best part? You can learn how to do it at home. Or, if you want a professional head massage, you can visit a massage therapist.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of head massage, how to do it yourself, and what happens if you get a professional head massage.
Benefits of head massage
Licensed massage therapists tell us that the benefits depend on the type of head massage you get.
For example, craniosacral massage therapy. This is a gentle massage technique that focuses on the central nervous system of the head, spine and sacrum.
This type of head massage is commonly used to.
► Relieve stress
► relieve migraines and headaches
► Reduce stress
► promote relaxation
That said, even a less professional massage, such as the kind you get at home, may help reduce stress and tension, tone the scalp, and improve blood circulation in the head and neck area.
Here are some other benefits of head massage.
Promotes hair growth
If your hair is thinning or not as thick as it used to be, you may want to consider a scalp massage.
Some participants of professional head massage have experienced an increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks of daily scalp massage.
Lower blood pressure
It's no secret that a scalp massage can help relieve the stress of the day and promote a feeling of relaxation.
The study found that both 15-minute and 25-minute scalp massages lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in female participants.
The authors of the study suggest that this may be because head massage helps to increase blood circulation, which has a positive effect on relaxing blood vessels and neck muscles.
Reducing Tension Headache Symptoms
Tension headaches typically cause pain in the head and neck and behind the eyes. Muscle contractions often trigger these types of headaches.
The American Massage Therapy Association reports that scalp massage may help reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of tension headaches. This may be due to the relaxing effect of head massage on the muscles of the neck.
How to perform a head massage
The wonderful thing about head massage is that you can do it yourself. All you need are your fingertips. Massage oil is optional.
If you prefer, you can use a scalp massage tool instead of your fingertips. These tools come in the form of brushes or handheld rubber massagers. You can use the massage tool on your entire scalp just as you would your fingertips.
To give yourself a head massage, follow these steps.
1. Sit in a comfortable chair. If you use oil, be sure to put a towel around your neck and on the chair to catch any drips.
2. Start by applying light to medium pressure to your head with your fingertips or massage tool. If you are using oil, dip your fingertips into the oil and continue massaging.
3. Move in small circular motions around the scalp.
4. Massage for at least 5 minutes, making sure to cover the entire head.
5. You can wash the oil off with shampoo.
Scalp massage is also a great way to bond with your partner. Try using the following tips from Xingbu Technology to perform a head massage at home.
1. Have your partner lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. If you are using essential oils, start with a small amount. Dip your fingertips into the oil.
2. Focus on slow, gentle strokes over your partner's head and make light circular movements around their head.
3. Use your thumbs to gently massage their neck.
What is the best oil to use for a head massage?
While you can perform a head massage without oil, you may enjoy the aroma and additional benefits of using essential oils.
While you can use any oil of your choice, some essential oils seem to be better suited for this relaxing massage.
We like to use essential oils whenever possible. Two of our favorite oils for head massage are lavender oil and peppermint oil, but you can even choose coconut oil if you prefer.
If you want to use essential oils for your head massage, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil are both good choices because they won't clog your pores.
One caveat to essential oils is to make sure that you dilute them before applying them to your skin. To avoid irritation, mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil) and apply it to your head.
It is also important to perform a patch test to see how your skin reacts before applying essential oils to a large area of skin. Here's how to do it.
1. Wash your forearms with a mild, unscented soap and pat dry.
2. Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil to a small patch of skin on the forearm.
3. Cover the area with a bandage and keep it dry for 24 hours. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, irritation or discomfort, remove the bandage immediately and wash the area with soap and water. Stop using essential oils. If you do not feel any irritation within 24 hours, the oil is probably safe to use.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should check the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) guidelines for pregnancy to avoid oils that may cause problems.
What you can expect from a professional head massage
Giving yourself a head massage is both easy and affordable. Sometimes, however, you may want to let a professional do the work.
If you are interested in a professional scalp massage, there are a few things you should know before making an appointment.
When you seek a professional craniosacral massage, you can expect a very soothing and relaxing massage. During your session, the massage therapist will focus on providing gentle strokes to your entire skull and neck.
The massage therapist may also gently manipulate the bones of your skull and spine in order to normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through your central nervous system.
With a more normal flow, this fluid will help enhance your body's natural ability to heal itself.
You can expect a professional massage session to last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Throughout the session, you will be in communication with your massage therapist to ensure that your needs are addressed appropriately and effectively.
Depending on where you live, the exact cost may vary. Please inquire with your massage therapist for pricing prior to your appointment.
Bottom Line
Head massage offers a variety of benefits, whether you use your fingertips or get it from a professional.
Head massage may help relieve stress and reduce tension. It may also relieve migraines or headaches, lower blood pressure, improve circulation in the head and neck, and promote hair growth.
Before using essential oils, make sure they are diluted and patch tested before using them on large areas of skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to check the type of oil to avoid.
Jinhua Xingbu Technology Co., Ltd is a high-tech company committed to R&D, manufacturing and sales of fitness and healthcare products.
If you need a head massager, please feel free to contact us.
