Head massage is also known as Indian head massage, which focuses on the head, neck and shoulders. Massage techniques such as stroking, kneading, friction and acupressure are used during a head massage to help increase energy flow in the body, increase blood circulation and relieve knots. A head massage is an effective technique to use for tense muscles, stress, acute pain and after surgery. There are many benefits to receiving a head massage. The benefits of a head massage include stress reduction, pain relief, improved circulation and relaxation. Massage therapists working at Spa-Mobile use head massage to treat stress, muscle tension and pain.
What exactly is a head massage?
A head massage is a deep massage that focuses on the head, neck and shoulders. A head massage applies a range of techniques to help reduce stress and release tension in the upper body. Scalp massage can help stimulate the nerves and blood vessels around the area and begin to calm muscular tension around the head. A head massage can be both a relaxing and invigorating experience.
What are the benefits of a head massage?
A head massage has many advantages, such as :
Stress reduction
A head massage is beneficial for relieving stress. Stress is the emotional and physical tension we feel when confronted with certain situations. A head massage helps relieve stress by reducing the heart rate, decreasing the release of stress hormones and relieving tension in the body. A head massage has a therapeutic effect on the body, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. A head massage also stimulates the release of feel-good hormones and reduces the number of stress hormones released by the brain. Feel-good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine replace stress hormones and replace bad emotions with positive ones.
Pain reduction
A head massage can help reduce pain. The neck, head and shoulders can often become tense and hard, causing headaches and muscle pain. It aims to release any tension by manipulating the muscles using certain massage techniques. Emotional stress can also begin to produce pain in the body. A head massage promotes blood circulation and increases oxygen levels in the blood to relieve stiffness and pain in the muscles.
Improving traffic flow
A head massage can help improve circulation to the head and face. Better circulation brings nutrients and oxygen to the head and neck, improving brain function and increasing toxin elimination. Improved nutrient supply promotes healing throughout the body and promotes better health.
Relaxation
A head massage also promotes a feeling of relaxation. The massage treatment can be performed on shoulders, arms, head and face. By massaging around these parts of the body, it promotes a feeling of general relaxation. When body and mind relax, the body’s energies rebalance, improving mood and mental state. As the body relaxes, the muscles are also encouraged to relax, reducing tension. After a head massage, you’ll experience a heightened sense of peace, calm and relaxation.
When can a head massage help?
A head massage can help you in many situations, including the following:
Muscle relief
A head massage is useful to help relieve tense muscles. Tight muscles in the neck and shoulders can occur for many reasons. The most common reasons for tension in the upper body are due to posture, injury or overuse. Tight muscles around the head increase head and neck pain, causing tension headaches. Massaging the tense muscles around the head can often relieve the muscle spasms that produce the pain.
Reduce stress
Head massages are also used to help reduce stress. Some forms of stress are useful in life. However, when stress levels rise, the body begins to suffer both physically and mentally. Physical signs of stress include heart palpitations, sweating, muscle tension and headaches. There are also mental signs of stress, including anxiety, depression, fatigue and tension. Head massages relieve stress by promoting relaxation and lowering stress hormones called cortisol. When a person has high levels of cortisol in their body, they become stressed, not relaxed. A head massage reduces cortisol levels in the body, enabling a person to relax and thus reduce stress.
Acute pain
A head massage helps relieve acute pain such as headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. A head massage can treat specific areas of pain and relieve tension. Neck pain can often lead to headaches. Tense muscles compress blood vessels and nerves around the head and neck, causing pain. Massage raises muscle temperature and helps increase blood flow to the muscles. The soft tissues around the head and neck relax and relieve pressure.
After surgery
A head massage can help after surgery. After neck and shoulder surgery, muscles can become tense and stiff. A head massage can help treat scar tissue and increase soft tissue flexibility. Pain and stress can also be associated with post-surgery. A head massage can focus on reducing pain and relieving stress-related emotions. A head massage can be used as an effective stress reliever after surgery or injury.
Head massages and headaches
Many people turn to head, neck and shoulder massage as a natural remedy to relieve headaches and migraine attacks. Techniques such as deep-tissue massage, trigger-point massage and acupressure can help relieve tension headaches by relaxing tense muscles and relieving pain. Although specific research on head massage for headaches is limited, some studies suggest that massage therapy, particularly at certain points on the upper neck and back of the head, may reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
What techniques are used during a head massage?
There are many massage techniques used during a head massage. The most common techniques used during a head massage include :
Deep movements
Many types of massage movements are used during a head massage. They are performed with fingers and hands flat and can vary from light to firm pressure. Using different types of movement on the scalp, neck and shoulders is known to be an effective way of relieving stress and alleviating acute and chronic headaches. Kneading is a common massage technique used during a head massage. Kneading is applied to the neck and shoulders, where muscle tissue is located. Kneading is a slow, rhythmic massage technique that compresses and pulls tissues. Kneading compresses soft tissues, improving deeper blood and lymph circulation. Stimulating lymphatic circulation is important for removing waste products from tissues and maintaining healthy muscles.
Kneading
Kneading is a common massage technique used in head massage. Kneading is applied to the neck and shoulders, where the muscular tissues are located. Kneading is a slow, rhythmic massage technique that compresses and pulls tissues. Kneading compresses soft tissues, improving deeper blood and lymph circulation. Stimulating lymphatic circulation is important for removing waste products from tissues and maintaining healthy muscles.
Circular friction
Circular frictions are applied with fingertips or thumbs. When massaging the head, circular frictions can be used on the scalp and neck. The pressure and depth of friction can be adjusted to suit the desired result. Circular frictions are repeated over the same area to help relieve tissue tension and increase circulation.
Acupressure
Acupressure is often used as part of a head massage. Acupressure is a specific technique that involves applying pressure with the fingertips or thumb to pressure points or trigger points in the soft tissues. Pressure points help to dissolve knots, relax muscles and promote blood circulation throughout the body. Pressure points are used around the shoulders, head and face to release common areas of tension. Acupressure is used effectively to reduce headaches.
What to expect from a professional head massage
Getting a head massage is both easy and very affordable. But sometimes, you may want to call in a professional. If you’re interested in a professional scalp massage, there are a few things you need to know before making an appointment. When you’re looking for a professional head massage, you can expect a very soothing and relaxing massage. During your session, the massage therapist will focus on light movements all over your skull and neck. Your massage therapist may also work to gently manipulate the bones of your skull and spine to normalize the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid into the central nervous system. With a more normal flow, this fluid will help improve your body’s natural ability to heal itself. You can expect a professional massage session lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. Throughout the session, you’ll communicate with your massage therapist to ensure that your needs are treated appropriately and effectively. The exact cost may vary depending on where you live. Before making an appointment, please ask your massage therapist about rates.
