How to massage your head to reduce stress

Head massage is one of the most popular ways to relieve stress. Manual head massage essentially works on the soft tissues of the head to relieve tension and relieve headaches. Additionally, headache massage can sometimes relieve pain and discomfort from other areas of the body in a safe, natural way.

1. What is the role of head massage in reducing stress?

Head massage Stress relief is perhaps the most valuable and rejuvenating and relaxing massage therapy that one can get at home. A manual head massage stimulates the nerves and blood vessels beneath the scalp; it also soothes muscle tension around the head.

Anatomically, much like the muscles of the limbs and the rest of the body, the small muscles around the head respond to touch or stimulation. Remember, this is the part of the body closest to the brain.Brainreceives all the responses to external stimuli, which are then processed into sensations. In turn, the sensations are sent back to different parts of the body. Since daily work in the outside world can be very stressful; at this time, one way to combat stress is to have a stress-relieving head massage .

Head massage helps relieve pain by reducing tension in the muscle layers on the skull and around the neck. When these muscles are relaxed, the feeling of stiffnessheadachecan be reduced or even eliminated completely. The brain then sends this feeling to the entire body. This then releases the tension that the body is experiencing, energizing daily activities.

2. What are the physiological effects of head massage to reduce stress?

A variety of physiological effects occur during a stress-relieving head massage . The most common physiological effects that occur include:

• Increaseendorphin, serotonin, dopamine
• Reduce cortisol
• Increase tissue elasticity.

Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are a group ofneurotransmitterreleased by autonomic system stimulation that occurs during massage to reduce stress. In particular, Endorphins are responsible for reducing anxiety, serotonin preventsdepressionand gives a feeling of happiness and dopamine which increases motivation and prevents self-doubt.

Thus, by massaging headaches , through stimulation of the autonomic system as well asacupressure massage. Relieve headaches while also encouraging the release of positive hormones. Increase the levels of positive hormones in the body, reduce stress and anxiety and can improve overall mood many times over.

In addition, mental stress levels will also be reduced when cortisol is reduced.CortisolCortisol is a negative hormone released from the adrenal glands when the hypothalamus is stimulated. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and the hypothalamus is part of the brain. Cortisol is released into the bloodstream and transported throughout the body. Cortisol increases stress, anxiety, and depression, but it also triggers the “fight or flight” response.

When too much cortisol is released in response to factors such as pain, stress levels increase and the immune system is suppressed. In this context, stress relief head massage aims to remove cortisol from the bloodstream and replace it with positive endorphin hormones, serotonin and dopamine, which will help toreduce stressand increase the feeling of relaxation.

Head massage to reduce stress is an effective acupressure massage method in oriental medicine.

3. How to do massage to treat headaches at home

Below is an effective way to massage to treat headaches at home that everyone can do for themselves or their loved ones:

• Take required amount of oil (any massage oil) in a bowl and place the bowl in hot water to warm the oil.
• Brush hair gently with a wide-toothed comb to avoid breakage and hair loss.
• Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp in circular motions.
• Make sure your movements are slow and gentle, do not use forceful movements.
• Use a smaller amount of oil on all parts of the scalp, including the back of the neck and around the ears.
• A thin layer of oil can be left on the hair and scalp for at least half an hour to an hour. If desired, after finishing the headache massage movements , the oil can also be left overnight.
• When you wake up, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse gently with warm water the next morning.

Head massages can also be great for your hair, both for growth and conditioning, so get regular head massages to reap the benefits.

4. Oils that can be used for massage to treat headaches

Here are some options for stress-relieving head massage oils at home:

• Olive oil

Olive oilVery good for hair and scalp. Massaging your head with this oil will increase blood circulation to the scalp, which helps fight bacteria or other scalp infections and gives you healthy hair.

• Argan oil

Argan oilIt is quite expensive but this is a miracle oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants. All these properties make this oil a perfect remedy for dull, dry and damaged hair.

• Coconut oil

Coconut oilis one of the popular oils for head massage because it contains a high amount of Vitamin E and other essential nutrients. Massaging the head with coconut oil will make the hair healthy and also help fight infections, itching and dandruff.

• Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is rich in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B, making it great for preventing thinning hair. However, it is important to add any carrier oils such as olive oil before applying rosemary oil to the scalp.

5. Benefits of manual head massage

Many people have a habit of performing manual head massages almost every day to help relieve stress and relax. This habit can even promote blood circulation to the scalp and help strengthen hair. In addition, head massage has many other surprising benefits, including:

• Boost Memory

Manual head massage can help improve concentration and memory by increasing blood flow to the nervous system.

• Lower blood pressure

High blood pressure orhigh blood pressure can cause many serious illnesses. However, massage is a great way to feel calm and rejuvenated. According to studies, regular manual head massage can reduce stress hormone levels and also keep blood pressure levels normal, thus reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.strokeover time

• Improve blood circulation

Improper or poor circulation around the head can lead to pain and fatigue. Acupressure and massage to treat headaches can help relieve symptoms of fatigue and pain, and help blood circulation to be proper or optimal. Better blood circulation means better oxygenation, which helps prevent lactic acid buildup in the body.

• Cure insomnia

Proper head massage by hand also reduces restlessness and insomnia. As a result, the patient will feel relaxed and sleep better and deeper.

In short, stress reduction should include both physical and mental relaxation. Accordingly, when performing appropriate headache massage , many physiological effects occur during the stress-relieving head massage , the mind will be freed from anxiety, sadness and physical abnormalities, thereby also being more relaxed, increasing energy for daily activities. In addition, manual head massage also brings many other unexpected benefits such as improving memory, hair care, curing insomnia, lowering blood pressure, … when maintained regularly.