Instructions for proper head massage

A head massage feels great. In addition to feeling great, a head massage can relieve headaches, reduce stress, and may even promote hair growth. You can learn how to do it yourself at home. Or you can see a massage therapist if you want a proper head massage from a professional.

1. Benefits of head massage

Sarah Monreal is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Wayfare Wellness, and she says the benefits depend on the form.head massagethat you receive.

For example, she offers cranial-sacral 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
• Reduce migraine and headache
• Stress Relief
• Promote relaxation

Even less specialized massage therapies, like the kind you do at home, can help relieve scalp tension and improve blood circulation in your head and neck area.

Some other benefits of head massage include:

• Promote hair growth: If your hair is thinning or not as thick as it used to be, you might consider massaging your scalp. In a small 2016 study, participants saw an increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks of daily scalp massage.
• Reduce blood pressure: It’s no secret that scalp massage can help relieve daily stress and promote feelings of relaxation. A 2016 study also found that both 15- and 25-minute scalp massages reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in female participants.

Researchers believe this may be because head massage helps promote blood circulation, which has a positive effect on relaxing blood vessels and neck muscles.

• Reduces Symptoms of Tension Headaches : A tension headache typically causes pain in your head and neck and behind your eyes. Muscle spasms often cause these types of headaches. The American Massage Therapy Association reports that scalp massage can help reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of tension headaches. This may be due to the relaxing effect of head massage on the muscles in the neck.

2. How to massage your head properly

The beauty of a head massage is that you can do it yourself. All you need are your fingertips, and the massage oil is optional. You can also use a scalp massage tool if you prefer, instead of your fingertips. These tools come in the form of brushes or handheld rubber massagers. You can use the massage tool all over your scalp in the same way you would use your fingertips.

To properly massage your scalp, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sit down in a comfortable chair. If you are using massage oil, be sure to drape a towel around your neck and the chair so the oil doesn’t stain the chair and your clothes.

Step 2: Start by applying light to medium pressure to your head using your fingertips or a massage tool. If you are using oil, dip your fingertips into the oil, then massage.

Step 3: Move around your scalp in small circular motions.

Step 4: Massage for at least 5 minutes, making sure to massage the entire head area.

Step 5: You can wash off the massage oil with shampoo.

Scalp massage is also a great way to connect with your loved one. Try giving each other a head massage at home with these tips:

Step 1: Have your partner lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. If you are using essential oils, start with a small amount, dipping your fingertips into the oil.

Step 2: Focus on slow, gentle stroking on your partner’s head and making light circular motions going across their head.

Step 3: Use your thumb to gently massage their neck area.

3. What are the best oils to use for head massage?

While you can perform a head massage without oil, you may enjoy the scent and added benefits of using essential oils. You can use any oil you like, but some essential oils seem to work better with this relaxing massage.

Massage therapists love to use essential oils whenever possible. Two of the most popular essential oils for scalp massage are lavender and peppermint, but you can also use coconut oil if you prefer.

If you want to use an oil for a head massage, jojoba oil or almond oil are both good options because they won’t clog your pores, says Kathy Sadowski, MS in aromatherapy and certified aromatherapist.

One thing to note about essential oils is to make sure you dilute them before using them on your skin. To avoid irritation, mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, before using it on your head.

Before using essential oils on a large area of skin, it is important to do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. Here is how to do that test:

Step 1: Wash your forearms with mild, unscented soap, then pat dry.

Step 2: Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil to a small area of skin on your arm.

Step 3: Cover the area and keep it dry for 24 hours. If you experience 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 the essential oil on your skin. If you do not experience any irritation within 24 hours, the essential oil is probably safe to use.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should review the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) pregnancy guidelines to avoid oils that may cause problems for you and your baby.

4. How is a professional head massage different from a self-massage?

You can give yourself a head massage because it’s easy and inexpensive. But sometimes you may want to have a professional do it for you. If you’re interested in getting a professional scalp massage, there are a few things you should know before you book an appointment.

When you seek a professional scalp massage, you can expect a very gentle and relaxing massage. During your session, your massage therapist will typically focus on applying light strokes to your entire head and neck.

Therapists may also perform gentle manipulations of the bones of your skull and spine to normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in your central nervous system. With better flow, that fluid helps enhance your body’s ability to heal itself.

You can expect a professional massage to last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. During the session, you will communicate with your massage therapist to ensure that your needs are being addressed appropriately and effectively.

Depending on where you live, the exact cost of a scalp massage can vary. You should check with your massage therapist about pricing before booking your appointment.

Head massage offers a variety of benefits, whether you use your fingertips or a massage tool, whether you do it yourself or have it done by a professional. Head massage can help relieve stress and may also relieve migraines or headaches, lower blood pressure, improve circulation to your head and neck, and promote hair growth.

You can use essential oils for scalp massage, but before using essential oils, make sure they are diluted and do a patch test before using on a large area of skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, remember to review the oils to avoid.