massages
Health & Fitness

What You Need To Know About Head Massages

Dawn Mikayla

massagesIt has been a long week at work, staring at your computer screen and staying at your work desk all day long. You feel tired, and your body feels stiff. Staring at the screens has given you multiple headaches, making you feel lethargic and dreary. You are seriously craving for a head massage or Wade’s Remedial Massage to relax, loosen up and unwind. Head massages feel comfortable, and besides being able to help you relax, did you know that head massages can also help ease conditions like headaches and even boost hair growth?

But when we think about getting massages, many people are discouraged by the heavy price tags of getting them in the city. If that sounds like you, then I have some great news— you can actually learn how to do a head massage at home! Of course, you may still want to opt for professional experience by a massage therapist.

However, if you’re really looking to soothe some nagging headaches immediately, D-I-Y head massages may be a good alternative for you.

What’s so great about head massages
massages
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For those of you who are not fans of massages or have not tried them for yourself, you may wonder then, what’s so great about them? In fact, head massages have multiple benefits, depending on the type of massage that you go for. For certain types of professional head massages that focus on your head, spinal column, and sacrum, it targets the central nervous system. These help to alleviate migraine and headache conditions, reduce the build-up of tension, help with relaxation, and the reduction of stress. Even for D-I-Y head massages at home, general head massages are also good for reducing stress and tension, boost hair growth by massaging the scalp, and help with blood circulation in the overall area.

For individuals who face issues with hair loss or the thinning of hair, a specialized head massage called a scalp massage has been proven to improve your situation. According to a study done in 2016, participants who have undergone scalp massages saw an increase in hair thickness after six months of continuous daily scalp massages.

For others that face problems with high blood pressure, head massages can also help with the condition. This is because head massages help to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly for females. Researchers credit the result of improved blood circulation to the head massages provided, as it helps to relax muscles and blood vessels.

Head massages are also great for tension headaches, which are headaches caused by muscle contractions. Scalp massages can help to relieve pain by helping to decrease the frequency, period, and intensity of the headaches.

How to D-I-Y head massages

Now that you understand how great head massages can be, I’m sure you’ll want to try it out for yourself. In fact, you can do so right at home! The great thing about head massages is that you don’t even have to use massage oils, as all you need are your fingers and some strength. For those who have massaging tools at home, you can use those instead of your fingers as well. To carry out a head massage at home, all you’ve got to do is:

  • Make sure you’re seated on a chair that’s comfortable with space for some movement
  • Place a towel or some cloth around your neck or on the chair if you are using massage oils
  • Start by applying some strength on your head with your fingers or massage tool. If you’re using massage oils, remember to apply them on your fingertips before you begin.
  • Slowly begin to massage your scalp in a circular direction, with small circles and movements
  • Reduce or increase the amount of pressure according to your own liking
  • Make sure that you massage your entire head and scalp
  • Massage for at least five minutes, till however long you want it to last
  • You can even massage your neck and shoulder areas in the same way

If you used massage oils, remember to wash your hair with shampoo to get rid of the oils

You can even do this for your partners or family members at home. Make sure that they are seated comfortably and check if the level of pressure applied is at a comfortable level, or if it needs to be adjusted.  

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For those who are looking to use massage oils, there are also some massage oils that may be better than others for a head massage. Essential oils are an example of such oils that are great, as the aroma can also help with relaxation. Specific essential oils like peppermint, lavender, sweet almond are especially great as they do not clog the pores on your scalp. If you’re thinking of using massage oils, make sure to dilute them before you apply them onto your skin as it may cause irritation for some.

Experts suggest that you should carry out a patch test before using it to ensure that your body is not allergic to the oils. To carry out a patch test, you need to wash your forearm and pat it dry before applying the oil onto a small area of skin. Make sure that the area is covered and left to dry for a day to see if there is any allergic reaction like irritation or rashes. If your body does not show any adverse reactions, you are good to go with the massage oils. If not, make sure to wash the area and stop using the oil immediately.

In conclusion

In conclusion, head massages have multiple health benefits like relaxation, easing of conditions like headaches, and stiff muscles. However, head massages at a professional therapist may be costly. You can try it out for yourself at home, with D-I-Y head massages. Although the results may not be as targeted and apparent, home head massages are still good ways to destress, relieve headaches, and improve scalp conditions. And if you simply do not have the time to give yourself a good head massage, there are tons of masseuses out there to help you out!