By
in
on 16/03/2023 If you’ve ever had a scalp massage, you’ll know how AMAZING it makes you feel.
There’s something about stimulating this neglected part of the body that melts away all your cares (at least for a few minutes).
While it helps you relax, the benefits of a scalp massage extend far beyond you feeling blissed out. It also helps with headaches, hair growth, reducing stress hormones and more.
Let’s look at how this simple, yet powerful massage style can benefit you.
What Is Scalp Massage?
A scalp massage relieves tension in the head, neck and jaw. It does this using massage techniques that nurture the head, back of the neck and behind the ears.
It can be performed in 2 ways:
- Using manual techniques that involve the fingertips and palms of the hands
- With specialised scalp massage tools, such as brushes, wire combs or battery-powered claws.
These techniques are usually performed ‘dry’, i.e. without oil. However, there are instances where including oil in a scalp massage boosts its benefits.
Massage therapists can assist you with a scalp massage. However, it’s also possible to DIY at home, especially if you own something like a scalp massage brush (or you have a devoted partner who’s willing to caress your scalp – P.S. lucky you).
What Are The Benefits Of Scalp Massage?
Scalp Massage = Healthier Scalp = Healthier You
A good scalp massage benefits your entire body and can result in:
Healthier Hair
A head massage stimulates and exfoliates the scalp area. This nourishes the scalp by removing product buildup, sloughing dead skin cells and increasing blood circulation. Studies show that regular scalp massages fortify hair follicles, improve hair thickness and are even good for promoting hair growth (though they don’t specifically cure hair loss).
Lower Stress Levels
It’s a fact that scalp massage soothes the nervous system and reduces stress levels. One study involving 34 female office workers found that regular scalp massage can significantly lower stress hormones. The same study concluded that blood pressure can also improve with scalp massage therapy.
Less Muscle Tension
Head massage benefits the muscles and connective tissues in your head and neck. By encouraging them to relax, this massage can soften muscles, improve blood flow and decrease the occurrence of headaches and migraines.
What Are The Other Benefits?
Massaging your scalp may also benefit your mood.
There’s growing evidence that a gentle head massage stimulates the release of oxytocin, a.k.a the ‘love hormone’.
Oxytocin makes you feel good and is naturally released when you hug a puppy, kiss your partner or hold a newborn baby. It promotes relaxation and even enhances affiliative behaviours, like smiling, head nodding, and waving.
Having someone else perform the scalp massage for you, like a massage therapist, seems to increase these mood-enhancing benefits. That’s because human contact can reduce cortisol levels, making you feel more relaxed – physically and mentally.
How Do You Give Yourself A Scalp Massage?
Now you know all about the benefits of massaging your scalp, you’re probably wondering HOW to do it properly.
Well, it’s easy!
Traditional
- Using the fingertips and/or the palms of your hands, apply light to medium pressure to your scalp (go with whatever feels good for you), moving in small circular motions.
- Move all over your head, back of the neck and behind your ears until you’ve covered all areas.
Massage Tools
- Get the benefits of scalp massage tools by using it to apply light to medium pressure to your scalp area, moving in small circular motions (if your tool allows it).
- Move all over your head, back of the neck and behind your ears until you’ve covered all areas.
Oil (optional)
- Warm a small amount of coconut, sesame, almond, avocado or olive oil.
- Apply it to your head and massage your scalp.
- Use either the Traditional or Massage Tool directions above.
NB: If you’re using oil in conjunction with your massage tool, please check if the device is compatible – and ensure you clean it after use.
When And How Often Do You Use Scalp Massage?
You’ll get the most benefit from your scalp massage when you do it for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Add warmed oil to your massage if you want blood vessels to supply MORE blood, oxygen and nutrients to your scalp. This is ideal if you’re looking to stimulate hair growth or improve hair health. You could even make this a regular part of your hair care routine.
Keen to visit a licensed massage therapist for a scalp massage?
Click the link below to get started:
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