There are many powerful head massage benefits, which includes reducing stress levels, promoting hair growth, increasing blood flow, eliminating painful headaches, muscle tension, and migraines among others.
Head Massage
There are few things in life more relaxing than a head massage. Think of all the tension carried on your neck and the base of your skull, not to mention the stress you carry around your forehead, eyes, and mouth.
However, like any other part of the body, your head must be massaged occasionally to relieve any stress. Aside from simply feeling good, it also comes with a myriad of health benefits. Whether you do it yourself, have a friend help you out, or go to a licensed massage therapist, a thoughtful head massage can put you back on track. [1]
A head massage can ease a headache and refresh the mind. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Head Massage Benefits
Headache Relief
Headaches caused by tension and stress can be relieved with a head massage. For tension, focus on the base of the skull, where the weight is carried, and the temples. Head massages can also help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of oncoming migraines. [2]
Promotes Good Sleep
Not only can regular massage help decrease depression and anxiety, but it also releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes deep sleep. A study published in Critical Care Nursing Clinics by Dr. Kathy P. Parker, head massage can be an integral part of recovery and palliative care for older patients. It can also help restore one’s natural circadian rhythms. Furthermore, because a massage can help you spend more time in very deep sleep, your body has more restorative time to heal, often helping with other pain as well. [3]
Healthy Scalp Circulation
Boosting blood flow to your hair follicles can promote new hair growth, and help you keep the hair you already have. Healthy circulation is, of course, good for the skin, increasing oxygen and boosting the skin’s ability to heal. [4]
Scalp Conditioning
Your scalp produces oil from the sebaceous glands. Often, too much shampooing, product use, or heat processing will either stimulate the glands to overproduce oil or dry out your scalp. A scalp massage can help spread the natural oils of your hair all over, helping to soothe and condition your hair and redistributing the oil. This also helps rid your scalp of flaky dead skin and can help prevent dandruff.
Positive Well Being
The best part of a head massage is how you feel after it’s finished. Massage releases stress from your muscles and triggers the production of serotonin. Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, sleep rhythms, and learning. Massage has been shown to reduce feelings of depression and hostility, not only in the short term but in the long term as well. With that in mind, give yourself some time after your massage with a licensed massage therapist; you might feel too good to want to move right away! [5]
