Head Massage Therapy Technique and Benefits
What is Head Massage?
The stress of modern day living takes an awful toll on our lives. With deadlines, irate bosses, taxes, and traffic snarls, it is hardly surprising that our brains feel like jelly at the end of the day.
Stress related headaches are on the rise, and most of us have learnt to accept this pain as a daily part of our lives. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of head massage.
This form of massage therapy focuses on the parts that are most affected by stress, namely the head, neck and shoulders.
How does head massage therapy work?
Head massage is easy to administer because the patient sits on a comfortable chair, fully clothed. The therapist stands behind the patient and commences by kneading the shoulders and the neck. He or she then runs his fingers through the patient's scalp. This causes blood to rush to the massaged area and stimulates the scalp. After this the therapist uses a series of light slapping movements with his (or her) palm on the back and sides of the head to induce relaxation. When the head, neck and shoulders have been sufficiently massaged, the therapist then proceeds to massage the face and ear. Other strokes such as gentle tugging of hair, and 'cracking' the neck are also carried out, depending on the expertise of the masseuse.
Normally herbal oils are used during the massage session to facilitate the massage process.
These herbal oils aid in the process of relaxation and rejuvenation. Oil is also thoroughly massaged into the scalp and helps to stimulate hair growth. People with sensitive or oily skin can even choose to go in for an oil-free massage. The beauty of head massage is that it is easy adaptable and lends itself to various permutations and combinations depending on the circumstances.
Head Massage Benefits
Anyone who has undergone a head massage will testify that it is one of the most relaxing forms of massage. At the end of a massage session you will feel totally relaxed and de-stressed. In fact, most massage therapists will require you to sit on your chair for up to ten minutes after completion of the massage so that you recover from the deep relaxation that it induces.
Other than relieving stress, head massage is also good for curing insomnia, fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, and migraines. It increases flexibility in the neck and shoulders and improves the flow of blood throughout the entire scalp. It also provides relief to tired facial muscles.
