Content
The benefits and harms of head massage is an important issue, since fans of relaxing techniques and wellness procedures love it. It is necessary to understand when massage can be applied and how to do it correctly.
A bit of history
Head massage is one of the most ancient Ayurvedic techniques, aimed at complex healing of the body. This procedure was used by oriental medicine 5,000 years ago and gave an excellent effect in the fight against various ailments.
India is considered the birthplace of head massage, but, in addition, it was widespread in China and Japan. Using the procedure, ancient doctors successfully fought migraines and blood congestion in the head of their patients. Massage was also used to take care of beauty, for example, Indian women with its help maintain the health, strength and shine of their hair and the elasticity of their skin.
The benefits of head massage
During the procedure, certain biologically active points are involved under the scalp, blood vessels and capillaries begin to work better, and blood circulation is accelerated. The benefits of head massage for the body are that the procedure:
- helps to saturate the brain with oxygen, tones up, has a beneficial effect on brain activity, improves attention and memory;
- strengthens hair - due to accelerated blood circulation, the bulbs receive more nutrients, and hair grows more actively;
- promotes muscle relaxation and relieves headaches arising from overstrain of the head and neck;
- increases the body's immune resistance by accelerating blood circulation;
- tones the skin, during the massage, the secretion of subcutaneous fat is normalized and dead particles of the epidermis are removed;
- helps to get rid of neuroses and anxiety, helps fight depression and insomnia.
In the process, the human body intensively produces hormones that are responsible for a good mood - endorphins. By the way, thanks to this, the benefit of the procedure also lies in the general analgesic effect.
Types of head massage and indications for the procedure
There are two main types of wellness procedures - therapeutic and cosmetic massage. The main difference lies in the techniques of conducting and in the beneficial properties for the body.
Curative
The beneficial properties of head massage have long been proven and confirmed by thousands of years of use. Therefore, traditional medicine prescribes sessions for the following ailments:
- hypotension and migraines;
- mild colds and chronic fatigue;
- stress, neurosis, insomnia;
- minor irregularities in heart rate;
- light vascular ailments.
However, only a qualified doctor should prescribe and carry out it, otherwise there is a great risk of harm to health.
Cosmetological
The properties of cosmetic massage are used to improve the appearance and to improve the health of the skin and hair. He is appointed:
- with seborrhea and dandruff;
- with excessive dryness of the skin of the face and the first signs of wilting;
- with brittle hair and a tendency to fall out;
- with a lack of vitality in curls and a decrease in hair volume.
The amazing effect of head massage in hair loss and other shortcomings is due to the fact that the strength and beauty of curls directly depend on the quality of blood circulation. Well-done and regular massage treatments work just as well, if not better, than expensive beauty products.
Possible harm and contraindications
With all the benefits of the procedure, it can be harmful if you neglect the contraindications. Do not massage the head:
- with oncological diseases;
- with serious vascular and heart ailments;
- with a tendency to form blood clots;
- with a cold, accompanied by intense fever, intoxication and weakness;
- in the presence of wounds, fresh burns, inflammation and abscesses on the skin;
- with profuse hair loss and baldness.
The procedure will also be harmful if it is carried out in a state when the vessels are dilated, for example, against the background of intoxication or taking medications.
Head massage with pressure should be carried out with caution - it will be of great benefit to hypotonic patients, but it will be more harmful to hypertensive patients.
Alarming symptoms are nausea, headache, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate during massage. If at least one of these signs appears, the procedure must be stopped to avoid harm.
Head massage rules
Massaging the neck and head under the hair does not require a particularly difficult preparation. There are several general rules for conducting a useful procedure.
- The massage is done either before washing your hair, or right during washing, but not after. This is mainly due to hygiene reasons.
- Before starting the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, so as not to bring bacteria into the enlarged pores of the skin.
- Since the blood flow accelerates during the procedure, and useful substances are quickly spread through the internal organs, it is best to carry it out a couple of hours after eating, when the concentration of elements in the body is maximum.
For both treatment and cosmetic purposes, the procedure must be done regularly - every day or every other day, then its properties will be beneficial. For correct execution, you can study the video and photo of the head massage.
Head massage techniques
Over the millennia of the existence of massage, dozens of different techniques for its implementation have emerged. At first glance, they differ slightly from each other, but have completely different effects on well-being. The properties of some species effectively relieve pain, while the properties of others quickly help relieve muscle tension. The benefit of the third is to restore hair beauty and tone the skin.
It makes sense to familiarize yourself with the description and benefits of head massage of several main types.
Classical
This type of massage is suitable for both treatment and cosmetic purposes. The procedure consists of alternating all the standard massage manipulations. Namely:
- stroking with an open palm in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head and from the crown to the ears;
- tapping with fingertips on the surface of the skin without pressure and force, so that no pain occurs;
- circular movements with slightly bent fingers, with a thumb rest against the surface of the head, and the rest are massaged without rubbing the skin, but as if slightly moving it along the skull;
- vibrating movements, intermittently massage the skin with the fingertips, moving from the back of the head to the base of the neck.
Indian
The main feature of Indian massage is its long duration - it lasts up to 40 minutes. This is due to the fact that the procedure consists of several stages:
- first, the massage therapist performs acupuncture manipulations to use biologically active points under the skin;
- then massages the neck, upper back and shoulders, relieving muscle tension;
- and only then proceeds directly to work on the head area.
The process can use aromatic oils commonly used in Ayurvedic practices. The properties of Indian massage are of particular benefit to the hair; the procedure is recommended for loose and dull curls.
Burmese
Unlike Indian massage, Burmese massage is very short and takes only a quarter of an hour. It helps relieve fatigue and stress well, and consists of quick, gentle and chaotic stroking and tapping with fingers in the head area.
If properly performed, the patient falls into a kind of trance and experiences such relaxation that sometimes he can hardly keep his head upright.
Vacuum
This massage is performed using special jars. A massage device is placed on the scalp, creating a pressure drop and vacuum, and then slowly moving the can in the direction of natural hair growth.
As a result of the procedure, not only blood circulation is accelerated, but also lymph flow, edema disappears, muscle and vascular spasms go away. Vacuum massage is especially useful for dandruff and seborrhea, it effectively solves the problem of hair loss.
How to do a head massage
Any massage procedure consists of the same stroking and tapping movements. But, depending on the goals of the massage, their intensity may change; during medical and cosmetic procedures, different areas of the head may be more or less involved.
For headaches and tension
With migraines and stiffness in the neck muscles, a short acupressure head massage will be of great benefit. It is carried out for a total of about 6 minutes, and special attention is paid to the area of the temples and the area of the cranial fossa on the back of the neck.
- You need to massage strongly, but carefully, using pointwise pressure with your fingers on the listed areas and on especially painful places.
- The duration of pressing should be about 5 seconds.
- The back of the head should be massaged with rhythmic movements with the base of the palm from the back of the head to the neck.
A properly performed procedure will relieve muscle and vascular spasms, and the headache will subside without medication. At the end, it will be useful to lie down for a while in a relaxed state so that the beneficial properties of the massage are manifested in full force.
For hair growth and blood circulation
The main purpose of cosmetic massage is to awaken and activate the hair follicles. Therefore, here it is necessary to act on the skin not pointwise, but to make stroking movements that warm up the entire scalp.
- Before the procedure, for convenience, it is recommended to comb the hair and make a parting at a short distance from the left ear. As the massage progresses, the parting will need to be gradually shifted to the right side.
- A useful massage begins with light stroking of the skin with the pads of the fingers, then you need to move on to rubbing the skin with your knuckles.
- Then you can gently fold the skin and make several rolling movements towards the back of the head.
- The massage is completed with quick vibrating movements along the parting, which are performed with your fingertips.
Relaxing stress relief massage
The procedure is carried out using one of the popular methods according to standard technology - from stroking to kneading and tapping. The only important nuance that needs to be remembered is that the main attention should be paid to the back of the head. It is she who is responsible for the emotional state of a person, stress, overstrain and fears accumulate in her.
Relaxing massage can be accompanied by aromatic incense and oils, pleasant soft music.
During pregnancy
A proper head massage is very beneficial for pregnant women - it helps to relax and calm down, improve well-being and normalize sleep. But you need to remember important rules.
- Massage while carrying a baby should not be too intense. A significant increase in blood circulation will harm the expectant mother, as it can lead to miscarriage or early childbirth.
- The procedure should be done with extremely light and stroking movements. Tapping and heavy kneading will have to be abandoned - in order to avoid harm.
- At the slightest discomfort during the procedure, it should be stopped immediately - a deterioration in well-being can harm the fetus and affect its health.
Application of additional devices
If the massage is carried out by a specialist in the salon, then it is carried out exclusively with the palms and fingers of the hands, or with a vacuum can. However, with home self-massage, aids may be helpful.
Goosebump
This simple and inexpensive handheld massager has excellent anti-stress properties and is suitable for beauty treatments.
It is very easy to use the goosebump:
- the massager needs to be placed on top of the head in the center and make smooth movements in different directions;
- during the procedure, you need to lightly press on the handle or lift it up;
- the rounded tips of the "meridians" of the massager will glide over the scalp and stimulate the acceleration of blood flow.
It is recommended to continue the procedure with goose bumps for about 5 minutes. Then another quarter of an hour is worth sitting in a calm state.
You can even massage your child's head with goosebumps, although normal massage practices for children are not recommended until 12 years of age.
Laser comb
The laser comb is a modern complex action device. The properties of the comb are especially beneficial for hair loss. It not only gently massages the skin with vibrating movements, but also acts on the hair follicles with blue and red LED-radiation, activating their growth.
When using the device, one should not forget that massage movements are carried out from the top of the head to the sides and to the back of the head. The total duration of the procedure should not exceed half an hour.
Comb vibrating massager
The device is a simplified version of a laser comb - without LED radiation, but only with vibration.
The use is very simple - the comb is led downward or to the sides from the crown of the head, gentle vibration stimulates blood circulation and improves the condition of the scalp. In time, the procedure should take about a quarter of an hour, like a regular massage.
When the result appears
A head massage for migraines or muscle tension, if performed correctly, gives immediate results. Unpleasant sensations go away during the procedure, and with regular massage, they appear less and less.
As for cosmetological massage, its beneficial properties will clearly manifest itself after a couple of months. In this case, the procedure should be carried out at least twice a week.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of head massage depend on the fulfillment of all the rules for its implementation. If there are no contraindications and the procedure is carried out carefully, then soon you can expect an improvement in overall well-being.
