Scalp Massage Techniques: While there are many ways in which one can administer a scalp massage, it is still one of the simplest forms of massage. Not only can you give a friend a scalp massage, but you can also give yourself one. With regard to technique, a scalp massage requires circular movements, which can be done with finger tips or the base of the palm. When administering a scalp massage, it is best to begin on the sides, or the temporal region, which is close to the ears. Moving in a circular fashion, apply pressure to the head and move toward the centre and top portion on the head. An important point to note when giving a scalp massage is that the pressure should be light and the movement slow. If you move your hands or fingers to quickly and with force, you risk pulling and breaking hair. To avoid hair pulling and breaking, press down on the scalp gently and move your fingers in a circular manner, as mentioned before.
Apart from this common technique, another kind of scalp massage is called a cup massage. As the same suggests, when using this technique, you need to form a cup with your hand and slowly move your fingers by pulling them inwards and outwards. This helps to move the scalp also, increasing blood flow and relieving stress. Using the fingers in this manner is akin to acupressure, wherein the pressure points are stimulated by the use of pressure.
Before beginning any massage, keep in mind that the person who is receiving the massage should be seated in a comfortable chair. Also, you should position yourself such that you can easily move your fingers around the person’s head.
Benefits Of Scalp Massage: Massage therapy in itself has an important role in to play in most traditional and alternative forms of treatment. The reason for this is that massaging an area not only stimulates circulation and blood flow to the affected area but also stimulates the lymph system and helps to relax the underlying muscles and tissues. Massages are extremely effective for relieving pain and inflammation.
With respect to a scalp massage, there are several benefits both physical and physiological in nature.
- Since the human scalp is replete with nerve endings and majority of the nervous system located inside the skull, along with the brain, a good scalp massage stimulates the nervous system.
- A scalp massage increases blood flow to the head thereby easing stress and chronic headaches.
- It also causes the release of endorphins, which, in turn, helps in relieving pain in the area.
- Scalp massages have also been regarded as the ideal way to de-stress, and are known to be effective as relaxing and calming techniques.
- Apart from the physiological benefits of scalp massages, they are also very useful in preventing hair fall and dandruff. Since the massage stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp region, as mentioned before, it allows the hair follicles to receive the necessary nourishment. This ensures that your hair and scalp both remain healthy.