What Are the Benefits of Massaging the Scalp?

What Are the Benefits of Massaging the Scalp?
Photo Credit ayurvedic oil massage of the scalp image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com

Numerous cultures have used scalp massage for countless generations as a method to reduce stress, improve circulation and relieve headache pain or discomfort. According to MassageTherapy.com, ayurvedic practitioners have performed Indian head massage for 5,000 years to address symptoms and conditions of poor health. Scalp massage is a simple, useful and cost-effective method for improving your health and well-being.

Stress Management

According to the website HelpGuide.org, "Getting a massage provides deep relaxation, and as the muscles in your body relax, so does your overstressed mind." A head massage, in particular, is a constructive method of promoting total body relaxation and stress reduction because of the substantial number of nerve endings present in your scalp. When mechanically stimulated, your nerve endings respond by releasing endorphins, a natural "feel good" chemical that causes you to relax and experience a heightened sense of well-being.

Improved Circulation

Massage, including scalp massage, causes numerous physiological changes in your body, including improved circulation of blood and lymph, according to the University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality and Healing. Improved circulation to your scalp enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, such as your temporalis, occipitalis and frontalis. With increased circulation to scalp tissues, cellular health improves and tissues function more efficiently, which means that your tissues can better rid themselves of deleterious metabolic byproducts.

Headache Relief

According to Health911.com, massage is an effective way to immediately relieve the pain and discomfort of your headaches, assuming your headaches are tension or muscle-related. Muscle tension headaches might be stress-related or result from poor posture. The pain you experience with tension headaches often comes from a tight neck, scalp or jaw muscles, and a licensed massage therapist often can determine the type of massage most appropriate for your problem. You also can treat tension headaches with scalp self-massage, but a session with a licensed massage therapist or other professional body worker could be more effective.

References

Article reviewed by Glenn Singer Last updated on: Apr 14, 2010

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