Ayurvedic practitioners in India have been using head massage to treat illnesses for 5,000 years, according to MassageTherapy.com. Head and scalp massage is a simple, relaxing and affordable method of addressing many of your head- and scalp-related health complaints, and is a good way to promote a sense of well-being. You can perform a head and scalp self-massage at home, but a licensed massage therapist will help you realize the full benefits of this procedure.
Enhanced Circulation
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), receiving a therapeutic head and scalp massage improves your blood and lymph circulation. UMMC suggests that head and scalp massage that uses essential oils, such as rosemary, lavender, thyme and cedarwood, may also promote enhanced circulation. Better blood flow to your scalp improves nutrient and oxygen delivery to your muscles and other tissues. Improved circulation to your tissues helps your cells function more effectively, which allows your tissues to process nutrients more easily and get rid of potentially harmful metabolic byproducts.
Stress Reduction
HelpGuide.org suggests that because of the extraordinary number of nerve endings in the scalp, a head and scalp massage is a particularly potent way to promote total body relaxation and reduce stress. When stimulated during a vigorous head and scalp massage, your nerve endings release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving compounds that have a similar effect to opiates, as they blunt pain and enhance an overall sense of well-being. According to the American Institute of Stress, reducing your stress levels is particularly important for avoiding stress-related health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, certain cancers, infections and numerous other diseases associated with impaired immune system function.
Decreased Headache Pain
According to the UMMC, massage may be an effective way to decrease the pain associated with tension headaches. Although the exact cause of muscle tension headaches is unknown, states the Mayo Clinic, experts believe the following factors might contribute to the onset of your muscle tension headaches: changes in your brain chemicals--serotonin, endorphins and other chemicals--that assist nerve communicate, triggers such as stress, poor posture and jaw clenching, being a woman and being middle-aged. Your muscle tension headaches may involve a tight jaw, scalp or neck muscle. A licensed massage therapist trained in the art of head and scalp massage will be able to evaluate your tissue tone and recommend the most relevant style of massage to help alleviate your symptoms. Your tension headaches may also be treated using self-massage techniques, although there's no substitute for the qualified hands of an experienced massage therapist.
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