Relieving tension, relaxing muscles and improving circulation are just a few reasons to receive or give yourself a head massage. It can also provide relief from headache pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Head massage involves the manipulation of muscles in the shoulders, neck and head and you can perform it on yourself, or seek the service of a professional massage therapist, which is recommended if you are at all unsure of what you are doing.
Step 1
Select virgin coconut oil for your head massage. Coconut oil has a positive effect on hair, as it helps prevent protein loss from the hair shaft and helps keep hair healthy, according to a study in the March-April 2003 issue of the "Journal of Cosmetic Science."
Step 2
Place 2 tbsp. of coconut oil in the palm of your hand, and hold your hands together to warm the oil.
Step 3
Put the oil on your fingertips and massage into the scalp at the sides of the head, from the ears to the temples. Use gentle, circular motion and work your way to the top of your head.
Step 4
Put more coconut oil in your hand and reapply to fingertips. Starting at the top of your head, massage the oil into your scalp with circular motions, moving from the top of the head to the forehead.
Step 5
Reapply oil to your fingertips and massage from the back and sides of your head up to the top. Continue to use small, circular motions. When you reach the top of your head, massage your entire scalp at once with all of your fingers for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6
Grab your hair by the fistfuls and keep your knuckles close to the scalp. Pull the fistful of hair to the left and then to the right. Continue this process until you have pulled all of the hair. If you do not have hair on your scalp, move on to Step 7.
Step 7
Place the heels of your hands against your temples and apply light pressure. As you do, move the heels of your hands in circular motion. Perform this movement for 3 minutes.
Step 8
Lean your head forward and squeeze the muscles at the top of the back of your neck. Squeeze your muscles between your thumb and fingers and work from the top of the back of the neck to the bottom.
Step 9
Squeeze and massage the muscles from the base of your neck over to the shoulder. Repeat with the other shoulder.
Step 10
Hold your hand out flat and with the palm of your left hand apply pressure to the top of your shoulder and work down your arm to your hand. Repeat with the other arm.
Step 11
Give your head one final massage with your fingers and palms.
Step 12
Massage the length of your hair with coconut oil if desired, then wash hair as usual.
Tips and Warnings
- Olive, sesame, mustard or almond oil may be substituted for coconut oil.
- Do not perform head massage on skin that is broken, infected, swollen or bruised.
Things You'll Need
- Virgin coconut oil
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