“I had no idea how much tension I was holding in my face and my neck until it was gone. This massage was a revelation!”
MC
What is a head massage?
A head massage is similar to that of a back massage or neck massage. In most cases, head massage is done with the fingertips only and is localized to the head, behind the ears, and the back of the neck. Head massage is typically a bit gentler to apply movement and pressure to your scalp. Sometimes oil is applied to enhance relaxation and provide nourishment, but oil is not necessary. Head massage is a relaxing and soothing experience that can help release stress hormones, such and cortisol, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Most of us schedule a head massage spa appointment to relax, experience the calming power of human touch, and to release tension in the head, neck, and jaw area. These benefits are real. But did you know that other benefits of head massage spa include increased blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduced heart rate? But wait, there’s more . . .
Can a head massage increase hair thickness and help with hair growth?
Aging results in a decrease in hair count and thickness, both in men and women. Although hair loss won’t compromise your physical health, it can negatively affect self-confidence and self-esteem. In our culture, thick healthy hair is a symbol of youth, vitality and beauty. And most people feel anxious about losing it. While medications to treat hair loss often come with side effects and associated risks, there is a natural way to enhance the health of your scalp and hair – head and scalp massage. This form of massage therapy helps:
- remove dead skin cells
- strip away the clogging buildup hair products leave behind
- stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles
- provide essential nutrients and oxygen for hair growth
In other words, promote a healthy scalp – the very foundation of healthy hair.
Researchers have found that head massage therapy also increased hair thickness by inducing stretching forces to dermal papilla cells in subcutaneous tissue. And a 2020 study assessed the effects of head massages in chemotherapy-induced alopecia among women with cancer. Researchers discovered that hair regrowth was “significantly improved” among those who received head massages compared to those who didn’t.
Can massage therapy improve my overall health?
Massage therapy is one of the most effective and widely used alternative therapies. Researchers have studied and documented the positive benefits of massage therapy on biochemistry, including decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. Indeed, massage therapy has been noted to significantly alter the biochemistry of humans both immediately following massage sessions and over the course of massage therapy treatment periods. These studies can be grouped according to various medical conditions and stressful experiences, including depression, pain syndromes, postpartum depression, job stress, migraine headaches, auto immune conditions, and more. Although each condition may be uniquely and positively affected by massage therapy, stress reduction effects (cortisol reduction) and activation effects (increased dopamine and serotonin) remained true for all conditions. Most importantly, massage therapy is linked to increased “vagal activity.” Vagal activity refers to the level of activity in the vagus nerve, which is a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for functions like slowing the heart rate, promoting digestion, and facilitating a rest and digest state. It’s no wonder that massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. Some of the earliest documented evidence of massage dates back to 3,000 B.C.E.
Ready to be pampered and walk out the door healthier and happier? Look no further.
Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, increase circulation, improve your quality of sleep, or experience a lingering feeling of deep relaxation, Ethos Day Spa is your destination. Treat yourself to one of the best head and scalp massages today.
Ethos Day Spa is a collection of some of the most skilled massage therapists in Michigan working alongside equally skilled estheticians who provide services such as skin care, lash extensions, and hair salon treatments. Ethos Day Spa is trusted throughout Michigan to provide the highest level of service in an echo friendly luxury setting.
Kim IH, Kim TY, Ko YW. The Effect of a Scalp Massage on Stress Hormone, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate of Healthy Female. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016;28(10):2703-2707.
doi:10.1589/jpts.28.2703
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