A Raynor head massage can involve a large number of different strokes all over the face and scalp. It is a good way of relaxing a client at the beginning of a session, taking about 10 minutes. But for clients suffering from stress, anxiety, or headaches/migraines, at least 30 minutes can be spent on the head massage to help alleviate the symptoms being experienced.
Following are some of the benefits of a head massage.
Relieves muscle tension
Muscles in the face, scalp, neck and shoulders can become tight for a multitude of reasons. Anxiety, anger, fatigue (e.g. prolonged work), stress, rage, depression and nervousness can all lead to increased muscle tension. Headaches and migraines can occur when there is tension in the neck and head.
A head massage will loosen tight muscles and ease discomfort of the aforementioned issues. It should include the head (face and scalp), neck and shoulders to be fully effective.
Improves circulation
The massage movements on the scalp during a head massage stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, brain and neck. This improved circulation can help relax muscles and promotes better oxygen flow. The latter can reduce feelings of fatigue and mental fog associated with stress.
The same applies for people with built-up anger, an oxygenated brain clears the mind, provides a sense of relaxation, and may lower blood pressure (which may have risen due to the anger).
For people suffering from anxiety, increased circulation can help calm the nervous system. If you suffer from nervousness, you may sometimes have feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. Improved circulation can ease symptoms like mental fog and clear your mind.
Headaches and migraines can be eased with a head massage when the pressure or tightness caused by restricted blood flow is relieved.
Reduces stress hormones
When the body becomes stressed, it releases the stress hormone cortisol. A head massage stimulates the body's relaxation response and this helps to reduce levels of cortisol. This brings about a sense of relief and relaxation, and alleviates the physical symptoms of stress which include tension and fatigue.
Releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters
A head massage, as with massaging other parts of the body, increases the production of "feel-good" chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters improve mood, promote happiness and well-being, reduce stress levels, and regulate sleep.
People suffering with depression will often have low levels of endorphines and serotonin. So massage will uplift their mood and reduce feelings of sadness.
For people suffering from headaches and migraines, the endorphins released during a head massage also help to block pain signals. This reduces headache discomfort.
Nervousness often involves a disruption in the balance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Head massages promote the release of these mood-regulating chemicals, which can help improve your overall emotional state and reduce feelings of nervousness.
Eases headaches, migraines and eye strain
Headaches/migraines are often caused by muscle tension, poor circulation, stress, or other physical and emotional factors. Head massages can be very effective at tackling headaches/migraines.
A head massage loosens up tight muscles. In addition, they can release trigger points which are certain tight spots in muscles. Trigger points can cause referred pain that contributes to headaches. So by massaging the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back, referred pain to the head can be reduced which relieves headache/migraine symptoms.
The loosening of tight muscles and increasing circulation can also aid headaches caused by nerve compression. Sometimes nerves in the scalp or neck get compressed or irritated by tight muscles.
A common trigger for headaches/migraines is stress. Head massages lower levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone. A head massage also promotes release of endorphins and serotonin which helps the body to relax and further reduce pain levels from headaches/migraines.
Another cause of headaches/migraines is eye strain and sinus congestion. This is especially true after long hours of screen time or during colds and allergies. Massaging around the temples, forehead, and around the eyes relieves tension in the muscles contributing to eye strain. Massaging around the sinuses (e.g. forehead and nose) can help reduce sinus pressure and alleviate sinus-related headaches/migraines.
Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
A head massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the body's rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. The stimulation decreases respiration and heart rate and increases digestion.
Anxiety can cause the "fight-or-flight" response, but an active parasympathetic nervous system does the opposite, in other words promoting relaxation and recovery, and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Similarly for someone holding anger, it can lower their heart rate, reduce blood pressure, reduce adrenaline, and promote a sense of calm.
People suffering from depression can benefit as stimulation of the parasympathetic system can promote emotional and physical calm. It also helps in the alleviation of headaches and migraines.
Promotes mindfulness and grounding
The rhythmic, repetitive motions of a head massage help you focus on the physical sensations and bring your attention to the present moment. This creates a mindfulness effect, redirecting attention away from worries such as anxious thoughts, angriness, stress, overthinking, negative and repetitive thoughts. The massage creates a mental break from overwhelming emotions and fosters a sense of groundedness.
In the case of someone suffering from fatigue, the mind is allowed to rest. They will feel rejuvenated and be more focused afterwards.
In the case of someone suffering from rage, their mental clarity will be enhanced and they should regain control over their emotions.
Improves sleep quality
A head massage increases levels of serotonin which in turn produces melatonin, the hormone that makes people fall asleep. Together with tension being released, the mind calmed, and the promotion of relaxation, sleep quality is improved. In addition, a head massage reduces stress (levels of cortosol are reduced), making you more relaxed before bed.
Regular head massages can help you fall asleep more easily and experience deeper, more restorative sleep. This leads to better energy levels during the day.
With improved sleep, anxiety symptoms can be reduced, recovery from stress speeded up, fatigue reduced, and the frequency and intensity of headaches/migraines may be reduced.
Releases pent-up emotions
Tension can either be physical or emotional. In the event of the latter, a massage can sometimes trigger an "emotional release". This is where someone lets go of emotions that have been stored up (they may shout or cry during the release), but feel refreshed afterwards.
Reduces sensitivity to light and sound
A common symptom of migraines is sensitivity to light and sound. A gentle head massage in a dark, quiet environment can help soothe the nervous system, reducing sensory overload.
Alleviates nausea
Some people get nauseous when they have migraines. A head massage can alleviate migraines and consequently reduce the nauseous feelings.
Encourages deep breathing
The relaxation effect of a head massage can be enhanced if you focus on your breathing, slowing it down even further than what your body often does naturally during a massage. Deep, slow breaths help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and is also beneficial for expelling tension ("bad energy") from the body.
12th October 2024
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