Incredible Benefits of Head Massage for Migraines, Stress Relief, and More
Discover how head massages can naturally alleviate headaches, reduce stress, boost circulation, and even encourage hair growth with simple techniques you can do at home or with a professional.
Head massages are more than just a relaxing experience—they offer a range of health benefits including promoting hair growth, lowering blood pressure, and easing headaches. They are a natural way to relieve tension and enhance overall well-being.
The sensation of a head massage is deeply comforting and can help reduce headache discomfort, ease stress, and potentially stimulate hair growth.
Whether you prefer to learn how to give yourself a head massage at home or seek the expertise of a licensed massage therapist, the benefits are accessible to everyone.
Keep reading to explore the advantages of head massages, step-by-step instructions for self-massage, and what to anticipate from professional treatments.
Why Head Massages Are Beneficial
Sarah Monreal, a licensed massage therapist and founder of Wayfare Wellness, explains that the benefits vary depending on the massage style.
One specialized technique she offers is cranial-sacral therapy, a gentle approach targeting the central nervous system including the head, spine, and sacrum.
This therapy is effective for:
- Releasing muscle tension
- Alleviating migraines and headache pain
- Reducing stress levels
- Encouraging deep relaxation
Even basic head massages performed at home can help relieve tension, stimulate scalp health, and improve blood flow to the head and neck.
Additional benefits include:
Head Massages as a Remedy for Headaches
Many individuals rely on head, neck, and shoulder massages to naturally ease headache and migraine symptoms.
The American Massage Therapy Association highlights that techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, self-massage, and acupressure can relax tight muscles and reduce headache pain.
Though research specifically on head massages for headaches is limited, some studies indicate that targeting trigger points in the upper neck and back of the head may decrease both the frequency and severity of headaches.
For instance, a 2015 study focusing on myofascial trigger points found that trigger point release massage reduced headache episodes, suggesting these points contribute to tension headaches.
Similarly, a 2014 review found manual therapies significantly lowered headache intensity and frequency while enhancing neck mobility.
A 2002 study showed massage targeting neck and shoulder muscles reduced how often chronic tension headaches occurred, though the effect on pain intensity was less pronounced.
Stimulating Hair Growth
If you’re experiencing thinning hair, scalp massages might help improve hair density.
A small 2016 study revealed participants who performed daily scalp massages for 24 weeks saw increased hair thickness.
Reducing Blood Pressure
Scalp massages are known to relieve daily stress and promote relaxation.
A 2016 study demonstrated that 15- and 25-minute scalp massages lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in women.
This effect is likely due to improved blood circulation that relaxes blood vessels and neck muscles.
How to Perform a Head Massage at Home
One of the best things about head massages is their simplicity—you can easily do them yourself using just your fingertips, with optional massage oils.
Alternatively, scalp massaging tools like silicone brushes can be used to gently stimulate the scalp in circular motions.
Follow these steps for a relaxing self-massage:
- Find a comfortable seated position. Use a towel around your neck and chair if applying oils to protect surfaces.
- Apply light to medium pressure with fingertips or massager. If using oils, dip fingertips in oil before starting.
- Move your fingers in small circular motions all over your scalp.
- Continue massaging for at least 5 minutes, covering the entire head.
- Wash out any oils with shampoo afterward if desired.
Head massages are also a wonderful way to bond with a partner. Here are some tips from Monreal:
- Have your partner sit or lie down comfortably. Use a few drops of diluted essential oil if desired.
- Start with slow, gentle strokes and gradually add light circular motions across the scalp.
- Incorporate gentle thumb massages on the neck for added relaxation.
Best Oils for Head Massage
While optional, essential oils can enhance the experience with their soothing scents and additional benefits.
Monreal recommends lavender and peppermint oils for their calming and invigorating properties. Coconut oil serves as an excellent carrier oil, with jojoba and sweet almond oils also being popular choices.
Aromatherapist Kathy Sadowski advises jojoba and sweet almond oils as ideal options since they are less likely to clog pores.
Note: Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so consult a healthcare professional before use. Always perform a patch test to check for skin sensitivity before applying extensively.
To do a patch test:
- Clean a small area on your forearm with mild soap and dry.
- Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil to the spot.
- Cover with a bandage and keep dry for 24 hours.
- If irritation occurs, remove the bandage, wash the area, and discontinue use.
- If no reaction appears, the oil is likely safe for use.
Pregnant or nursing individuals should review guidelines from the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists to avoid potentially harmful oils.
What to Expect from a Professional Head Massage
While self-massage is affordable and convenient, professional head massages offer specialized care.
Monreal describes cranial-sacral massage as a deeply soothing treatment focusing on gentle strokes across the skull and neck, sometimes including subtle bone manipulations to improve cerebrospinal fluid flow.
This enhanced flow supports the body's natural healing processes.
Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour, with ongoing communication between therapist and client to tailor the experience.
Prices vary by location, but Monreal’s clinic charges around $60 for a 45-minute session. Always confirm costs before booking.
Summary
Head massages provide numerous health benefits whether performed by yourself or a professional.
They can reduce stress and muscle tension, ease migraines and headaches, lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and stimulate hair growth.
When using essential oils, ensure proper dilution and patch testing, and consult professionals if pregnant or nursing.
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