Pristine Spas Services Scalp Massage

Unlike some of the other more comprehensive massage practices and techniques, scalp massage is localized to the scalp. Because of this and the uniqueness of the scalp, the process is specialized for this form of massage. Given that it does not require much pressure or any heavy kneading, scalp massage is usually done with just the fingers, and sometimes the palm is used as well.

For the same reason you get other types of massages on different parts of the body: to relieve tension and for that soothing, relaxing feel. In fact, among other parts of the body, many experts cite the scalp as one area where we tend to hold a great deal of tension—particularly around the hairline and behind our ears. A scalp massage will also generally incorporate the neck, another area quite prone to anxiety. Typically, people may not think of getting a scalp massage when visiting a spa—it might, however, be highly beneficial to rethink how you envision a traditional massage at the spa!

Did you know, for instance, that the muscles around our scalp, from behind the ears to around the head and down through the neck, can be incredibly receptive to specific massage techniques? And upon relaxing, these muscles have a domino effect spurring relaxation throughout the rest of the body. This is also why when we are highly stressed, we tend to feel it in the neck, behind our ears, and around our scalp.

Many experts tout the benefits of scalp massage – particularly those benefits concerned with hair growth. This is considered one of the critical benefits of scalp massage. Some people may be hesitant to buy into this theory; many experts, however, are believers when it comes to hair growth and scalp massage.

Consider the following: strong hair is dependent on proper blood circulation, among other factors such as good nutrition. When you get regular scalp massages, you promote increased blood flow to the area. This, in turn, brings with it oxygen and numerous other nutrients needed for better hair growth. So if your scalp muscles are habitually tense, this means that the blood isn’t flowing as it should, which could effectively be prohibiting hair growth.

Some studies have been done in which people received short daily scalp massages. A couple were done with primarily men in the past few years. Upon completing this course of treatment, the participants reported thicker hair overall.

So yes, hair growth is one reason why so many people get scalp massages. However, there are numerous other benefits to this type of massage. Even though it is a relatively new spa offering, scalp massage is widely heralded in light of the following:

• Reduction of stress. As with most forms of massage, scalp massages are great when it comes to stress relief and the overall decrease of stress-causing hormones. In addition, some have found scalp massage helpful for lowering heart rate.
• Boosts immune function. There is ample research to suggest that massages are great for the immune system. Massage therapy, in general, has been shown to spur positive changes in the body’s endocrine response and thus boost the immune system overall. It would stand to reason that scalp massage—as any massage type—would also offer this benefit.
• Improves the body’s healing ability. Again, a function of increased blood flow, healing often depends on good circulation. As scalp massage does a great deal to promote better circulation around the head and neck areas, the healing process is helped along during a scalp massage treatment—or in many cases, throughout regular therapies of this nature.
• Reduces pain. Most messages you receive at a spa will undoubtedly help with pain and discomfort. If you are especially affected by headaches, then a scalp massage could prove incredibly beneficial.

This is a frequently asked question. Many massages are pretty difficult to perform on yourself. However, a scalp massage is one of the more accessible DIY treatments you can try at home. You want to gently use your fingers to apply medium pressure to the scalp area. Circular motion tends to be the most effective. When trying a scalp massage on yourself, the key is to keep it simple and concentrate on the tenser areas.

You could get progressively heavier with the pressure as you go. You can also buy tools to help with your at-home scalp massage. Many people like to try scalp massage in the shower and wash their hair. This is a fairly common practice. At times, people will incorporate certain hair/scalp oils into the process for another layer of relaxation--especially if there is aromatherapy.

While yes, you can perform a type of scalp massage at home, professional spa-based scalp massages do take this form of massage to a new level for you. Many spas will have scalp massage as an a la carte feature—many will also add scalp massage onto other treatments. For example, while waiting for a body wrap to take full effect, the therapist might perform a scalp massage on you to help soothe and relax you even more! The oil they will likely use is different from that used during a traditional Swedish or back massage. Typical massage oils used on the scalp may include olive oil or jojoba oil, among other types.

Among the many benefits listed here of scalp massage, there is also the fact that it can help improve your sleep immensely. Life can be hectic; a good night’s sleep is thus essential. If you have trouble sleeping, then perhaps regular scalp massages will make a notable difference and lead to healthier, more productive days.