Benefits of Head Massage

A good head rub incorporates all the great things we love about any other type of massage — the pressure and rhythmic movements on the body’s soft tissue not only encourages us to relax, which already sounds good, but also may be a remedy for that crick in your neck.

Massage therapy is good therapy for pain reduction, and it has also been shown to boost alertness and immunity. And did you know that massage may be more effective therapy for back pain (and other common aches and pains) than acupuncture or a trip to the chiropractor

There are a few reasons why the pressure and kneading of a head massage may help improve your mood. First, of course, it feels good. But there’s more to it than that. Massage therapy may lift your mood and your sense of well-being. How? Hormones. Specifically three hormones: serotonin, dopamine and cortisol.

Serotonin imbalances are known to be associated with mood disorders, specifically depression. Dopamine, too, plays a role in mood; think of it as the reward and pleasure hormone. Studies have found that massage therapy had a positive impact on the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body, which translates into a positive impact on our mood. Serotonin levels increased an average of 28 percent after a massage session, and dopamine by an average of 31 percent. Massage also helps lower the levels of the stress-hormone cortisol in our bodies by an average of 31 percent. This hormone is involved in our fight-and-flight response and when we have too much circulating through our body we’re at risk for chronic inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Head massage is also beneficial for migraine sufferers. Migraines are painful, throbbing headaches and some sufferers also often complain of nausea, vomiting, fatigue as well as changes in vision, smell, hearing and taste. Those who suffer from stress-triggered migraines and other types of headaches may find relief from reduced muscle tension in the back of the head, the neck and the shoulders. Massage also helps improve blood circulation, possibly a key component to reducing the pain and/or frequency of migraines, which are associated with reduced blood flow to the brain.

Give us a call to book yourself one of our lovely massages today!