Headaches can make one really uncomfortable and may even prevent them from being able to focus or relax. Sometimes, headaches can stem from our muscles, especially those in the areas around the head, neck, or shoulders. A gentle head massage can reduce pain and make us better, but how does that happen, and how can it be done at home? This is the blog talking about how a massage can help reduce head pain with easy steps and techniques that anyone can follow.
Why Does Head Massage Help with Head Pain?
The head massage gives relief because it relaxes the muscles in our scalp and neck, where most of the tension tends to build up. Tension will cause these muscles to tighten that may result in headaches or aggravate them. By rubbing, pressing, or tapping gently on these areas, we increase blood flow, unwind, and acquire a feeling of calmness that most significantly would give relief with the pain.
Steps of a Simple Head Massage at Home
If you feel the headache is on its way, you can just try these following steps for a quick and easy head massage. You may do it on yourself or have your friend or family member assist you.
1. Get Comfortable
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Try to be in a quiet place with few distractions in order to relax yourself fully.
2. Start with Forehead Massage
- Use your fingertips to massage gentle pressure into the center of your forehead.
- Slowly trace your fingers out and around toward your temples in little circles.
- Repeat several times using gentle pressure.
3. Massage the Temples
- Start with placing your fingers on your temples (the soft flesh on either side of your head, behind your eyes).
- Massage your temples with little circular motions for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- This helps soften the tightness of tension across your forehead and the eyes area where headache pain typically begins.
4. Scalp While Head Massage
- Massage the top of your head with your fingertips exerting light pressure.
- Using your fingers, massage on your scalp using little circular motion with your top part of your head towards the back and sides.
- Use light or medium pressure whichever suits you more.
5. Massage the Base of Your Skull
- Place your thumbs against the rear of your head where your neck meets the rear of your skull.
- Rub, using your thumbs, in a circular motion for about 15 seconds.
- This is a tensed area commonly referred to as the occipital ridge, and contributes to the majority of headaches. By rubbing these muscles, they often relax them
6. Massage the Neck and Shoulders
- Tension throughout the neck and shoulders can also cause head pain as a result of pulled muscles.
- Press the back of your neck gently with your fingers from the top of your neck down to your shoulders.
- Massage each shoulder by moving your fingers or thumbs in circular motions.
7. Closing with Light Tapping at the Head
- Tap lightly on top of your head with your fingers.
- This tapping-a percussive motion, should help facilitate improvement in blood circulation while smoothing the scalp.
- Head Massage Techniques
- Here are a few techniques to use in the head massage, so go over these.
8. Kneading
- Using your fingers and your thumbs, you apply gentle pressure and then release sections of the scalp.
- Kneading is ideal for getting rid of tensions and stimulating blood flow in the affected areas.
9. Circular Motion
- Using your fingertips you make tiny circular motions with these.
- These are perfect near the temples and the scalp areas.
10. Pressure While Head Massage
- At points such as the temple or the back of the neck, use your fingers or thumbs to exert gentle steady pressure.
- Hold pressure for a few seconds and release.
11. Tapping
- Tapping your fingers lightly across the entire scalp
- Tapping can stimulate blood flow, which can help to release accumulated tension.
Tips for an Amazing Head Massage
A head massage should ideally be carried out with gentle and smooth strokes. Take care not to apply too much pressure because this might make your headache worse. Instead, use gentle strokes and ensure you are comfortable all through the session.
Try Adding Oil While Head Massage
Some people use just a few drops of oil for a massage over the head. For instance, coconut, almond, or lavender have soothing properties within and can add to the relaxing effect of the massage. Even less than this tiny amount is soothing but could help to ease the pain.
Apply a Warm Compress
Add to relaxation during the final stages of the massage by lying with a warm towel or compress over your head and neck. Warmth enhances the effects of relaxation in some parts of the body, thus ending the massage session perfectly.
When to Seek Medical Care
A scalp massage certainly might aid some individuals, but if you experience fairly recurrent or really nagging headaches, this will most likely not suffice. Headaches often herald more obscure diseases like migraine or tension headaches or other causes. If your head aches frequently or does not respond to simple remedies like a scalp massage, you should see a healthcare provider for guidance.
Conclusion On Head Massage
A head massage is a pain-relieving and relaxing procedure using very simple, non-medically invasive methods. Whether you suffer from tension headaches or just need a break from your daily stress, these easy steps will help you feel better in no time. Using only a few minutes and a soothing touch, you’ll be able to enjoy the head massage benefits and reduce your head pain naturally. So the next time you feel tension, treat yourself to a quick massage-you won’t regret doing that!
