Head massage: indications, contraindications, techniques and correct technique

Indications for head massage procedures

Massage helps get rid of problems that cannot be cured even with the help of pills: for example, headaches, migraines, insomnia.

For good health:

Relaxation of the nervous system;
Increasing the level of immunity and performance;
Reducing headaches;
Relaxation of the muscles of the cervical-collar area, relieving spasms;
Normalization of blood pressure.

For beauty:

Accelerating hair growth, increasing its thickness;
Getting rid of the problem of oily hair;
Improved complexion;
Reducing the severity of wrinkles, creases, solving the problem of drooping facial oval.

Effect of massage for migraine

Massage is a unique technique that allows you to influence a wide variety of human systems and organs. In addition to relaxing muscles and improving the condition of the skin, it is able to stimulate blood circulation, the functioning of the nervous and lymphatic systems.

Head massage for migraines is primarily aimed at improving blood flow in the brain area. In turn, this contributes to the expansion and nutrition of blood vessels. Additional effects include:

Feeling of relaxation;
Relieving fatigue;
Stimulation of the glands of the head;
The body's production of histamine and acetylcholine;
Removing dead cells from the scalp.

It is also important that massage ensures a flow of oxygen to the organs. Thus, massage, which is carried out on the surface of the head, can not only alleviate the migraine condition, but also have a positive effect on the functioning of the brain as a whole. The patient may experience improved memory and concentration.

Massage of the cervical-collar area allows the patient to relieve pain in the head, neck and along the spinal table.

Self-massage of the head at home

You can conduct a session according to this scheme every day, returning tired from work. The self-massage procedure can be carried out even in the office: in a quiet environment, massage has a relaxing effect, in a work environment it helps to concentrate and improves performance.

Place your fingertips on your scalp and move them in a circular motion while applying slight pressure. Work the hair growth area located on the neck and move upwards.

Contact with hair can also have a relaxing effect: lightly tug on it, of course, to make it pleasant. Already in the first seconds of the procedure you will feel the flow of blood. At the end of the session, gently stroke the scalp and hair with both hands. Duration 1-2 minutes, but if you want more, we're all for it!

Many people do not attach importance to the process of combing, but in vain: it can have a positive effect on blood circulation and improves hair growth. By brushing your hair 2-3 times a day with a massage comb for a minute, you won’t experience hair loss!

Recommendations before the procedure

It is not recommended to prescribe a massage for yourself for migraines , since the area and intensity of the massage can only be determined by a doctor after diagnosis and identification of the main treatment complex, which may consist of:

medicines;
diets;
basic physical activity;
dietary supplements;
natural preparations;
traditional medicine.

Each person has his own physiological characteristics. And the manifestations of migraine in different people are also specific. What is indicated by one is contraindicated by others.

Therefore, you should not give a massage like your neighbor - you need to undergo diagnostics and determine whether massage is indicated at all.

If a doctor prescribes this type of procedure, then it should be done by a specialist who has certain knowledge:

which areas to massage;
how intense;
how many times a day;
for pain relief or prevention, etc.

Migraines can also be treated with triptans and injections (Botox and others). Find out more about them!

Classic head massage

Help the client get into a comfortable position.
Begin the procedure by moving the straight palm of your right hand in the direction from the right ear to the left. Halfway through, intercept the movement with your left hand and continue it to your left ear.
Using massaging movements with your fingertips, work the area of your forehead and temples.
Using zigzag movements, work the entire surface of the head.
Superciliary arches, depressions at the outer end of the eyebrows, behind the ears, mastoid processes, occipital protuberance - work all these points by pressing symmetrically on them with your fingertips for 5-10 seconds.
Using straight palms, move from the forehead to the back of the head (when performing such movements, be careful not to catch the hair and cause discomfort to the client).
Gently pull the hair, retreating 1 centimeter from the root. Work this way across the entire head.

Want to add a few moves to enhance the rejuvenating effects of your session?

Repeat these techniques (perform each movement for a minute):

Use your fist to work the forehead area.
Getting rid of crow's feet, bags under the eyes and drooping eyelids: from the outer corner of the eye, go to the inner corner, and then back under the eyebrow.
Work on the wings of the nose.
We tighten the oval and make the facial features more sculpted, working with the main massage lines:
from the corners of the lips to the ears;
from the wings of the nose to the temples;
from the outer corner of the eye to the temples.

The procedure time is 10 minutes. The frequency of sessions is 2-3 times a week, usually they are combined with the main procedure.

Features and techniques of massage for migraines

Massage helps relieve pain during an attack, making it an indispensable option during severe headaches. But, regardless of whether the procedure is carried out independently or with the help of a qualified massage therapist, at home or in a massage room, it is important that certain requirements are met. These include:

No massage action should cause pain or deterioration in the patient’s condition;
It is necessary to alternate impact techniques: stroking, rubbing, tapping, kneading;
The patient should be as relaxed as possible during the procedure. It is best if another person performs the massage;
The room in which the procedure is carried out should not be stuffy. It’s good if you can provide an influx of fresh air, twilight and silence. You can also place aromatherapy candles in the room;
Hygiene is important.

If the massage is not performed during the attack itself, but for preventive purposes, it is worth choosing a time when the patient can allocate several hours to sleep.

When performing a massage, it is necessary to alternate exposure techniques

Classical

Classic massage has virtually no contraindications, so it can be used even by pregnant women and children. His technique, unlike the spot one, is very simple:

The space behind the ears is massaged for 3-5 minutes. First it should be tapping movements, and then circular;
The temples are massaged in a circular motion in a clockwise direction;
The forehead area is massaged with circular and rubbing movements for 3-4 minutes;
Movements in the crown area are carried out not with the fingers, but with the palms. They are also performed in a circle and may include light pressure. The total procedure time is no more than 5 minutes.

Can also be done:

Circular movements between the eyebrows;
Massaging movements from the superciliary line to the temples;
Massaging movements from the eyebrow space to the hairline;
Circular movements in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head;
Massaging movements in the outer corner of the eye;
Tapping the cervical-collar area with the edge of the hand.

All movements should be moderately intense.
If unpleasant sensations arise, it is better to switch to a softer effect through stroking and rubbing. During the procedure, the use of oils or massage brushes is allowed. For the back of the head, shoulders and neck, it is best to use warming ointments. This will help enhance the relaxing and pain-relieving effect.

During the procedure, the use of special massage oils is allowed

Spot

Acupressure for migraines has a very good result, as it is aimed at stimulating certain areas that are responsible for the general condition of the body. In total, 10 points are allocated for this procedure, which are located both in the back of the head and in the front. Movements can be carried out with one, two or three fingers at the same time.

The basic rules of acupressure include:

It is better to start with relaxing stroking movements, and then move on to acupressure. The session should also be completed with stroking;
It is necessary to start and end the massage at one point;
You can simultaneously massage two points located symmetrically;
It is necessary to assume the most relaxed state;
The duration of exposure to one point should not last longer than a minute.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that acupressure massage is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can provoke premature birth.

Points of influence are located as follows:

On the outer surface of the forearm in a depression. Has a symmetrical point;
Near the temple at the hairline. Has a symmetrical point;
Near the outer corner of the eye in a depression. Has a symmetrical point;
Near the inner corner of the eye 2 mm closer to the nose. Has a symmetrical point;
In the area of the outer end of the eyebrow. Has a symmetrical point.

It is necessary to massage the points during migraines very carefully, avoiding painful sensations in the patient. If pain occurs or general health deteriorates, the procedure must be interrupted.

The temples are massaged in a circular motion in a clockwise direction.

Thai head massage

This technique is known throughout the world for its relaxing effect on the body. Masters who have mastered the technique win the hearts of clients, because in 5-10 minutes they can relieve stress that has accumulated for months. Even one session solves the problem of insomnia, soothes headaches and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the body.

Warm up the skin using simple movements with your fingertips and straight palms.
Using shock movements and pressure, work out all biologically active points. This is precisely the secret of the powerful anti-stress effect of technology.

Contraindications for massage

Despite all the benefits of massage, it is not always possible. Basically, contraindications are associated with imperfections of the cardiovascular system, since physical impact on the head area can provoke a worsening of existing pathological phenomena.

Thus, massage treatments for migraines are not recommended for people who have:

Heart failure;
Thrombosis;
Blood diseases;
Oncological neoplasms, even if they are benign;
Cases of previous heart attack;
Mental disorders.

Pregnancy, as mentioned above, is a contraindication to the acupressure technique. But the classic version of massage is only permissible if it does not pose a potential threat to the woman and the fetus.

For those patients for whom massage is not recommended, the attending physician can select appropriate physical therapy procedures.

Main points when performing a head massage:

Parietal fossae;
Center of forehead;
Occipital cavities;
A point located above the center of the eyebrow;
Hollows behind the ears;
Whiskey.

Movements should not cause discomfort for the client. Paired points are processed simultaneously. The procedure ends with stroking.

Indian head massage

It differs in that it affects not only the head area, but also the cervical-collar area, which gives a complex relaxation effect and allows you to get rid of spasms formed due to a sedentary lifestyle and improper sleep.

Assist the client into a comfortable sitting position.
Start the session with your shoulders: use classic movements to warm up this area.
Using the edges of your palms, massage the upper part of your shoulders.
Work the area of the back of the neck from bottom to top and from the center to the sides.
Tilt the client's head forward, holding it with your palm behind the forehead. Return to original position. Repeat three times.
Work all areas of the head using the movements provided in the classical technique.
Finish with stroking.

Massage in the fight against migraines

No matter where it hurts, and no matter what it hurts, pain can seriously ruin a person's life. Today we will talk about such a common disease as migraine. On average, every year about 30 million people in Russia suffer from migraines, two-thirds of whom are women. There are many ways to combat migraines and massage is one of them.

Main signs of migraine

A headache can be described as a migraine if the pain is so severe that it limits or impairs a person's activities and also negatively affects psychological well-being.

There are different forms of migraine, but all forms have similar features:

episodic or regular severe, excruciating headaches
throbbing and constant pain that lasts more than a day.

A sign of the onset of the disease is a headache that can occur several hours or even days before a migraine episode. Classic headache symptoms include partial loss of vision, tingling or numbness of the face, confusion, increased sensitivity to light and touch, heaviness in the head, and sharp pain in one area of the head. Typically, these symptoms last between five and 10 minutes before subsiding. If a person is able to recognize the symptoms and see a massage therapist promptly, the therapist can help relieve the client's pain and, in some cases, prevent another migraine attack.

How can massage help with migraines?

A three-pronged approach that includes aromatherapy, massage and cryotherapy can be an effective way to combat migraines.

Aromatherapy

The first step in the fight against migraines is calm and relaxation, and one effective way to achieve this goal is aromatherapy. Depending on the client's condition, you can offer him various mixtures of essential oils. For example, if a client knows that migraines are a result of stress, try using essential oils of nutmeg, clary sage, aralia, helichrysum, and lavender.

Massage

After choosing an oil, you can use a number of techniques (such as acupressure) aimed at reducing headaches. Be careful not to suddenly increase blood flow to the neck and head, as this can lead to worsening migraines. Many scientific studies have proven that cranio-sacral techniques are an excellent addition in the fight against migraines.

Cryotherapy

And finally, the third stage of treatment is cryotherapy (cold treatment; a physiotherapeutic procedure, the effect of which is based on the body’s response to hypothermia of the outer (receptor) layer of the skin). The massage therapist will have to try to reduce the excess blood flow to the head using cold stones, thereby normalizing blood circulation. When performing this technique, the massage therapist will reduce the pressing sensations that the client experiences in his head, helping him to calm down and relax. For these purposes, there are specially designed marble stones that are pre-cooled. These stones are applied to specific areas of the face and neck to achieve the desired effect. About 30% of migraine sufferers begin to feel relief during the session, 50% of people begin to feel relief within a short period of time after the session.

A little about cold stone therapy

This therapy works on the principle of heat exchange. When a cold object (rock) is in direct contact with an object of higher temperature (human skin), the cold object will absorb heat in an attempt to achieve equilibrium. When cold stones are placed on the skin, they cause blood vessels to constrict. After the cold stones are removed, the blood vessels dilate again, while the cells are saturated with renewed blood and oxygen. This process improves circulation. There are two main types of stones used for this type of massage - sea sedimentary stones and marble, as these rocks hold the cold the longest.

Benefits of cold stones:

• Reducing swelling; • Reduced muscle spasms; • Stimulation of the autonomic nervous system; • Improvement of tissue metabolism; • Impact not only on superficial tissues.

Contraindications

Before going for a massage, be sure to consult your doctor. Inform your masseuse if you have any health problems, fractures or tumors. Cold stone massage has undeniable benefits, but is not suitable for everyone.

Massage helps people cope with pain. For those clients who regularly suffer from migraines, or have just encountered this disease, massage can be a good help in combating this problem.

In what areas is it useful for masters to learn head massage techniques?

Massage therapists can add this technique to almost any basic session. You can use it as a free “compliment” for the client or offer it as a separate procedure.
Hairdressers. Firstly, after a properly performed head massage, the client will definitely return to you again, because he will definitely like this service! Secondly, care procedures will give a better effect.
For professionals in the spa industry, such a relaxing procedure will not leave guests indifferent.
Cosmetologists - any beauty procedure will work more effectively after such sessions. Why? We explain in the next paragraph.

The secrets of head massage are also useful for those who want to help family and friends by giving a massage after a hard day at work. Even home sessions have a good relaxing effect, relieve mild headaches and insomnia without the use of medications.

Why does head massage help get rid of wrinkles?

Head massage relieves spasms - the main causes of age-related changes. The oval of the face often becomes unclear precisely because of tension in the cervical-collar area, and not because of age.
Wrinkles appear not only due to a lack of collagen: nervousness, stress, and a state of constant tension lead to their formation. Massage relaxes and solves these problems even better than injections, because it affects the root of the problem.
Improving blood circulation refreshes the complexion, speeds up metabolism in skin cells, allowing them to receive more beneficial nutrients.
Getting rid of insomnia and headaches cannot but affect a person’s appearance!

Studying the technique is also useful for those who only dream of becoming a massage master: courses on teaching this technique do not take much time and are inexpensive. After completing the program, you can easily determine whether you like this field of activity. We bet you'll love it! Therefore, there are no random people in this profession, there are only those who really fell in love with massage and made their hobby their job. You can take online and offline training in head massage at the School of Massage Masters, whose specialists have prepared this article for you!

Author of the article:

Practicing: 15 years, Teaching: 8 years

Efficiency

The etiology of migraine is not yet fully understood. However, experts are inclined to believe that headaches in this disease are caused by changes in the blood vessels of the brain. Massage for migraines normalizes blood circulation, stimulates biologically active points, relieves muscle spasms and provokes the production of endorphins.

IMPORTANT! Massage for migraines has almost no contraindications.

Its effectiveness is also due to its positive effect on the nervous system: it normalizes sleep and helps get rid of depression, increases performance, and relieves stress. It also acts as an antispasmodic, analgesic, and accelerates the process of tissue restoration.

In addition, if taking any medications is impossible due to indications (for example, pregnant women and children), massage becomes an excellent alternative. If there is a sharp pressing pain, if it is not possible to immediately go to a specialist or take pills, you can do it yourself and quickly get rid of the discomfort. At home, massage can also be performed using electric massagers.