A head massage is ideal for relaxing and releasing the tensions accumulated over the course of the day. If you do it yourself, start with basic relaxation inducing techniques, such as applying moist heat, greasing your head, and detangling your hair. Then move on to the actual massage. If you are alone you can take advantage of some of these techniques to practice self-massage. You will feel the stress simply flow away, leaving you with a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Relax the Person
Step 1. Wash your hands
It is always best to have clean hands when giving a massage. Scrub them thoroughly with warm, soapy water. You need to spend at least 20 seconds washing your hands.
Step 2. Start with moist heat
It can help the person relax. For example, you can suggest that she take a bath. Another option is to moisten a washcloth, heat it in the microwave, and wrap it around his head for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3. Detangle your hair
It may be helpful to brush your hair first so your fingers don't get caught in knots. But you can also use just your fingers to untangle at least the biggest knots, before proceeding with the massage.
If during the treatment you get a knot, do not try to tear it: you would cause the exit from the state of relaxation
Step 4. Apply an oil
Most cooking oils are fine for this purpose, as are massage oils. You can use avocado, coconut, almond, or mustard seed, to name a few. Start on the sides. Massage the oil into your scalp using your thumbs and fingers in an upward motion towards the crown of the head. Work on both the front and back of the head.
First heat the oil with your hands and start with a few drops. You can always increase the amount later
Part 2 of 3: Doing a Simple Massage
Step 1. Go slowly
While massaging the head try to proceed with slow and delicate movements, which induce well-being more easily than rapid movements and which are also decidedly more relaxing.
For this type of massage the person can indifferently sit or lie down
Step 2. Make small circles
With your fingertips, make light circular motions all over your head. Work forward starting from the nape of your neck and then work your way back. Repeat this sequence of movements all over your head a couple of times.
Step 3. Massage the neck
Support the neck with one hand and gently massage it with the other, using your thumb on one side and the other fingers on the other. Move up and down the neck. During the massage try to move the skin instead of rubbing it.
- You can also perform this movement at the base of the head, at the hairline.
- If you are practicing self-massage, use your thumbs on the base of the head. Keeping one thumb on each side, make circular movements and massage the base of the head. This is an area where a lot of tension builds up, which a slow massage can help release.
Step 4. Massage the base of the palm
Place your hands on the scalp near the temples. You can use this technique on someone else, but it's also fine if you do it on yourself. The base of the palm of the hands must be in correspondence with the temples. Apply light pressure and push up for a few seconds. This technique is also suitable for massaging other areas of the head.
Part 3 of 3: Do a Deep Massage
Step 1. Have the person lie on their back
With the deep massage, more pressure is exerted, therefore more effort is required: if the person is relaxed it will be easier for both. Have her lie on her back and stand behind her facing her face, in the same direction.
Step 2. Massage the neck and base of the head
To start, put your hands under your head. Massage the neck in an upward motion until you reach the base of the head. Your fingers should pause for a moment at the hairline. Massage in a circular motion starting from the base of the head. It is a different movement from that described for the simple massage, which involves supporting the neck with one hand. In this case, however, you just perform a massage with your fingertips.
Step 3. Raise the person's head straight up
As you raise your head, the circles become wider and you can exert more pressure, which makes this technique different from simple massage, where the movements are generally gentle. Both the thumbs and the other fingers are used in the deep message. Don't forget the crown of the head. At the temples, always proceed upwards, massaging the scalp with slow and deep circles.
Step 4. Try pulling your hair a little
With your fingertips, gently massage your head in a forward motion, starting from the back. Going back, pick up some strands and gently pull them outwards. Proceeding towards the nape of the neck, pick up other strands and gently pull them.
