What is a Head/Facial?
As the name suggests, Head/Facial Massage is the use of a massage technique on the face, scalp and neck area. It is designed to relax the mind and encourage circulation.
Like any good massage, a scalp massage with proper techniques can turn a feel-good rub into something special. When you add a facial massage with specific even stroking and the use of pressure in particular areas, this combination is something that should be tried. Our therapists on top of this adds neck massages with or with oil and can sometimes combine specific tools or heat.
How is a Head/Facial Massage performed?
If only a Head/Facial Massage is being performed then there is no need to undress. All that is required is for you to lay flat on your back as if you are receiving a facial scrub or treatment.
Massaging with the fingertips and also sharp retraction like motions relax and stimulate the scalp. On the face, the fingers and palms are used in various even strokes.
The use of oils if requested can aid in dry and itchy scalp conditions. Many carrier/base oils can be extremely helpful as they can influence the sebaceous glands which in turn can normalise their functions.
Oils can deeply penetrate into the hair shaft and follicle and help harvest healthy shiny hair which in turn can encourage new hair growth. Coconut, Jojoba, Almond, Avocado and Olive are great as base oils for scalp massage.
Coconut oil has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and marvellous for dry scalp condition and dry hair.
Jojoba oil is highly penetrative and helps dissolve sebum to unblock the pores providing a healthier scalp.
Sweet Almond oil helps strengthen hair and regular massage help induce hair growth.
Avocado and Olive oil are rich in nourishing vitamins and are excellent choices for improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair growth.
Acupressure, which involves applying finger pressure on certain points on the head is also used. Acupressure is based on the awareness that lines of energy called meridians run throughout the body including the head and face. The use of pressure on key points along the lines is thought to releases the blocked energy.
The massaging of the neck either with or without oil is also part of the massage. Depending on the tightness and symptoms that the therapist is treating, heat and other massage apparatus may be used.
What are the benefits of Head/Facial Massage?
It is designed to relax the mind, encourage circulation and relieve tension. These massages can be very effective as a stress reducer and relieve headaches.
The benefits of this type of massage includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Can condition the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry, itchy scalp if oils are used.
- Enhances blood circulation in the head and neck area.
- Head massage can help to strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts.
- Strengthening the hair follicles
- Helps relax the scalp and the muscles in the neck area.
- Helping to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Can increase the production of sweat to excrete waste products through the skin.
- Encourages lymphatic drainage which can benefit the face by pushing out toxins.
- Let’s in more nutrients leaving the skin nourished and glowing.
- Reduction in headaches and migraines.