Massage of the scalp can stimulate the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles and is a precursor to melatonin. When melatonin levels are high, the body gets the message that it's time to sleep, which makes getting to sleep and staying asleep much easier.
Your head has some acupressure points that can be helpful for sleep. Start by rubbing the middle of the top of your head. If you drew two lines up your skull from the top of both ears, this point is right where they would meet. Push straight down about 100 ties or rub around in 100 circles here.
The recommended pressure points for improving sleep are: KD1 (the middle of the foot just behind the middle toe) SP6 (the inside of your lower leg, about four inches above the ankle) PC6 (the middle of your arm, about three inches from your hand)
It is because the parasympathetic nervous system regulates how the body reacts to stress. The stresses of modern life can be mitigated in part by engaging this mechanism, sometimes known as the “rest and digest” mode. A head massage induces a parasympathetic response in the recipient.
Exhaustion after a massage is common due to the body's physiological response, including reduced blood pressure, stress relief, and toxin release.
Head massage does have a few disadvantages. For starters, it's time-consuming — you'll need to make a daily commitment for several months to see any changes. There's also the risk of improper technique or overly aggressive scalp massage, which could cause scalp irritation or possibly even hair loss.
Apply pressure to the head, focusing primarily on the area around the temples and the base of the skull. Apply little pressure in a circular motion to these areas. This not only reduces the amount of tension you feel, but it also alleviates mental fatigue.
Key areas include: the back of your neck, between your thumb and index finger, behind your knees and just below the balls of your feet.
To promote sleep specifically, Testa recommends Swedish massage. This form of massage therapy is known for its relaxation benefits. Scalp and facial massages may be beneficial for stress and tension relief, too. “It's always surprising how much tension can be held in the muscles of the face and head,” says Testa.
Slow Your Breath, Slow Your Mind
Breathe in deep for 4 seconds, then take a long, slow breath out. Repeat this pattern until you can feel your heartbeat slow down. Your thoughts should soon ease up as well.
It is also recorded in the Canon of Internal Medicine that head massage has a long history of treating insomnia, which can be traced back to the earliest record in Miraculous Pivot: Meridians that “the Yangming meridians of the hands and feet are distributed on the forehead and face, and the Shaoyang meridians of the ...
Massaging the head stimulates the supply of oxygen to the brain. This is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety levels and improve your mood.
Try to massage your scalp using your fingertips for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day. Massaging your scalp every day will enhance blood circulation and can even strengthen your follicles. However, make sure you do it gently and not rub vigorously. This can cause your hair to break.
Cut out caffeine 10 hours before bed. Don't eat or drink alcohol 3 hours before bed. Stop working 2 hours before bed. Get away from your screens 2 hours before bed.
What Makes People Fall Asleep During Massages? When people receive a massage, their bodies naturally relax and let go of tension. This can have a profound effect on the body, leading to a deep sense of relaxation and peace. As the body relaxes, it can cause people to drift off into a natural state of sleep.
The healthiest direction to sleep is typically considered to be east or south. East is said to promote intellectual effectiveness and south is believed to enhance quality of sleep. Which direction should I put my head while sleeping? It is generally recommended to place your head towards the east or south.
Massage is Great for Pain Relief
If you suffer from tension headaches, neck aches, or backaches, you'll know how much difference a good head massage can make. The small muscles around your head are receptive to touch, with an extensive network of nerve endings and touch receptors.
Lomi Lomi massage originated in the Hawaiian regions centuries back. It was originally an indigenous religious or spiritual practice that evolved. The massage has the peculiar technique of kneading the muscles, which targets body pain and tries to achieve harmony in the body.
Scalp massages should be avoided for an oily scalp, dry/brittle hair and scalp, dandruff, and when there are scalp abrasions.