Researchers have studied and documented the positive benefits of massage therapy on biochemistry, including decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Scalp massages can positively impact your body's production of dopamine and serotonin, increasing mood-boosting serotonin and dopamine, while decreasing cortisol. In a study of female office workers, it was observed scalp massage had effects on stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate.
Increased endorphins, serotonin and dopamine hormones is a common benefit gained through massage. Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are positive hormones that circulate around the body. Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine can give a person a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety.
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.
Massage increases dopamine by lowering Cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. People with Fibromyalgia generally have low dopamine levels which is why getting a weekly massage can help them both with their physical pain as well as the mental side effects they may be dealing with, like lack of focus and joy.
Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of the brain's reward system. Sex, shopping, smelling cookies baking in the oven — all these things can trigger dopamine release, or a "dopamine rush."
The therapist's touch causes an immediate reaction in your brain. As soon as your skin's nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high.
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.
The scalp is rich in nerve endings, and a massage activates these receptors. As the fingers move across the scalp, they stimulate the nerve endings, sending signals to the brain that result in a pleasurable response.
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.
The four, key happiness-boosting hormones include: Dopamine: Often called the "happy hormone," dopamine results in feelings of well-being. A primary driver of the brain's reward system, it spikes when we experience something pleasurable.
During orgasm, your body releases dopamine, known as “the feel-good hormone,” and oxytocin, sometimes called “the love drug.” These hormones increase feelings of happiness and other positive emotions, and they counteract the “stress hormone,” cortisol.
What is the role of dopamine? Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions.
Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.
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.
Most studies looked at daily massage. If you can fit in at least a few minutes a day, that may yield the best results. But every other day or even a few times a week might be enough, so do what works for you. And if you wash your hair every day, lathering up with your fingers counts too!
Promotes Relaxation: The rhythmic motion of scalp massage induces a state of relaxation. This can help to calm the mind, reduce mental fatigue, and ease anxiety symptoms. Incorporating essential oils like lavender or chamomile can enhance this effect due to their natural calming properties.
Your muscles and other soft tissues (tendons, ligaments, and fascia) are full of nerve endings. When you get a massage and those soft tissues are manipulated, it can activate nerves in the muscle or even trigger nerve activity in other areas. Another factor for that tingling feeling is increased blood flow.
Regular head massages improve blood circulation to the brain, enhance cognitive functions like memory and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote both hair health and brain relaxation. Techniques include using warm oil and massaging the temples, scalp, and neck for 10-15 minutes weekly.
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.
A scalp massage before every shampoo session revives hair growth by activating blood micro-circulation. It's simple: the more blood, oxygen and vitamins the hair receives, the the healthier and more beautiful it becomes.
Feeling "drugged" after a massage is a common side effect of the relaxation response that massage can trigger. When you receive a massage, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that also produce a sense of euphoria.
Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.
Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.