What happens to the brain during a head massage?

Author: Arlo Hartmann  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

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.

What happens to your brain when you get a massage?

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.

What hormone is released during a head massage?

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.

What are the side effects of head massage?

Possible Downsides
  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps on your scalp.
  • Cuts, abrasions, or other skin damage on your scalp.
  • Undiagnosed pain or inflammation on your scalp.
  • Sunburn on your scalp.

What happens during a head massage?

Head Massage: Focuses on the entire head, including the scalp, temples, forehead, and the back of the neck. Involves a combination of techniques like kneading, circular motions, and acupressure to release tension and promote blood circulation. Helps relieve headaches, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

5 Minute Daily Routine Qigong Massage Head, Brain to REDUCE HEADACHE, RELEASE STRESS, and REST WELL

Is a head massage good for the brain?

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.

What are the results of head massage?

Scalp massage, in addition to having a relaxing effect, results in increased blood flow and skin softening. Therefore, patients have the notion that it can also increase hair growth rates. However, the effect of scalp massage on hair growth has not been evaluated in sound clinical trials and its effect remains unclear.

Why do those head massages feel so good?

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.

Why does my head feel weird after a massage?

Massages can be pretty intense workouts for your muscles, and they can cause you to lose fluids through sweating and increased circulation. If you're not properly hydrated before and after your massage, you might find yourself with a splitting headache.

What are the symptoms of detoxing after a massage?

Hydrating and resting can help alleviate these symptoms. After a massage, mild detox symptoms can occur as the body eliminates toxins. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle soreness, and headaches due to the release of lactic acid and other waste products.

Does head massage release dopamine?

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.

What emotions are released during a massage?

Some people may experience a sudden rush of grief, anger, sadness, fear or hysteria; and even if you've had regular massages before, you might experience the emotional release a sporadic phenomenon. You are not alone.

What hormone is released during orgasm?

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 are the neurological effects of massage?

Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine through stimulating the autonomic nervous system. An increase in the levels of endorphins can leave the individual feeling a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation and calmness. Massage can reduce feelings of stress.

What chemical is released when you get a massage?

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 are the disadvantages of head massage?

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.

What happens to the brain during head massage?

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.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

Are head massages healthy?

The study found that head massage treatment reduced depression symptoms, decreased feelings of boredom, and positively influenced anxiety levels. Another benefit was the feeling of liveliness experienced by the participants.

Why does pressing my forehead feel good?

This motion activates touch receptors in the face and sends information to the brain in the form of vibrotactile signals. The human brain receives the same kind of touch signals when a person shakes their hand as they pull it back from a painfully hot pan — another way we seek touch-mediate pain relief.

How many minutes should you massage your scalp?

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.

Is head massager good for brain?

Head massage can also improve blood circulation to the scalp and brain. This can help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth. It can also improve brain function, memory, and concentration.

What are the spiritual benefits of head massage?

Spiritual Benefits

Crown chakra massage is designed to open and balance the crown chakra, the gateway to higher consciousness. This can lead to an enhanced sense of spiritual awareness, making individuals more attuned to their spiritual path and the deeper meanings of life.

Does massage help balance hormones?

How Can Massages Help Hormonal Imbalance? Along with the many wonderful benefits of massage therapy, it also helps to regulate hormones and to calm associated anxiety. When massages take place, our bodies produce higher levels of dopamine and serotonin which are neurohormones produced by nerve cells.

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