What is a holistic head massage?
The technique of this relaxing massage involves acupressure on specific areas such as the head, neck, face, and shoulders, offering numerous mental and physical benefits. Originating over 2,000 years ago in India, an Indian Head massage has stood the test of time as a holistic approach to well-being. 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.Provides Natural Pain Relief: Massage encourages the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which help reduce headache severity and frequency. Reduces Stress: Regular head massages lower cortisol levels, calming the nervous system and alleviating stress-induced tension.Overall healing benefits of holistic massage include: reduced stress and anxiety. Higher energy levels. Alleviation of muscular tension and stiffness. Increased mobility and flexibility.Reduces stress Experts say that a scalp massage helps release oxytocin, a hormone that is related to a happy and relaxed feeling. It also helps combat the production of the stress hormone. A scalp massage also helps regulate the heart rate and blood pressure.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 is an holistic massage?
Holistic massage is a therapeutic treatment that focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing specific physical symptoms. This massage technique combines traditional and modern methods to promote overall well-being, relaxation, and balance. Holistic doctors typically have a medical degree and base their treatments on holistic medicine. This can include osteopaths and integrative physicians, among others. Holistic medicine is a whole-body approach to healthcare. It aims to improve health and wellness through the body, mind, and soul.Holistic massages are massages that use natural methods and go beyond the physical symptoms. Holistic comes from ‘holos’, the Greek word for whole, and holistic therapies try to positively affect our whole bodies.A holistic approach means to provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. The support should also consider their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.Holistic approaches include but are not limited to: acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, massage therapy, chiropractic physicians, manual therapy, naturopathic physicians, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, therapeutic touch, reiki and other energy therapies, and ayurveda.
What is the difference between a massage and a holistic massage?
The fundamental difference is the focus. A conventional massage typically targets specific physical muscle relief. A holistic massage, however, focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with the movement of joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing.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.Different needs require different types of massages in order to attain the greatest benefit. Here are four different massages – Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement and Friction – and instructions when to use them and how to do them.
What happens during a holistic massage?
Relaxation and Warm-Up: Your therapist will start with gentle Swedish massage strokes to warm up your muscles and help you relax. Targeted Techniques: Depending on your needs, the therapist may switch to deeper techniques, such as deep tissue or sports massage, to work on specific areas of tension. Stay hydrated. Some studies question the benefits of drinking water after a massage, Allen acknowledges. But most massage therapists still encourage hydration to help flush waste and prevent next-day soreness. And at least for those first few hours after a massage, avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.Massage can increase the release of neurotransmitters that promote positive and calming sensations. At the same time, massage also helps to reduce hormone levels that affect some less pleasant feelings. This combination can lead to that lingering feeling of relaxation after a massage.Massage therapy is more than just a relaxation tool—it’s a powerful method for addressing the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma and PTSD. By calming the nervous system, releasing muscle tension, and improving the mind-body connection, massage can help trauma survivors reclaim their health and well-being.Common examples include lactic acid, carbon dioxide, lymphatic waste, and perceived environmental toxins. While these substances exist in the body, massage doesn’t directly extract or eliminate them – it may only help support systems already in place to manage them.
What to do after a holistic massage?
After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. During a massage treatment you would normally remove your outer clothing, but keep your underwear on. If you prefer to wear some kind of sports shorts, this is also a good option. However if someone prefers to remain clothed then a treatment can still be given.