Many types of massage strokes are used during a head massage. Strokes are performed with flat fingers and hands and can vary from light to firm pressure. Using different types of strokes on the scalp, neck and shoulders are known to be an effective stress reliever and effective in providing relief from acute and chronic headaches.

Kneading is a common massage technique used during a head massage. Kneading is applied onto the neck and shoulders where there is muscle tissue. Kneading is a slow rhythmic massage technique that squeezes and pulls tissue. Kneading involves compressing soft tissues, improving deeper blood and lymph circulation. Stimulating the lymph circulation is important to remove waste products out of the tissues and maintain healthy muscles.

Circular frictions are applied using finger tips or thumbs. During a head massage circular frictions can be used on the scalp and neck. Pressure and depth of frictions can be adjusted dependent on the desired outcome. Circular frictions are repeated over the same area to help relieve tightness in the tissues and increase circulation.

Acupressure is used often in a head massage. Acupressure is a specific technique where fingertip or thumb pressure is applied on to pressure points or trigger points within the soft tissues. Pressure points help to dissolve knots, relax muscles and encourage blood circulation around the body. Pressure points are used around the shoulder, head and face to release common areas of tension. Acupressure is effectively used to decrease headaches.

A head massage is beneficial for relieving stress. Stress is an emotional and physical strain when we are faced with certain situations. A head massage helps relieve stress by reducing heart rate, decreasing the release of stress hormones and relieving tension in the body. A head massage creates a therapeutic effect on the body, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. A head massage also stimulates the release of feel good hormones and decreases the number of stress hormones released from the brain. Feel good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine override stress hormones and replace bad emotions with positive.

A head massage can help decrease pain. The neck, head and shoulders can often become tense and hard causing headaches and muscle soreness. A head massage aims to release any tension by manipulating muscles through certain massage techniques. Emotional stress can also begin to produce aches and pains in the body. A head massage promotes blood circulation and increased levels of oxygen in the blood to relieve stiffness and soreness in the muscles.

A head massage can help improve circulation to the head and face. Improved circulation brings nutrients and oxygen to the head and neck area, improving brain function and increasing the removal of toxins. Enhancing the delivery of nutrients encourages healing throughout the body and promotes better health.

A head massage also encourages a feeling of relaxation. The massage treatment can be carried out across the shoulders, upper arms, head and face. By massaging around these body parts, it energises a general relaxation feel. When the body and mind relaxes energies in the body become rebalanced, improving mood and mental state. When the body relaxes muscles are also encouraged to relax allowing tension to be decreased. After a head massage an increased feeling of peace, calmness and relaxation are achieved.