Acupressure massage is a regimen that has been practiced since Chinese medicine originated in 1600 B.C. The ritual has many benefits for hair including:

• blood health
• Blood circulation to the scalp and face.
• Bring oxygen to the scalp
• eliminating toxins
• Remove dandruff, dead skin cells and debris.
• In turn, these benefits stimulate hair growth and strengthen existing hair. To increase the overall benefits of acupressure massage, it is recommended to use olive oil when massaging the scalp, as it neutralizes DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Olive oil contains natural ingredients that reduce the formation of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp; therefore, by using it when you massage, you are helping to promote hair growth both on the outside and on the inside.

How to do it:

1) Start by twisting a strand of hair around your finger and gently pull at the roots, just to stimulate the nerve endings.

2) On the scalp is the place called “the seat of bliss”, located approximately 6 or 8 finger widths above the eyebrows; start here. You will be able to feel that it is a little softer than the rest of your skull.

3) Start in circular motions, gently massaging into the seat of bliss before branching out over the rest of the skull; allow your strokes to become firmer as you move further from the seat of bliss.

4) As you branch out, pay particular attention to the occipital crest, this is the junction point where the muscle attaches to the skull, right at the hairline above the neck. Here you will find a powerful acupressure point. If you feel any tension here, apply pressure with your thumb or fingers and hold for a few moments; you can hold this point for up to a couple of minutes if you want a deeper release. After letting go, you will feel that the blood circulation begins to flow easily and the traces of tension will disappear.

5) Draw a line with your finger down the middle of your scalp. There are acupressure points located along this line; stimulate them by applying gentle pressure with your fingertips. Stopping when you reach the bottom of the hairline.

6) Pay attention to the edge of the hairline that frames the face. Massaging these points will not only stimulate hair growth, but they are also perfect places to stimulate stress relief.

7) There are acupressure points all over the scalp, so be sure to massage the entire area with your fingertips. Repeat the process of applying pressure and releasing until you feel the stitches loosen.

8) This concludes your hair growth massage. After following these instructions, the blood flow along with nutrients and oxygen is propelled to the scalp. This will nourish hair growth from the inside while the olive oil will remove DHT buildup on the outside.

Other powerful acupressure points include the junction points of the jaw, the temples, behind the ears, and the inner corner of the eyebrows. Add these points to your daily massage to complement the benefits for the hair. Here’s a quick guide to those points and the benefits of manipulating them.

Inside the brow bone:

If you’ve been spending too many hours on the computer or are stressed, there’s an easy way to fix that tension headache. Gently press your thumb or forefinger against the inside of your brow bone and move it in a circular motion. This point can be very tight and sore at first. In general, if you push hard enough, you will be able to feel the pain spread from your eye socket to your neck. The good news is that after working on this point for two to five minutes, the relief follows the same pattern. You will feel your tight head loosen and the sensation often spreads down around the eye socket and along the jaw and neck.

The occipital crest:

This is the region located at the back of the head where the base of the skull meets the spine. The muscle attaches along this point which often becomes tense and cramping when sitting for long periods of time or under stress. A slow, rhythmic circular massage or firm stroking motion on tense points on the occipital crest will relieve tension in the neck, shoulders, and head. Massaging this area often relieves headaches so well that there is no need for pain relievers. When using the stroking motion, cerebrospinal fluid is often helped along the spine; this promotes general well-being and is a wonderful stress reliever. Stimulation of the points along the occipital crest also stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which promotes hair growth.

The temples:

A circular massage of the temples is a well-known cure for a headache; but what most don’t know is that it also carries blood to the face and scalp. This promotes hair growth and encourages the skin to get a healthy glow. Increased blood flow to the face also stimulates muscle tone and prevents premature aging. Rhythmic massage around the temples will loosen tension and aches around the head and often the neck as well when done correctly.

The jaw:

Many are surprised when they discover that the muscle attachments in the jaw can be stimulated during acupressure massage. We hold an immense amount of tension around our jaw; The sad thing is that many miss out on the amazing results that stimulation of this acupressure point can produce. Massaging the jaw increases blood flow to the facial muscles, providing them with a concentrated dose of nutrients; This in turn promotes good muscle tone, a healthy glow, and wrinkle prevention. The best method of massaging the jaw is to allow the mouth to open and feel for the areas that are tense. Once you identify the tight spots along the muscle insertions, begin a gentle, circular massage. It is often very sensitive for many people, so be careful when starting out. Be gentle.

It’s important to have on mind:

• All of the points listed above can have constant pressure applied for a couple of minutes at a time. “Holding” the points for an extended period of time provides a deeper release.
• Massage releases a lot of toxins in the body, so it is essential to drink a considerable amount of water afterwards. This prevents cramps, headaches, and muscle fatigue.
• Alternate between long, relaxing strokes and massage acupressure points for a stress-relieving experience.
• A one time scalp massage will not produce new hair, you need to do it daily to really see results.