Scalp massage ensures happy ending

The best 20 minutes of my month happen on a massage table. Not that the entire hour-long session isn't exceptional because, frankly, it is. The tension-reducing benefits are phenomenal, and, let's be honest, it's the only time a girl can be naked with a man and not worry about whether he's getting anything out of it (or when he'll finish).

It's the first 20 minutes, though, that really do me in. My massage therapist always starts at my head, working along the temples and then across the scalp. He massages my forehead and traces my hairline, then runs his fingers back through my hair. In the world of licensed massaged therapists, I'm sure this part has a technical name. To my untrained sensory system, however, it feels deliciously close to hair stroking, and every month I pray it will never end.

"Do you think, next time, I could book an entire session just for this?" I ask as he kneads my scalp with his firm fingers.

He laughs. "Sure." So far, though, I haven't had the nerve to request a full-on hair stroking session. God knows, though, I've thought about it.

In a recent informal poll of my girlfriends, every woman agreed that hair stroking is the height of eroticism. As a matter of fact, most of the women admitted they would be willing to trade a fair number of favors, sexual and otherwise, for a quality scalp massage. Gentlemen, take note: if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, then the way into a woman's pants is through her head.

According to Ayurveda, the Indian holistic health system that dates back more than 2,000 years, the benefits of scalp massage extend beyond the purely sensual. Ayurvedic writer Shreelata Suresh suggests warm oil scalp massages to strengthen and condition hair, and she credits regular sessions with encouraging new hair growth. Scalp massages also increase circulation to the head and neck, which reduces tension and promotes relaxation.

So just why does it feel so darn good?

A June 2008 Women's Health article points to the scalp as an erogenous zone "like your nipples or the nape of your neck." When this rarelytouched part of the body is stimulated, the brain's

sensory cortex releases the hormones serotonin and dopamine. Psychology Today calls serotonin the "Zen-master" of neurotransmitters and credits dopamine with the feelings of infatuation and joy that come with falling in love. Now that is some serious head stroking.

For those without a partner - or who don't have time to schedule a professional session - Amazon. com sells motorized scalp

massagers for $9.99. The product description for the "octopus-shaped" batteryoperated massager reads: "This handheld device gently stimulates millions of nerve endings on the scalp, as well as acupressure points that create a feeling of pleasant giggly goose-bumpy sensation." As with most things in life, going solo on a scalp massage is not nearly as fun as flying tandem, but it's hard to deny the promise of giggly goose bumps.

If you'd rather not go it alone, then try this approach. The next time the old standby "Hey baby, wanna - " falls flat, slide this one in, "Hey baby, wanna scalp massage?" You may find that your bedtime story has its own happy ending.

Contact Artis

>>Send your dating tips, questions, and disasters to: sandydays@floridaweekly.com