Does massage help cellulite?

10 May Does massage help cellulite?

I have had a few clients ask me if massage can help with their cellulite. I can not say 100% that it will. I do not have a magic wand to make it disappear which is a shame as I would be very rich, but it is felt that massage may help reduce cellulite

What actually is cellulite? Its a question we all ask because, be honest, most people have it and nobody wants it. It’s a bit like an unwanted family member.

Cellulite

Cellulite is small pockets of fat trapped under the skin. This gives the appearance of dimples (which are cute on a baby but not so cute on your buttocks). The skin can feel and look bumpy.

Facts about cellulite

• More women than men have cellulite (sorry ladies)
• Having cellulite does not mean you are overweight, even skinny people can have it too
• If other females have it in your family, chances are you will have it too
• Cellulite is less noticeable on darker skin so applying a self tanner may help the appearance
• Exercise can improve cellulite (I better get off my dimpled bottom then!)

 

How do I adapt a massage to help reduce cellulite?

To begin the treatment I start with dry body brushing the area. This opens up the pores and gets the blood flowing to the area and boosts circulation. I then perform the massage using particular movements that may help reduce the fat trapped in the pockets. The techniques break down the fat thats trapped. These techniques include knuckling using my fists to massage the bulging areas, kneading with fingers and hands and wringing (like wringing out a wet towel). It is felt that these techniques are the most effective.

Information and advice about how to reduce is cellulite is very conflicting and there seems to be very little scientific research to confirm what works and what doesn’t. Some people swear by a cellulite cream they use. Some people say that they have noticed improvements by body brushing every day. You will find some companies that claim to have the miracle product to banish cellulite however they don’t have the evidence to back it up. My view on this is, if you use a product and you feel it makes a difference thats great. If you body brush and feel your skins appearance is better, brilliant. Everyone will have their own opinion and everybody is different.

Maybe, and I’m going to shock you now, maybe we should learn to love our little dimples even if they aren’t on our cheeks.

If you would like to discuss massage then contact me at my therapy room near Harleston, Norfolk.