Basic techniques of anti-cellulite massage and self-massage

Author unknown.
2013-08-19

Cellulite is commonly referred to as bumpy skin in areas of excessive fat accumulation. A more accurate term for this skin condition is lipodystrophy. It is associated with impaired blood circulation in small vessels and lymph drainage in the problem areas of the body. Lipodystrophy is more of a cosmetic defect than a disease, and attention to it has only been paid relatively recently. The first publications about skin defects related to cellulite and the need to address them appeared in Vogue magazine in 1973.

Most often, cellulite appears in women from the ages of 20-25, especially in connection with pregnancy and childbirth. To determine the presence of this phenomenon, you need to pinch the skin on your thighs and squeeze it. If the skin resembles an orange peel, then you have cellulite. You can also simply look at yourself in the mirror from all angles. The favorite areas for cellulite are the buttocks and thighs. An active lifestyle, gym workouts, and massage help eliminate this cosmetic defect.

Features of Anti-Cellulite Massage

Anti-cellulite massage enhances blood circulation in small vessels and promotes lymph drainage. As a result, metabolism improves in the body, becoming more intense, and fat deposits are involved in metabolic processes. This leads to a reduction in subcutaneous fat in problem areas, smoothing of the skin, and activation of the renewal of its surface layer. Increased blood circulation also improves the removal of fluids and by-products of metabolism from the body.

During the massage, there is also an effect on the muscles. Metabolism in the muscles improves, making them more elastic and increasing skin tone. Overall, anti-cellulite massage makes the figure slimmer and the skin younger.

When performing anti-cellulite massage, several rules should be followed. The massage is carried out intensely, but smoothly and carefully. The patient should not experience pain or be left with bruises. The massage always starts at a slow pace and gradually accelerates. It is recommended that the masseur uses lubricants to make their hands glide easily over the body.

Results can only be achieved with regular anti-cellulite massage—at least once a week. The body is massaged only from bottom to top (from the periphery to the heart). Special attention during the massage should be given to the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks; however, the groin area should be avoided.

Main Techniques

Anti-cellulite massage is based on the techniques of classical massage and primarily includes techniques associated with the grasping of soft tissues and intensive effects on them.

Effleurage is performed superficially using the pads of the fingers. This technique is used to start and finish the massage. It soothes and improves blood circulation.

Friction. The massage is performed with the palm of the hand and widely spread fingers. It starts with light friction, gradually increasing intensity. The body is massaged by shifting the soft tissues. During friction, enveloping techniques are also used. Friction is not recommended if there are a lot of visible veins on the skin surface and if capillaries are easily broken.

Kneading. In anti-cellulite massage, both light and intense kneading techniques are performed. In light kneading, soft tissues are pinched into a fold, stretched, and released. They relax well during this and blood flow increases. In intense kneading, the effect on soft tissues resembles kneading dough. This massage increases muscle tone and enhances fat breakdown.

Percussive techniques. On the problematic areas of the body, tapping is performed using the pads of fingers, the palm, or the knuckles of clenched fingers.

Anti-Cellulite Self-Massage

Cellulite can also be tackled independently. Problem areas (buttocks, thighs, abdomen) are accessible for self-massage, which is recommended to be performed at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes. It is advisable to take a contrast shower before the massage. This will help activate metabolism in the body.

Excess fat deposits are most often observed on the thighs. In this case, start the massage with stroking the legs with the palms. First, stroke the entire leg 3-4 times with light movements from bottom to top. Then stroke more intensively from the knee to the torso. After this, knead the tissues. Grasp them in a horizontal fold at the knee and shift them upward. Perform this technique 2 times on the front and inner thigh surfaces. At this stage, anti-cellulite cream or oil can be applied to the body and intensely rubbed into the skin, smoothing it out. Then, perform friction on the outer, inner, and front thigh surfaces using the knuckles of clenched fingers or the fist. Repeat the technique 3-5 times on each side. Next, you can tap the thighs with your palms. During the massage, the skin becomes pink, and the anti-cellulite product is absorbed well. Finally, finish the massage with stroking again.

With gripping techniques, you can massage different parts of the body. These are more intensive techniques; therefore, it's sufficient to perform them daily for 10 minutes. In this case, it is recommended to apply anti-cellulite products to the body after the massage; otherwise, your hands will slip off.

Technique 1. Used for massaging the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Intensively rub with the fist or knuckles of clenched fingers over these areas from bottom to top. This technique is not recommended for individuals with expanded capillaries on their legs.

Technique 2. Used for massaging the knees, thighs, and buttocks. Perform stroking with the palm surface of closed fingers, using the pad of the thumb in a circular motion. Massage with gentle pressure using both hands. During this, the hands move towards each other.

Technique 3. Used for massaging the inner surfaces of the arms and thighs. Grasp the soft tissues in a vertical fold and smooth them upwards. Massage gently, smoothly, without pinching, otherwise bruises may appear.

Technique 4. Used for massaging the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Position the palms with extended thumbs on the body part being massaged in such a way that a triangular gap is formed between them. Pressing on the skin surface, move the hands upward while smoothing the skin with the thumbs, shifting them slightly downward. This way, smoothly move your hands over the body in the problem area.