Massages can help reduce cellulite and this is a goal shared by many. While dimples may look cute on the cheeks of children, they’re suddenly a lot less desirable when they’re lodged in our thighs and bottom. For many women, cellulite can cause distress to the point they stop wearing the clothes they’d like to wear; but it is a very common skin problem.
What is cellulite?
Anyone can develop cellulite, regardless of size. Put simply, it occurs as a result of bulged up fat deposits under the skin, causing lumpy irregularities mainly over the buttocks, thighs and stomachs of many women (although it can also affect some men). When these fat cells build up between connective tissues, it pulls on and protrudes through different areas on the dermis layer of skin; causing those pesky dimples.
How to get rid of cellulite?
Although there’s no miracle cure for cellulite, there are ways to help reduce it. Firstly, having optimal body weight can help make the dimples less obvious – so a regular exercise regime can make the appearance of cellulite better. However, exercise can only go so far – another great way of combating the dreaded skin condition and targeting problem areas is with a massage. These work by breaking up fat deposits by alternatively pinching and squeezing them, rolling the fat away from connective tissues. In turn, this reduces the bulged surface of the skin and makes everything look smoother.
No matter which massage technique is applied, the main focus of cellulite massage is to spread these fat deposits out. But it also helps by stimulating the tissues around cellulite formations, boosting blood circulation and lymphatic functions.
Normally, a massage will start from the feet and go up the body to increase blood flow through the peripheral veins and capillaries of your circulatory system.
Here are five different techniques that can be used:
Kneading massage. This involves a combination of squeezing and lifting alternatively – just like kneading dough. Fingers are used or delicate areas like upper arms, inner knees and calves; while thighs, stomach, hips and buttock are done with the hand.
Wringing massage. This uses a wringing motion – the same one we use when we’re ringing out a wet towel – but grasps portions of skin instead. This is a brilliant method for flabbier areas such as the buttocks, hips and thighs.
Knuckle massage. Fists can be great tools for crushing the lumps and bumps brought on by cellulite. Knuckles are used to pummel and break down stubborn fat deposits that sit beneath the skin; causing them to dissolve faster and get flushed out by your metabolic system.
Cellulite brush technique. Instead of using the hands, this popular massage uses special brush which stimulate the circulation of blood in the areas cellulite has taken to. It’s made up of firm bristles which stimulate blood flow and release blocked vessels.
‘S’ massage. Placing the thumbs at right angles to grasp as much of the cellulite-affected area as possible, this technique then uses a twisting motion in opposite directions to apply pressure to fat deposits. This twisting in opposite directions forms an ‘S’, hence the name.
