Contents
For many girls and women, the most problematic areas are the thighs and abdomen, so it is the massage of these areas that has become most widespread in complex programs for weight loss.
The effect of massage on the body
As a rule ,the “slimming” effect in massage is achieved by good lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is one of the most sensitive in our body. Lymph is a clear liquid that penetrates into all the tissues of our body. It is designed to remove all accumulated slags and toxins. The flow of lymph always occurs from the bottom to the top, to the lymph nodes, which is why the movements of the masseur, as a rule, are directed from the extremities to the center to avoid puffiness. By itself, the massage is not able to get rid of fat deposits, while the massage increases the lymph flow, blood circulation and increases the overall skin tone. All this together leads to a decrease in body volume. After a course of massage, you can observe a positive effect, but, of course, everything will return if you do not follow a diet and do not engage in moderate physical activity.
Let’s look at each type of massage in a little more detail.
Types of massage for weight loss
Types of massage, today there are very many, the main ones are:
- Anti-cellulite manual (this can include jar and honey, although they are not only intended for this purpose);
- Hardware (electrolipolysis, myostimulation);
- Water (hydro massage and Charcot shower).
Anti-cellulite hand massage
Anti-cellulite manual massage with a competent approach and a highly qualified masseur has a good effect. As a rule, such a massage is done in a course of 10 procedures with an interval of one or two days.
Cellulite is a problem not only for fat ladies, a slim girl can also have an “orange peel” on her thighs and stomach as a result of poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle. In manual anti-cellulite massage, the masseur first warms up the skin on the affected area with increased movements, and then kneads the subcutaneous fat to increase blood and lymph flow and destroy fat deposits in the cells. As a rule, the masseur feels as if the balls are “bursting” under the skin-this means that the anti-cellulite process has started. It is important to understand that with anti-cellulite massage, it is impossible to completely destroy fat cells. You can only act on the fat inside the cell itself. The empty cells will be ready to fill up with fat at any time, if you do not follow the diet.
During the entire course of anti-cellulite massage, the specialist advises drinking a lot of water, because the decay products from the cells are removed naturally and water will help speed up these processes. Often, the masseur in the course of anti-cellulite massage uses additional methods, for example, a rubber vacuum jar or includes a honey massage in the program. Also, additional massage oils and creams help to achieve the desired effect.
If you decide on a course of anti-cellulite manual massage, you should know that after the procedures there should be no bruises and abrasions, do not hesitate to ask the masseur to relax the pressure or even bypass some areas of the body. The pain threshold and the skin are all different and you need to take this point into account.
Hardware massage for weight loss
Recently, medicine and cosmetology have stepped far forward and there are a lot of types of hardware massage aimed at losing weight. Here are just a few of them:
- Vacuum Pump;
- Electrolipolysis;
- Myostimulation;
- LPG;
- Pressotherapy.
All these types of hardware massage are aimed at improving blood circulation, eliminating puffiness. Electrolipolysis allows you to destroy fat cells, vacuum massage is good for tightening the skin, myostimulation will activate the muscles that are difficult to pump up in the gym, and pressotherapy helps to relax and get rid of fatigue.
Water massage
Water massage also has a good effect in combination with other treatments and this type of massage is easy to perform at home. You just need to buy a special shower head. But more often, water massage is called a salon procedure. A person is immersed in a special hot tub and the masseur makes a massage with a special hose, adjusting the level of pressure of the jet. This massage is used both for problem areas and for the whole body in order to relax.
Water massage also includes a Charcot and Vichy shower.
The Charcot shower was invented by the French founder of neuropathology, Jean-Martin Charcot. Previously, this method was used to treat various neuropathological diseases, but now this shower is used for other purposes.
Massage with a Charcot shower is done in a special room. The patient holds on to the handrails, and the masseur directs shock jets of water at him. This procedure is not to everyone’s taste and can cause discomfort and even pain, however, in the fight against excess weight and cellulite, the Charcot shower is considered an effective method.
The Vichy Shower is named after the French balneological resort, which is famous for its thermal springs, clinics and health resorts. The Vichy shower is made in a special capsule or couch. A person lies down and water jets fall on top of him with an adjustable pressure and alternating temperature of the jet. Everyone knows that a contrast shower is useful for increasing the elasticity of the skin and stimulating its blood circulation. You can use any water in this massage. Ideally-thermal, but also suitable for sea, fresh and or ordinary tap water.
Contraindications to massage
When choosing a massage program for weight loss, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. For manual and hardware massage, they are approximately the same, but for hardware massage, you should additionally consult with your therapist. So, any massage in any case can not be done with:
- Varicose veins;
- Malignant and benign tumors;
- Any inflammatory processes;
- Thrombosis;
- Blood diseases;
- Cardiopulmonary failure;
- Mentally ill, accompanied by strong arousal;
- Osteomelitis.
Any qualified masseur, before starting a course of massage, should check with the patient the presence of contraindications. If the masseur did not ask you anything, this is a reason to doubt his qualifications.
Summing up, we can safely say: massages for weight loss-to be! In combination with diet and sports, the result will not take long to wait. But to lose weight for a long time and effectively only on one massage will not work. The choice of a massage program should be approached with full responsibility, find out the possible risks and consult with a doctor. In general, the massage procedure is almost always pleasant and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and this is not enough for a comfortable weight loss process.