Anti Cellulite Massage

Massage Therapy Designed To Soothe and Reduce Cellulite

Anti cellulite massage is designed to reduce and combat cellulite over a period of continued therapy. A special massage technique is used to massage the bulging fat and to knead the muscles and “roll” the bulging fat away thereby combating the physical cause of cellulite – bulging fat and stretched collagen strands

anti cellulite massage

Anti Cellulite Massage

At MassageJoy we have always been driven by a single goal – to help our customers solve their wellness challenges. When we first began operations we offered just a few massage therapy modalities (relaxing massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage). Relatively early on I was approached by one of our therapists who was an expert in anti cellulite massage and she spoke of the amazing results seen by her clients.

On further research we found that cellulite affects 90% of women and 10% of men! Although signs of cellulite develop between 25 and 35 years of age, of late cellulite is affecting younger women as early as in their teens, perhaps as a result of our lifestyle. This lead us to assemble a team of massage therapists specializing in anti cellulite massage to help our customers who wanted to deal with their cellulite issue

In this article I will cover topics such as anti cellulite massage to treat cellulite, causes of cellulite, prevention and treatment. Skip to the section of most interest to you.

 

 

Anti Cellulite Massage

anti cellulite

Anti cellulite oil used during anti cellulite massage

The anti cellulite massage is a special massage modality designed specifically to target cellulite and help with the reduction and elimination of cellulite on the affected areas. A massage therapist has to have special qualifications and certifications to perform the anti cellulite massage appropriately.

The anti cellulite massage works by breaking down the underlying fat in the areas affected by cellulite. The massage therapist uses special techniques of pinching and rolling to break down the fat. Additionally the therapy aims to increase blood circulation in the affected areas thereby accelerating the recovery process.

Unlike a full body massage the massage therapist primarily focusses on the areas with cellulite during the entire duration of the massage. The areas with cellulite tend to be sore and painful at times so it is common to experience some discomfort during the anti cellulite massage.

The massage therapist usually begins by working the hips, thighs, legs and feet to “activate” the areas. This activation process increases blood circulation and the flow of energy throughout the body. The activation process will feel similar to a normal massage.

Once the main points have been activated the massage therapist works down from the buttocks down to the feet gently kneading. The massage therapist starts off by kneading, pulling and stretching very gently at first working to loosen up the fatty tissue. The therapist will also use the pinch and hold technique directly on the areas affected by cellulite. This process breaks up the fat and the deposits that are beneath the skin.

Once the massage progresses the massage therapist can actually feel the cellulite under your skin and the process of kneading and rolling the fat becomes quite natural. As the massage continues the fat deposits become looser and more malleable. The pinching and pulling is uncomfortable but the therapist will calm the muscles with a kneading motion in between the pinching, pulling and holding motions.

Even after a short period you will feel the flexibility of the skin in the affected areas increasing and the surface of the skin becoming smoother. Another great aspect of the anti cellulite massage is that you don’t have to wait long to see the results. To end the massage the massage therapist will move into using relaxing and calming strokes.

To enhance the effects of the massage the massage therapist will usually use a concoction of essential oils which have been specifically designed for the anti cellulite massage. The massage therapist can also use anti cellulite creams during the massage if you prefer the use of a cream as opposed to the anti cellulite oil.

The anti cellulite massage is one of the most common and most effective ways to combat cellulite. You can make anti cellulite massage a regular part of your weekly regime by booking a home massage and having a fully qualified massage therapist come to your home for the treatment.

What Is Cellulite

Cellulite thigh

Visible cellulite on thigh

Cellulite refers to the bumps, dimples and lumps formed on the surface of the skin and is a condition affecting primarily women. To understand the causes and treatment for cellulite it is important to understand what is under the skin and what leads to the appearance of cellulite on the surface of the skin.

In the model of the skin you can see the collagen layer of the skin called the dermis, you can think of it as the outer part of the skin. Further down as you can see in the image is the layer of fat. There are also tethers (connective tissue) going down from the collagen layer down to the underlying structures. Think of it as connective tissue holding your skin to the surface of the body.

 

Cellulite

Skin without and with cellulite

When you have cellulite the tethers get stretched out and weak and you see a bulging of the fat coming up through the skin. This is what leads to the dimpling, lumpy appearance known as cellulite, lumpy-bumpy, cottage cheese and other names.

Contrast this with stretch marks where the horizontal layer of the skin gets weak leading to stretch marks along the surface of the skin. Whereas in the formation of cellulite it is the connective tissue that gets weak and stretches leading to the bulging of the underlying fat and causing the appearance of cellulite on the surface of the skin.

Cellulite typically appears on the thighs, stomach and buttocks. Although cellulite primarily affects women, a small percentage of men are also affected by cellulite. The reason for fewer men suffering from cellulite is that the underlying connective tissue in men is meshed differently from the underlying connective tissue in women which is in the form of strands making it weaker as compared to the connective tissue in men. There are other reasons as well related to hormones and alpha and beta receptors that lead to more women being prone to cellulite as compared to men.

What Causes Cellulite

The cause of cellulite can be attributed to several factors and it is complicated to attribute the occurrence of cellulite to a single cause. However in general the following causes often lead to the appearance of cellulite:

  • Gaining weight
  • Pregnancy
  • Eating a high carbohydrate diet

Apart from the above genetics and age also play a role in the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite starts affecting women after puberty and some women are more prone to the appearance of cellulite due to genetic reason.

Cellulite Treatment That Works

Once you have understood how cellulite is formed you will be better able to understand the effectiveness of the various treatment and prevention options. However do bear in mind cellulite affects fit people and unfit people, fat people and thin people so if you exercise right, have the right diet and have a good lifestyle it does give you an advantage but in no way guarantees that the cellulite treatment and prevention methods will work for you.

There are 3 key elements that any cellulite treatment targets:

  • Fat deposit
  • Strengthening the connective tissue
  • Increasing circulation

By targeting the fat deposits excess fat is either broken down at the affected areas or prevented from forming. This results in the enlarged unhealthy fat cells turning into healthy normal fat cells. This in turn reduces the tension on the connective tissues and they are not stretched out any longer and this eliminates the dimpled, lumpy cellulite appearance on the surface of the skin.

Treatments that target strengthening of the connective tissue focus on making the connective tissue tighter so that they are no longer expanded under the pressure of unhealthy fat cells.

Finally treatments that help increase circulation lead to healthier and stronger connective tissues.

Usually treatments and preventive methods will target all the three elements of reducing fat, of strengthening connective tissue and of improving circulation , for e.g. anti cellulite massage.

Anti Cellulite Massage

Anti cellulite massage affects the breaking down of fat build up and strengthening connective tissue at the affected areas and increasing blood circulation. Anti-cellulite massage has been specifically designed to eliminate cellulite over a period of continued therapy.

As with other massage therapy modules the focus is on increasing blood flow to the affected area and to reduce fluid build up. However the experienced anti cellulite massage therapist includes special massage techniques to massage the bulging fat and then to knead the muscles and “roll” the bulging fat away.

The anti-cellulite massage technique is firmer and more fast paced than the typical Swedish massage or a relaxing massage. Also the areas with cellulite build up can be sore and sensitive. Due to this you might experience some discomfort when the massage therapist is working the areas with the cellulite. Here communication between you and your massage therapist is key to ensure you have the best experience. Over several appointments the client begins to see visible results.

MassageJoy massage therapists often use special anti-cellulite oils during the appointment. Anti-cellulite oils contain ingredients that help increase blood flow and reduce fluid retention. The use of anti cellulite oils in addition to the specialized techniques used by the massage therapist can have long lasting effects.

Cellulite Massager

Cellulite Massager

Cellulite Massager

Regular anti cellulite massage therapy does help prevent the formation of cellulite and is the most common option for treating cellulite at home. A cellulite massager is designed to deliver the positive of benefits of an anti cellulite massage. The cellulite massager helps break down fat deposits at the affected areas and also increases blood circulation to the area.

The advantage of the cellulite massager is that you can use the massager at your convenience and given the levels of customizations in pressure and vibrations you can control the force and depth of the massage delivered.

To use the cellulite massager choose the spikey head attachment. After fixing the attachment turn on the massager and use it directly on the affected area for 5 minutes. Use the massager in a circular motion to break down the underlying fat. Ideally try to use the spikey head in direct contact with your body (without clothes) and you can also use a bit of anti cellulite oil.

After five minutes of using the cellulite massager with the spikey pads you can change the head to a smoother deep tissue massager head, if you have it, to tone the affected area. Use this for an additional five minutes in a circular or sweeping motion.

The best results are seen if you book a qualified massage therapist who specializes in anti cellulite massage to provide regular anti cellulite massages and combine it with using a cellulite massager at the affected areas for ten minutes daily.

Cellulite Cream

Cellulite Cream

Cellulite Cream

Cellulite creams are perhaps the most popular treatment and preventive method used for cellulite. You must be familiar with the anti cellulite creams offered by the top brands like Clarins, Shiseido and Nivea. Cellulite creams work because they contain active ingredients which remove fluid from fat cells. As you perhaps know by now that cellulite is caused due to the bulging of the underlying fat cells and cellulite creams directly eliminate and prevent the bulging of fat cells caused by fluid retention.

Several anti cellulite creams contain caffeine due to its diuretic properties. Once the fat cells regain their normal small shape they don’t push up as much against the connective tissue as they used to. This results in drastic reduction of visible cellulite on the surface of the skin. Most anti cellulite creams contain cellulite fighting cocktails including anti-oxidants, emollients (cosmetic preparations to moisturize, protect and lubricate the skin) and skin-freshening retinols.

You can use anti cellulite creams at the affected area as a daily routine or perhaps even use it during an anti cellulite massage. However during an anti cellulite massage your massage therapist might prefer to use anti cellulite oils instead of a cellulite cream. Combining the use of cellulite cream along with regular anti cellulite massage therapy can greatly help reduce and prevent visible cellulite.

Shower Rollers

Shower Roller for cellulite

Shower Roller

Shower rollers for cellulite are fairly common and are very similar to an electric cellulite massager. Shower rollers for cellulite are typically made of wood or silicone and are hand held and are designed to be used in the shower.

Before using the shower rollers it is advised to soak or shower in hot water. Hot water increases blood circulation and loosens the muscles. You can then dry off the affected area and use a small amount of anti cellulite cream before using the shower roller. Once the cream has been applied you can massage the affected area in a circular manner. A treatment of 3 – 5 minutes on the affected area should suffice to show visible smoothness of the cellulite affected area.

Shower rollers for cellulite work in a similar manner to electric cellulite massagers and deliver results by breaking down the underlying fat and increasing blood circulation. Shower rollers can show results fairly quickly but if your skin bruises then you might be using the shower rollers with too much pressure. Apply sufficient pressure to get the desired results but not so much pressure that you bruise and cause injury to your skin.

 

Anti Cellulite Oils

anti cellulite oil

Anti Cellulite Oil

Anti cellulite oils tend to be a blend of essential oils with varying properties. Typically your massage therapist will mix a concoction of essential oils to create their favorite anti cellulite oil which they will use during an anti cellulite massage. The anti cellulite oil works by reducing fat accumulation under the skin, increasing blood circulation, reducing fluid retention and in some cases aiding fat loss.

Grapeseed oil usually serves as the carrier oil for anti cellulite oils because of its ability to flush toxins from the body and to reduce the accumulation of fat under the skin. Also grapeseed oil is fairly inexpensive and can be used in large quantities to form the base of the anti cellulite oil.

The other essential oils that are mixed to form a good anti cellulite oil are juniper berry, fennel, black pepper, grapefruit and citrus oils. All these oils have diuretic properties and hence help the body to flush out excess fluids. Additionally these oils help increase blood circulation and have been known to promote fat loss. The essential oils are always mixed with a carrier oil because they are harsh and too strong to be directly applied to the skin in large quantities.

Regularly using anti cellulite oils to massage the areas with cellulite can show positive results over a period of time. Combining the use of anti cellulite oils with at-home anti cellulite massage sessions and regular use of anti cellulite creams is among the best cellulite treatment and prevention options available to you at home.

How To Get Rid of Cellulite

Cellulite primarily affects women and the most common affected areas are the thighs, buttocks, stomach, arms and legs. How you deal with cellulite depends on the area of the body that is affected. There are 3 primary ways to deal with cellulite:

  • eliminate fat
  • strengthen connective tissue
  • Improve blood circulation

All the different methods to eliminate or prevent cellulite either affect one or all three ways of reducing and preventing cellulite. There are a myriad of treatments and solutions available such as anti cellulite massage, cellulite creams, laser therapy among others. Let us examine the ways you can get rid of cellulite from specific areas on the body.

How To Get Rid of Cellulite on Thighs

Thigh cellulite

Cellulite on thigh

Thighs are the most common area affected by cellulite. However dealing with cellulite on the thighs is perhaps more easier than dealing with cellulite on other areas of the body. You can use the following treatment and prevention methods to deal with cellulite on your thighs:

  • Massage: Anti cellulite massage is ideal for dealing with cellulite on the thighs because the massage therapist has a lot of body surface to work on and execute the special massage technique to push and roll the underlying fat away. Moreover by booking a home massage you can make regular anti cellulite massage a part of your weekly routine
  • Dietary Supplements: This study investigated the effectiveness of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) to reduce cellulite. They found that “a regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite”. So regular intake of dietary supplements containing BCP can help reduce cellulite on the thighs.
  • Exercise: Exercise to reduce and get rid of cellulite is one of those things that everyone suggests, but even skinny and healthy women suffer from cellulite. However doing exercises to reduce fat in the thighs can greatly improve your chances of getting rid of cellulite on the thighs. The best exercises to reduce thigh cellulite are squats, step-ups and the different variations of those exercises

How To Get Rid of Cellulite on Bum

cellulite bum

Cellulite on Buttocks

The buttocks are the first place where cellulite often shows up on women. This is because for most women excess fat is first stored in the buttocks. As you know by now the primary cause of cellulite is expanded fat cells and weakened connective tissue. So situations like weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle can cause the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks rather quickly. Cellulite on the butt responds to the following treatment and prevention methods:

  • Massage: Anti cellulite massage is ideal to deal with cellulite on the buttocks. This is because the massage therapist has ample area to work on and use the special technique required to break down the fat and smoothen the surface of the skin. Additionally a hand held cellulite massager is easy to use on the butt area
  • Exercise: Since cellulite on the butt first appears due to excess fat storage, doing exercises to burn fat is a good way to prevent and eliminate cellulite from the buttocks. Exercises such as squats, step-ups and leg kicks and their variations are great to burn fat in the buttocks
  • Diuretics: Fluid retention in the body could also be a big cause of excess fat in the buttocks leading to cellulite. You can include natural diuretics in your diet such as caffeine, ginger and parsley

How To Get Rid of Cellulite on Legs

Cellulite on legs is not so common and cellulite is typically found on the thighs and the butt region. The primary way to deal with cellulite on the legs is to focus on increasing blood circulation and strengthening your legs. If you have cellulite on the legs the following treatment and prevention methods can help:

  • Running/Cardio: In order to reduce or prevent cellulite on legs it is important to improve your blood circulation. The best way to do that is to regularly indulge in running and cardio. However even people who are healthy and run on a regular basis can have cellulite on their legs, but running regularly does minimize the chances of you developing cellulite on your legs
  • Massage: Anti cellulite massage is ideal to reduce cellulite on the legs because the massage directly increases blood circulation in your legs and the massage therapist has sufficient area to work on and perform the special techniques to break down the excess fat in the legs
  • Cellulite cream: Cellulite creams and lotions act fairly fast and visibly make the surface of the cellulite affected area appear smoother. If your legs are visible in your daily attire, using a cellulite cream to improve the appearance of the affected area will work for you. However you will need to combine the use of cellulite creams with regular exercise and anti cellulite massage to find long lasting results.

Conclusion

Cellulite is a common issue affecting the majority of women and some men as well. There are several ways to reduce and eliminate cellulite. We specialize in helping our customers reduce and eliminate cellulite with regular anti cellulite massage. If you have experienced an anti cellulite massage do let us know about your experience and the results achieved. Cellulite can be combated by regular and quality self-care and making use of all the different options at your disposal to reduce, eliminate and prevent cellulite.