Anti-cellulite massage: indications, contraindications and features of the procedure

From this article you will learn:

• The essence of anti-cellulite massage
• Manual and hardware anti-cellulite massage
• 15 types of anti-cellulite massage
• Indications and contraindications for anti-cellulite massage
• The effect of anti-cellulite massage and technique
• Anti-cellulite massage at home
• The whole truth about anti-cellulite massage

Anti-cellulite massage, like the “orange peel” itself, has acquired a large number of incredible myths, many of which are outright fables. Before you try to detect fat deposits in yourself and make an appointment with a massage therapist, you should still find out the truth about this procedure.

You should not create illusions that such a massage will help you lose weight. This is wrong. Cellulite is a pathological change in the structure of subcutaneous fat tissue, accompanied by metabolic disorders, blood circulation, stagnation of excess fluid, lymph, and metabolic products in tissues. Massage will allow you to locally get rid of an aesthetic problem, nothing more.

The essence of anti-cellulite massage

Anti-cellulite massage is a procedure performed to normalize metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.

This technique is a mechanical effect on the skin, including reflex movements in the area where cellulite is localized.

Recommended articles on the topic:

• Thermal detoxification: lightness of the body and clear skin
• Lipolytic therapy: indications, contraindications, stages of the procedure
• Weight correction: everything you need to know about the procedure

Anti-cellulite massage promotes increased oxygen supply to the deep layers of the dermis. This allows you to speed up the outflow of lymph. During the procedure, cellulite lesions are broken into small pieces, which are removed with excess fluid, toxins and waste products.

Despite the high effectiveness of this procedure, to achieve a lasting anti-cellulite effect, it is necessary to follow a diet, exercise, and use suitable therapeutic techniques.

The following massage techniques can help you cope with the problem of lumpy skin in the thighs, arms, abdomen and buttocks:

• pressure;
• friction;
• pressing;
• vibration.

For the best result, anti-cellulite massage must be carried out in a course of several procedures. The duration of one session is approximately 30 minutes. There are two types of massage: manual and hardware.

Manual and hardware anti-cellulite massage

Almost every beauty salon offers anti-cellulite massage services. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that an unqualified specialist may not only not help in solving your problem, but also harm your health.

To make the result of the procedure more noticeable, massage therapists use special oils and creams.

When choosing a specialist, you need to take into account not only the master’s knowledge of various massage techniques, but also his knowledge of anatomy regarding the location of lymph nodes and blood vessels, as well as indications and contraindications for the procedure.

Manual anti-cellulite massage involves a mechanical effect on the skin, which leads to an increase in temperature in the tissues, due to which fat deposits are broken down and a lymphatic drainage effect is observed.

To make the result of the procedure more noticeable, special cosmetics are used, such as scrubs, gels and oils, which help accelerate tissue metabolism and eliminate congestion.

Since metabolism in the cells of the dermis occurs more intensely, blood quickly enters the subcutaneous fat layer, which leads to increased production of collagen and elastin. All this helps eliminate cellulite. Manual anti-cellulite massage does not involve the use of additional devices during the session.

In hardware massage, a specialist acts on tissues using instruments or devices.
These can be vacuum cans that stick to the skin, or devices that move a skin fold over the problem area, like fingering. The effect of hardware massage is similar to the result of manual massage, but each procedure has its own characteristics.

Dry brush massage: what is it and how to do it correctly

Massage with a dry brush is one of the most popular beauty treatments of the pre-beach season, which will help not only make the skin beautiful and toned, but also significantly improve the overall condition of the body. How to do dry massage and what its secret is - we’ll figure it out in our article!

What is dry brushing massage?

Massage with a dry brush (“drybrushing” - from the English dry and brush), or dry massage is a procedure in which dry skin of the body is massaged with a brush with special bristles.
It does not require cream or oil, as with a regular massage. But for it to bring maximum benefit, it is important to follow the massage technique. @bhaga.centr.ajurvedy

Why massage with a dry brush?

Massage with a dry brush is the way not only to the aesthetics of the skin, but also to its health. And, of course, there is a whole list of reasons why you should include this procedure in your body care.

1. Cleanses and tightens the skin

The dry massage brush does an excellent job of cleansing the pores on the skin. In addition, during a massage with a dry brush, you get rid of dead skin particles and renew its top layer, and by improving blood circulation, the skin becomes softer and smoother, but at the same time elastic and toned.

2.
Helps in the fight against cellulite
Massage with a dry brush is one of the best remedies for getting rid of cellulite. The “orange peel” effect appears due to impaired blood circulation in the skin and the accumulation of various toxins in it. Dry massage helps eliminate both causes at once, so we can say that this is one of the simplest, fastest and most inexpensive ways to combat cellulite.

3.
Improves the functioning of the immune system
Our immune system constantly needs support, because it is responsible for the condition of the body as a whole. Massage with a dry brush helps stimulate the work of lymph in the body, and also cleanses our tissues and cells - it turns out to be a kind of natural detox. By ridding our body of harmful toxins, the immune system begins to feel much better, which immediately affects our well-being.

4.
Stimulates blood circulation and sebaceous glands
During the massage with a dry brush, we not only cleanse the skin, but also improve blood circulation, which helps improve the functioning of the circulatory system. In addition, removing dirt from the pores not only makes the skin look healthier, but also allows the sebaceous glands to work properly: if the skin is dirty, metabolic products cannot leave the body through sweat, as a result of which our other organs have to cope with this task - kidneys and liver. Therefore, dry massage, in addition to the immune system and circulatory system, also helps the digestive system.

5.
Gives a surge of vigor and helps to be in good shape.
A massage with a dry brush stimulates the work of the most important systems of our body, helping it wake up and actively start a new day. Therefore, a great practice would be to perform a dry massage in the morning to recharge yourself with positivity and energy.

@my_nutri_space_ @antoksu_nutritio

How to properly massage with a brush

You can do a dry brush massage at home yourself; each procedure should take no more than 15 minutes. Before you begin, be sure to make sure that you have no contraindications to the procedure.

The massage procedure with a dry brush can be divided into three stages:

I. Preparation for the procedure

Make sure your skin is completely dry before you begin the massage. Wipe damp skin with a soft towel.

II. Massage

All movements should be smooth and long, without haste or excessive pressure with the brush on the skin. For each part of the body we do about 10 movements (during the first procedures you can limit yourself to 5-6 movements).

It is very important to remember that during dry massage, movements should always go from the periphery to the center of the body, from the limbs to the heart.

• We begin the massage with a dry brush from the feet: with smooth movements we move the brush from the feet to the knees, then from the knees to the hips.
• We move on to the arms: we make smooth movements with the brush from the hands to the elbows, then from the elbows to the shoulders.
• Massage the abdomen and buttocks in a clockwise circular motion.
• Back and neck massage. Massaging your back, we make movements with the brush from bottom to top and from the spine to the sides and shoulders. On the contrary, we massage the neck with top-down movements.

During a dry brush massage, you can pay more attention to problem areas (for example, buttocks or calves). But massaging your breasts is strictly not recommended: this can lead to damage to blood vessels.

It is extremely important not to touch areas with lymph nodes during massage: popliteal and axillary cavities, inner bends of the elbows, center of the chest, heart area, subclavian and submandibular cavities.

@savon_am

III. Completion

After massaging with a dry brush, take a shower to wash off dead skin particles. Then apply your favorite product: it can be a light cream, oil or body milk. An excellent choice would be Le Petit Oliver Dry Revitalizing Body Butter with Shea Butter.

And yes, in the summer season you should not forget about sun protection. In addition, with regular dry massage, the skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, use a good sunscreen: for example, intensive face and body cream with SPF50+.

LE PETIT OLIVIER Dry restorative body oil with Shea butter

COLLISTAR Intensive sunscreen SPF 50+ for face and body

Dry brush massage technique: common mistakes

1. Ignoring unpleasant sensations. Many people think that the stronger and more intense the massage, the better the result. In the case of massage with a dry brush, this is not at all the case. After the massage procedure, the skin should not be very red (it may have a slightly pink tint, but nothing more), so be sure to adjust the strength with which you massage the skin.

2. Massage in the chest area. Dry massage should never be done in the chest area - it is dangerous to health! When massaging the breasts, there is strong pressure on the veins and lymph nodes, which can lead to severe damage to blood vessels.

3. Massage your face with the same brush you used for your body. If you want to massage your facial skin, you cannot use a brush for dry body massage: rough bristles can seriously injure your facial skin. In this case, it is best to purchase a special brush for dry facial massage - with softer and finer bristles.

4. Dry massage on damp skin. Many people think that for greater effectiveness, massage with a dry brush is better done on damp or steamed skin. However, this way you will not only not improve the result of the procedure, but you can also harm yourself, because steamed skin is very delicate and can be easily injured when massaged with a brush. Therefore, you need to carefully ensure that your skin is completely dry before the procedure begins.

5. Irregularity in the procedure. Regularity is important for success in any business, and massage with a dry brush is no exception! If you perform the procedure less than once a week, it will be very difficult to achieve noticeable results.

@arinaorlova_face

Contraindications to massage with a dry brush

Massage with a dry brush is a useful procedure, but there are still contraindications:

• a large number of moles, papillomas on the skin,
• skin damage: wounds, abrasions, calluses,
• skin rashes,
• acute stage of an infectious disease, elevated body temperature,
• varicose veins and other vascular diseases,
• dermatitis, psoriasis, other skin diseases.

You should also treat the dry massage procedure with caution if you have vegetative-vascular dystonia or if you have impaired vascular conductivity. In this case, as well as if you are pregnant or have other diseases not listed above, you should consult your doctor.

It is not recommended to massage with a dry brush for girls with very dry or overly sensitive skin: hard bristles can irritate or damage the skin. The most important thing is to focus on your sensations: if you feel itching, severe discomfort or burning, stop the procedure immediately.

How often should you massage with a dry brush?

According to doctors, dry body massage can be done both daily and every other day. If you do not have time to do the procedure so often, you can do it two or three times a week (but no less!) As a rule, the result of the procedure is noticeable within 1-2 months.

How to choose the right massage brush

If you are just mastering the dry massage procedure, we recommend using a brush with softer bristles at first. This way you will not injure sensitive skin that is not yet accustomed to massage. After a few procedures, you can switch to a brush with stiff bristles.

We also recommend choosing brushes with natural bristles rather than those made from artificial materials, which can damage your skin.

It is important to keep the brush clean, so you need to rinse it after each procedure. It is advisable to change the brush for dry massage once every six months, because... her stubble manages to wear out during this period.

@cosmetolog_annamukhina

Massage with a dry brush is a very cool procedure that, if all the rules are followed, will help make the body more beautiful and healthy.

Cover photo: @lashes_massage_valency.

Indications and contraindications for anti-cellulite massage

The duration of an anti-cellulite hardware massage session may vary depending on various factors. These include the stage of development of cellulite, the regenerative abilities of tissues, the client’s availability of free time and his financial capabilities.

Home anti-cellulite massage should last from 3 to 20 minutes on each problem area. It is better that the number of sessions is at least 14 with an interval of several days. After achieving the desired result, it is important to carry out maintenance procedures at least 1-2 times a month.

Before starting a course of anti-cellulite massage, it is necessary to compare all the pros and cons of this procedure, since it has the following contraindications:

• chronic skin diseases, as well as inflammatory processes in the area of ​​massage;
• blood clotting disorder;
• varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

The benefits of anti-cellulite massage are due to the following factors:

• strengthening capillaries, thereby improving blood supply to tissues;
• accelerating the movement of lymph, which allows you to quickly remove salts and toxins from the body;
• skin smoothing;
• preventing an increase in the size of fat cells;
• prevention of the growth of the fat layer and the appearance of tubercles;
• muscle relaxation.

Anti-cellulite massage is the most popular method of getting rid of skin unevenness in problem areas. If you combine it with exercise, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, you can achieve excellent results. In addition, this is an effective way of overall health and strengthening of the body.

Benefits of the procedure: what will change after drybrushing?

Dry massage promotes skin renewal, but this is not its only benefit. With a simple brush and simple technique you can:

• Reduce the appearance of cellulite or even get rid of them, thanks to the activation of blood circulation. Massage helps remove toxins, prevent their stagnation and eliminate the very cause of the appearance of “orange peel”;
• Strengthen the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Metabolism becomes more intense, the body is cleansed at the cellular and tissue levels. This is due to the stimulation of lymph flow due to the action of the bristles and natural detox;
• Activate the function of the sebaceous glands - the skin is the largest organ of the human body, and pathologies of the epidermis affect the activity of the kidneys. Scientists have found that sweat and urine are similar in chemical composition. When pores become clogged with dead cells and impurities, it becomes difficult to remove toxins. They accumulate in the body, create a load on the kidneys and liver, which causes the development of diseases. Thus, people with significant fat deposits on the thighs often experience bladder infections. Cleansing the skin allows you to relieve the kidneys of unnecessary stress and normalize their function;
• Strengthening the immune system - due to the removal of toxins, the immune system is supported during the treatment of diseases. By stimulating the lymphatic vessels, a lymphatic drainage effect is created and the entire body is cleansed;
• Skin tightening - massage improves blood flow, and this causes an increase in the elasticity of the skin. Cell renewal in the skin occurs every day, and the brush eliminates dead particles and simplifies the process;
• Increasing muscle tone - stimulation of nerve endings during massage affects the fibers of muscle tissue, causing them to contract. This technique, of course, does not replace sports training, but significantly increases its effectiveness;
• Improving the functioning of the nervous system - the same stimulation of nerve endings rejuvenates the entire nervous system;
• Prevention of ingrown hairs – keratinized scales do not accumulate on the surface of the skin, do not create barriers, and it is easier for hairs to break through;
• Fighting acne - active cellular regeneration, removal of toxins, activation of blood flow lead to cleansing and the absence of prerequisites for the appearance of acne;
• Effectively combats keratosis pilaris - the so-called “goose bumps” on the arms and thighs. This ailment is associated with blockage of the hair follicles; it can be completely eliminated with the help of dry massage;
• Getting rid of skin peeling, especially during the cold season;
• Weight loss – a noticeable reduction in volume, including due to the reduction of swelling and the removal of breakdown products from the body;
• Improved digestion - dry rubbing normalizes metabolic processes, and this has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Saturation with energy - reviews of drybrushing confirm that the procedure is noticeably invigorating, and after it you feel a surge of strength. This is due to improved blood circulation and the ability to obtain natural energy. From this point of view, the best time for a massage is morning.

Like most self-care treatments, dry massage helps relieve stress. A noticeable effect that appears after the first procedures also contributes to improving mood. But to get maximum results, it is advisable to combine drybrushing with proper nutrition and physical activity, including walks in the fresh air.

But the most noticeable effect of dry massage is a gentle but deep cleansing of the skin. Natural hard bristles gently exfoliate dead skin particles, leaving the skin smooth and velvety. At the same time, the pores are reduced and impurities are removed from them. The skin breathes freely, and this is reflected in its condition.

One of the advantages of dry massage is that it prepares the skin for various influences, for example, body wraps or the application of any cosmetic products. It often happens that creams, lotions and other formulations do not give the desired effect. In such situations, the lack of results is often attributed to the poor quality of cosmetics, but the problem may lie elsewhere.

Contaminated pores, the presence of a whole layer of keratinized particles on the skin interferes with the access of active substances to new, living cells. Imagine that you first wrap your body in film, and only then apply cream. Obviously, there will be no effect from such a procedure.

The same thing happens with the skin. Therefore, dry massage before wrapping and other cosmetic procedures allows you to remove the “film” of keratinized cells and ensure the penetration of the necessary components into the tissues. Hence the noticeable anti-cellulite effect, hydration, restoration, active nutrition of the skin to the deepest layers.

The effect of anti-cellulite massage and technique

It is worth noting that only a set of anti-cellulite measures will get rid of this aesthetic flaw. If you limit movements, lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not control your diet, you cannot expect a pronounced effect from massage.

In order for the results of the anti-cellulite massage course to be maximum and the “orange peel” to no longer appear, you should follow some rules:

1. Regular massage sessions. Achieving a pronounced effect depends on the degree of development of cellulite and the area of ​​its formation. Usually 10–12 procedures are done every other day, and then the course is repeated after a few days of break. When the problem is solved, massage can be performed much less frequently to maintain the result.
2. It is more effective to massage before lunch. Active movement after the procedure will help achieve the best effect.
3. Evening massage sessions are best complemented with anti-cellulite wraps.

There is a certain technology for anti-cellulite massage. The first step is to steam the skin and clean it thoroughly. It is important to follow the correct movement technique. Moving your hands clockwise should be done with maximum effort, and counterclockwise - vice versa.

During an anti-cellulite thigh massage, it is important to follow the basic rules:

• the inner surface of the thigh is massaged from top to bottom;
• the outer surface of the thigh is massaged from bottom to top;
• The buttocks are massaged in a circular motion from the center to the sides and from bottom to top.

Movements during the massage should be energetic and rhythmic so that the muscles do not have time to cool down.

Following this technique will significantly tighten the skin of the thighs and buttocks. The formation of small hematomas after a session is considered normal.

How to use a drainage brush

It is no coincidence that brushes for dry massage are called drainage brushes. With their help, muscle fibers are activated, acting as a kind of pump and forcing the lymphatic fluid to move through the vessels, neutralizing harmful substances and taking with them decay products.

The main thing is to adhere to a certain technique of influence:

• Let's start with the feet. We work the feet and legs with straight-line movements from bottom to top.
• We rub our knees in a circle.
• We increase the pressure on the hips by massaging the surface in different directions, shown in the figure below. This does not apply to the internal area, which requires particularly careful handling: after all, large main vessels are located here, damage to which is life-threatening.
• Gently rub the stomach clockwise.
• We go through the lower part of the back with direct sweeping movements from bottom to top, from the collar area we move in the opposite direction, towards the heart.
• We work on the arms following the trajectory of hand–forearm–shoulder. Particular attention is paid to the palms and the reflex points located on them.
• At the end of the session, massage the delicate skin of the upper chest and neck with smooth sliding movements.

All movements are carried out strictly along the lymphatic system, according to the scheme:

Photo: body massage lines

The groin, popliteal fossa, mammary glands and axillary area are not touched.

The body is worked out evenly, alternately making the same number of movements, first on the left and then on the right side. The strength of the impact is adjusted individually and depends on the condition of the skin and the threshold of pain sensitivity. After a skillfully performed lymphatic drainage massage, there are no scratches left, and the skin acquires a delicate pink tint.

Anti-cellulite massage at home

You can perform anti-cellulite massage at home yourself, using any manual technique on problem areas. It is important to first study the correct massage movements. Legs and arms need to be massaged from ends to bases. This will stimulate lymph flow. The stomach, on the contrary, is rubbed from the center to the sides. It is important not to overdo it with pressure.

Basic movements during massage:

• vibration;
• capture;
• cutting;
• kneading

At home, it is enough to use the simplest massage techniques: classic, honey, salt, as well as rubbing with a dry brush. Dry anti-cellulite massage can be performed before taking water procedures so that the skin is not steamed. All other techniques, on the contrary, are best performed after a bath or sauna. This is due to the fact that under the influence of high temperature the anti-cellulite effect is enhanced. Make sure your movements are smooth and try not to stretch the skin.

Massage should be performed with special creams or oils. This way you can avoid mechanical damage to the skin.

If you do anti-cellulite massage in combination with sports, keep in mind that before training it will help warm up the body, but after it it will give the most visible result.

Who is contraindicated for massage?

Despite a number of indications for massage, there are also contraindications.

• First of all, it is undesirable for those with dry, inflammation-prone skin to perform it;
• those suffering from psoriasis, dermatitis, varicose veins, and those with warts.
• It is not recommended to use massage in areas where there is inflammation, healing sunburn, abrasions, moles, etc.
• You should immediately interrupt the massage if you experience any discomfort, redness or burning.

Massage with a dry brush is an excellent and inexpensive procedure for maintaining beauty, but like any cosmetic procedure, it must be performed in accordance with the instructions and follow all recommendations.
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The whole truth about anti-cellulite massage

Anti-cellulite massage is not able to help you get rid of extra pounds. This procedure is only effective in combating skin unevenness. A visual effect of volume reduction can be achieved, but this is due to the removal of excess fluid and redistribution of adipose tissue. In this case, the liquid will return back very soon. Therefore, if you don’t watch your diet and don’t exercise, you won’t be able to burn fat, no matter how many massage sessions you perform.