Wednesday, February 4, 2009

The Basics of Cellulite Massage

By Deborah G Hutton

The cellulite condition often occurs on a woman's hips, stomach or thighs. This is because these areas are the most susceptible to fat. When the fat deposits that are close to the skin begins to expand the skin begin to get a dimpled appearance. It is this orange peel look which is commonly referred to as cellulite.

The appearance of cellulite can be reduced by a number of different treatments. A popular cellulite treatment is massage. By smoothing the lumpy fat deposits out and improving the blood circulation to the cellulite areas, massage can help improve the look of the skin.

Massage machines are available in both a spa or home environment. But not anyone can afford to purchase equipment or a pay a trained beauty therapist to carry out the treatment. This is why self-massage can be a cost-effective cellulite treatment for those on a tight budget or in combination with other treatments like wraps, radio therapy, laser therapy or creams and lotions.

As with any other type of massage, it is best to use massage oil when doing cellulite self-massage. There are a particular set of oils which are thought to help the fat loss process and aid cellulite removal. The best person to talk to about these products is your beauty therapist or local suppler of natural oils.

For the cellulite on your abdomen and hips use two hands on your stomach. Knead the skin and fat by lifting it with one and then dropping it into the other one. Do this all over your tummy and hips.

One you have finished the kneading process it is time now to start doing circular-type motions across the problem areas. Try to do clockwise motions because this is the way your digestive system naturally moves. If you are pregnant or planning on being it is recommended that you don't massage your abdomen as there is risk you may hurt the baby.

One of the most common areas for cellulite is the thighs. In order to massage this area use the same long stroking motion as above and don't forget the area at the back.

Knead the cellulite with both hands, picking up and then dropping the skin and fat in alternative motions with your hands.

A great way to increase the cellulite reduction is to use a combination of self-massage and other treatments. Some cheap methods could include drinking more water, weight loss diets, increasing your levels of exercise or using a cellulite cream. The use of a loofah sponge on the affected areas when in the bath or shower can also help out the self-massage.

Using a cellulite massage machine can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. There are home units available that mean you can self-massage in the privacy of your own home. Many beauty spa also have commercial machines that they use on their private clients. - 15343

About the Author: