Anti-Cellulite Massage. What's important to know.

I know that talking about preparations for the summer just before Christmas may seem like a criminal offence, but I have already had quite a few clients approaching me with enquiries about the best way to get a beach body, which of course includes getting rid of or reducing cellulite.

Before we start talking about the actual treatment we have to understand what cellulite is. Unfortunately it is not a simple skin condition that can be easily treated by applying a cream or a lotion. Cellulite is a fatty tissue inflammation known as gynoid lipodystrophy. It affects about 80% of women and about 10% of men and has a number of causes such as

- hormonal disbalance

- disruption of thyroid or pancreas

- ovarian dysfunction

- venous or lymphatic insufficiency (including varicose veins)

- pollution

- bad diet

- stress

- sedentary lifestyle

- pregnancy

- rapid weight changes (especially weight loss)

- tobacco and alcohol

- hereditary predisposition

Prior to talking about the actual process of removing those nasty dimples from your skin, let us speak about the anti-cellulite diet. Please bear in mind that any diet plan must be adjusted to your needs and any medical conditions that you may have. The information below is a general guideline.

Some foods are considered to be major contributors to the condition. I normally advise my clients to consider removing or limiting their consumption for at least the duration of the treatment course.

- cheese

- deli meat

- barbecue sauce

- pizza

- fizzy drinks

- canned soup

- cottage cheese

- margarine

- white bread and bagels

- alcohol

We should focus on a balanced diet that includes:

- bell peppers

- green tea

- salmon

- cayenne pepper

- eggs

- berries

- bone broth

- broccoli

- chamomile tea

- flaxseeds

- 2-3 litres of CLEAN water a day

Needless to say, we also have to follow a healthy exercise routine and good sleeping patterns.

Getting rid of cellulite normally demands a complex approach. Good diet and physical exercise greatly contribute to the most effective anti-cellulite treatment, which is manual massage.

Anti-cellulite massage stimulates the lymphatic system and improves circulation. The major effects are;

- improved circulation in the problem areas

- improved lymph circulation all over the body

- facilitates and enhances the effects of physical exercise and good diet.

I tend to break my treatments into three major components;

1. Normal anti-cellulite massage to warm up and stimulate the problem areas of the body to enhance circulation.

2. Honey massage to target the skin and the lymphatic system by mechanically stimulating the skin-tone, circulation, removal of waste and to push the blood towards the surface of the skin thus helping the body to treat itself from within.

3. General manual lymphatic drainage with the elements of holistic massage to solidify the effects.

Obviously, those of us who are allergic to honey will have to opt for an alternative technique that requires normal massage oils.

With this particular treatment one massage is rarely sufficient. Usually, cellulite treatment is a course of 5 to 10 sessions preceded by a consultation where we can jointly identify all the issues we need to address and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Once the goal has been achieved, please remember to have your monthly top-up sessions. It is always easier to maintain good form rather than trying to get back into it. In this way you will always be ready for a summer!

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