Massage & Cellulite

What kind of massage helps cellulite? It depends on whom you ask. Many claim the most effective massage for cellulite is Manual Lymph Drainage this technique uses light pressure to help eliminate excess fluids and toxins; others say any kind of massage can improve circulation.

Massage can be very beneficial for many purposes: to release tension, promote relaxation, increase circulation and lymphatic drainage, and to reduce muscular pain. A special type of massage can target to specifically reduce lymphatic problems which remove accumulated fluid.

In theory, manual skin kneading combined with lymphatic drainage may result in smoothing of soft tissues and elimination of excess fluid but this has never been proven. However, the theory is that if lymph circulation is poor, then this results in thickened fibres that bind with the septa (fibres of collagen that run through fat cells). This process can create thick strands that push harder on to fat, making it bulge upwards creating the dimple, cottage cheese effect.

Lymph drainage is a very gentle form of massage which increases and accelerates the flow of lymph, this in turn leads to the increase and acceleration of toxins being removed from body tissues and eliminated by the white blood cells in the lymph nodes. It also increases the chance of an invading virus being found and a quicker release of antibodies. By stimulating the lymph system we are also improving the efficiency of nutrients being broken down and transported for use round the body.

Lymph is naturally pushed through the system by movement such as walking standing, deep breathing and vigorous exercise. It is not pumped around the body like the blood; it relies on the contraction of muscles around it to move it through. When there is a reduction of activity, or the system is overloaded with toxins and pollutants, the lymph system becomes stagnated and the body becomes more prone to infection. Deep Lymph drainage massage stimulates the activity of the lymph nodes thereby increasing the production of lymphocytes and Macrophages.

Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to improve metabolism, promote the removal of bodily toxins and waste, and encourages a healthy immune system.

The massage works by working with the body’s own lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for immune system regulation and fluid and waste removal. It is what helps rid the body of any toxins that may cause illness. When the lymphatic system slows down or becomes blocked, then fluids begin to build up, causing the whole body to feel tired and heavy, making us susceptible to catching sicknesses. By stimulating the lymph nodes through massage, it helps to clear any blockages and gives the lymphatic system a boost keeping it running healthy and strong.

This in turn keeps your body free of toxins and illness and while also creating a stronger immune system.

A lymphatic massage session begins with a consultation between the therapist and client to discuss the client’s specific needs and how many sessions will be needed. The actual massage consists of gentle pressured and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes throughout the body. The procedure uses the deep thumb pressure of shiatsu combined with the relaxing techniques of the Swedish massage. Depending on whether the therapist is focused on only one specific area or is working on the entire body, a session can last anywhere between half an hour to two hours in length.

Lymphatic massage is an excellent treatment on its own or when used in combination with other massage techniques such as deep tissue or Swedish massage. Since it consists of only soft, rhythmic motion, the technique can be used on even the gentlest of areas including areas of the body that are swollen.

The massage is good for individuals who frequently suffer from illnesses, a faulty immune system, sports injuries, depression and emotional problems, stress, and low energy. It has been shown to have positive effects on the skin, to produce energy, and to help with respiratory problems. The treatment boosts the immune system making it easier to fight of disease and creates general feelings of vitality. It can also help the client deal with different types of pain because it evokes the body’s innate healing mechanisms. The main idea behind lymphatic massage is that when our immune system is healthy, we are also strong and healthy.

Healthy Diet for Cellulite

There is no such thing as a cellulite-reduction diet plan. A straightforward healthy eating plan will help to strengthen our overall inner health and resistance and may help improve cellulite-related functions, like lymph flow and blood circulation, but the diet won't affect the cellulite directly. It can only help to strengthen, cleanse or detox the body.

Short-Term Cleansing Diet for Cellulite Sufferers

Here are some very useful foods to include in your cleansing diet to help your cellulite. Eat organic varieties where possible.

Fresh Fruit ... Containing fibre, vitamins, minerals and photochemical (e.g. bioflavonoid and anti-ageing anthocyanidins), as well as water, fruit is one of the top health and cleansing foods. The vitamin C in particular contains antioxidants that combat the harmful free-radicals found in things like, alcohol, fried and smoked food and cigarette smoke. Especially healthy fruits include: apples, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, cantaloupe melons, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, oranges, pineapple, raspberries, and strawberries. Note: Start the day by drinking a glass of hot water with a squeeze of lemon. This helps to detox your liver and revitalise the body.

Fresh Vegetables ... Like fruit, vegetables contain fibre as well as a huge range of vitamins, minerals and photochemical. In particular, some vegetables are good sources of the antioxidant vitamins A; C and E which help improve resistance against serious disease. Antioxidant-rich foods are also supposed to strengthen the skin's connective tissue; helpful because weak connective tissue permits the intrusion of fatty cells into the epidermis causing the familiar appearance of cellulite on thighs and butt. Especially healthy veggies include: artichokes, bell-peppers, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, fennel, leeks, onions, salad leaves, spinach, and tomatoes.

Nuts and Seeds ... Containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins like B-complex, and vitamin E, as well as important antioxidant minerals like selenium (Brazils), nuts and seeds are another super-health food. Eat unsalted nuts, like almonds, cashews, brazil nuts and walnuts; seeds like sunflower, flaxseeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.

Herbs and Spices ... Among the best are: chilli, chives, garlic, ginger, mustard, parsley.

Water ... Drink only mineral water. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Problem Foods for Cellulite

When following a short-term cleansing diet to try and reduce the appearance of cellulite, avoid these foods.

Caffeine ... Experts consider that the stimulant caffeine has a negative effect on lymph flow and blood circulation, as it causes small blood vessels to constrict. This reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and skin and may inhibit cell metabolism, resulting in a build-up of waste products. The main sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, colas and other sodas.

Alcohol ... Alcohol is a toxin. It might taste good, but avoid it if you suffer from cellulite. It simply adds an extra load onto your body's waste-removal organs and systems.

Refined Food ... Omit all processed and refined foods from your cellulite reduction eating plan. For example, avoid foods that include additives, sodium/salt, sweeteners, and other chemicals. All foods should be made with fresh and (if possible) organic ingredients.

Animal Foods ... With the exception of 'live' bio-yogurt, omit all dairy, eggs and meat. Note: unless you are vegetarian, reduction of animal foods should be strictly short term.

Drugs ... Unless prescribed for a medical condition, it is best to avoid all drugs, including over the counter drugs when following a cellulite-friendly diet or eating plan.