Monday, January 5, 2009

Treat Cellulite with Self-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.

One cellulite treatment is massage. Massage reduces the appearance of cellulite by increasing circulation to the skin and softening and smoothing the fat deposits.

You can have cellulite massage done in a beauty spa or you can do it yourself at home. There are machines available that can help either the beauty therapist or yourself at home to accomplish the task. Self-massage in the home environment is the cheapest method and can provide effective treatment for cellulite reduction. You can also use the massage combined with other treatments including laser, radio waves, creams or body wraps.

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.

If your problem area is the stomach or hips you should use two hands to knead the skin and cellulite. Lift the flesh up with one hand and then knead it into the other. Be gentle and massage all across the problem areas.

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.

Also switch to a kneading-like motion once you have done enough of the long strokes.

Cellulite self-massage is best combined with other treatments. Cost effective treatments can include increasing your intake of water, undergoing a weight loss diet and more cardio and weight bearing exercise. You can also use a loofah sponge to rub the affected areas during a bath or shower to improve skin circulation and massage the fat deposits.

For a more intensive cellulite massage treatment you should investigate a home massage machine or ask your local health and beauty spa whether they have a specialized machine available to their customers. - 16004

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