• Improved lymph and blood flow (microcirculation of blood and lymph in fatty tissue);
• Support for clearing metabolic by-products from the skin and muscles;
• Activation of the body's natural processes, which may encourage metabolism in areas of fatty tissue.
Types of anti-cellulite massage
• General superficial anti-cellulite massage (stroking and rubbing movements towards the main lymph nodes) - the main purpose is to activate the lymphatic capillaries;
• Local anti-cellulite massage (stroking, rubbing and kneading movements, work on problem areas, hips and forearms, and over the projections of the main lymph nodes) - the main purpose is to activate the lymphatic capillaries and collectors;
• Deeper local anti-cellulite massage (rubbing and kneading work, honey massage, massage with seaweed extracts) - the main purpose is to support the clearing of metabolic by-products.
Anti-cellulite massage techniques
• Circular stroking (the fingers lie flat on the skin and move in spirals or circles; used around the lymph nodes of the neck and face);
• The pump technique (the therapist's palm and fingers meet the client's skin starting from the fingertips and finishing with the palm; the work is done in oval movements along the direction of lymph flow);
• The "scoop" technique (the work is done with the wrist, resting on the fingers, in movements that resemble a corkscrew) - used in deeper work;
• The rotation technique (contact with the skin begins with the thumb, followed by the other fingers in a circular movement along the direction of lymph flow; the wrist completes the movement, increasing the pressure on the skin).
Features of anti-cellulite lymphatic drainage massage
Pressure
The correct pressure on the skin in general or local anti-cellulite massage is up to roughly 80 grams. The therapist's hand neither slides across the skin nor rubs it; the work affects only the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, not the muscles or the fat layer.
Direction of the work
The work follows the direction of lymph flow. Working the other way cannot produce the desired result, because the valves in the lymphatic vessels allow lymph to move in one direction only.
Rhythm in manual lymphatic drainage
Rhythm and continuity are extremely important in anti-cellulite massage - how evenly the lymph is redistributed and how quickly it moves both depend on them. A steady rhythm also helps the client relax and enjoy the session.
The order in which areas are worked
Sequence means the order in which the area around a lymph node is worked. The therapist starts right beside the node and works towards it, gradually widening the radius, but always moving the lymph along its flow towards the node. This clears the way for the lymph and creates a drawing effect that pulls it towards the node.
It is worth keeping in mind that anti-cellulite massage is not a medical treatment: it may improve the appearance of the skin and general well-being, but the result is gradual and depends on lifestyle as a whole. In case of pregnancy, varicose veins, damaged skin, acute inflammation or chronic illness, consult a doctor before starting a course.