Anti Cellulite Massage

ASK almost any doctor about cellulite and he will say that there is no such thing, but ask 90 percent of women and they will show you living proof of its existence mainly on their upper legs, buttocks or tummy. Cellulite is a word that the beauty industry uses to explain the dimpled, lumpy areas of fat that appear just below the skin. Until recently, the experts thought it was exclusive to women and that female hormones caused the unusual fat deposits. However, the latest research from cosmetic companies proves that men have cellulite too, only it is not so near the surface and so does not show as lumps under the skin.

This has led to a new theory on exactly what causes cellulite. It seems likely that toxic wastes, that are not flushed out of the body due to poor circulation and lack of exercise, cause a chemical reaction which puts a hard coating around the normally soft fat cells. This is why they become lumpy and the skin dimples. It is also why cellulite appears in areas where circulation is slow - such as the bottom, which we sit on too much!

While the cosmetic industry looks for new ingredients to stop this chemical reaction, anything that speeds up the circulation in areas of cellulite or helps break up the hard rim of these fat cells will improve areas of cellulite. Massage can do both the friction brings fresh blood to the skin surface, while the warmth and rubbing action help break down the rims around the fat cells. So this massage is specifically designed to include lots of vigorous movements which leave skin tingling and rosy with oxygenated blood.

How To Do An Anti Cellulite Massage
This is a do-it-yourself massage, since few of us willingly expose our cellulite once we have a good store of it! Steps one to four are best done sitting with your knees bent. Steps five to eight should be done standing, although you can put your foot up on a chair or on the side of a bath if it makes it easier. For best results, do the massage morning and night using lots of oil or a favorite cream. Always do all strokes in an upwards direction, towards the heart, to help get the blood flowing and stop body toxins building up.

1. For steps one to four, sit comfortably bending the knee of the leg you are working on. Start with the right leg and stroke firmly up the thigh from knee to hip, with one hand following the other in a flowing motion. Do the entire thigh - inner, outer, front and back.

2. Knead the thigh all over, pinching and squeezing flesh between the thumbs and fingers of both hands. Again, start from above the knee and work in an upwards direction to the top of the thigh. The hands should work together, with one pointing down and the other upwards.

3. Bend your fingers stiffly at the first joint and firmly drag your hands from the knee up the thigh, rolling them under so the knuckles also rake the skin as you pull your hands upwards. One hand should follow after the other. Be gentle on the outer thigh as knuckling can hurt.

4. Make your hands into loose, relaxed fists and use them to pummel all over the thigh by tapping down and bouncing up quickly and lightly. Use the flat part of your fists from the first joint to the fingertips, so your hands are hitting palm down, one after the other.

5. Stand up while doing steps five to eight. Place your right hand, palm down, on your right buttock and make large, firm, flowing circles keeping your hand flat. Start on the hip and move clockwise down to the thigh and back round the cheek of the buttock to the start.

6. Standing and using the same hand, knead the right buttock muscle, using your thumb and fingers in a pinching squeezing movement. Begin where the thigh meets the curve of the buttock and work upwards to the hip, wherever there is loose flesh. Try to make firm, fast movements.

7. Make your right hand into a loose, relaxed fist and use it to pummel all over the right buttock by tapping down and bouncing up quickly and lightly. Use the flat part of your fist from the first joint to the fingertips, so that your hand is hitting palm down, and work in an upwards direction.

8. Finish off with long, smooth, deep strokes, using one hand after the other, from mid-thigh up over the buttock to :he hip. Use the flat of your hand, in a friction rub, moving the land up and down in short, fast sawing movements. Now 'epeat all steps on the left side.