Massage: Cellulite’s worse enemy

By Valecia Weeks
Contributing Writer

(Special to the NNPA from the Houston Forward Times) — Who would have ever thought that dimples not only belong in the cheek of the face, but also on the other “cheeks” or the thigh? Un­for­tu­nately, cellulite can cause those annoying dimples in various parts of the body. About 90 percent of in­dividuals with cellulite are women.

Exactly what is cellulite? Cellulite is the bulges and dimples on the thighs, buttock and stomach that are caused by all of the fat that we consume on a regular basis. Although some fat is necessary and cellulite can happens to almost everyone, it can be reduced by avoiding junk food and keeping physically active.

Unfortunately, those annoying little dimples on your skin known as cellulite are part of most people’s lives. There are many treatments for cellulite including various skin creams, surgery, and home remedies that we come up with ourselves. However, studies have shown that massage is one of the most effective treatments for getting rid of that annoying cellulite that keeps divas, like myself and you, out of the cute swim suit that we have been holding on to. Not only is massage a good treatment for cellulite but it is also very relaxing to your mind and body.

The Massage Treatment

You may wonder, “What is a cellulite massage?” A cellulite massage soothes away the “lumpiness” without using expensive and invasive surgeries and treatments that are unnatural processes. Not only is a cellulite massage a natural and effective way to reduce your cellulite but it is also pleasurable and relaxing. Why not relax your way to a “cute” body?

Although there is a common massage practice that specializes in cellulite massage, any deep tissue massage applied to the area where cellulite targets will generally reduce the appearance of cellulite. The process of kneading and rollers penetrate deep into the affected body tissue. However, to reduce your cellulite, you may need several sessions with a massage therapist.

How does a cellulite massage work?

• The cellulite massage can work in many ways. First, it im­proves your circulation. Im­proved circulation softens the fatty areas and releases them over time. The kneading and gentle rubbing of the muscles and fat soothes tensed muscles and improves blood flow.

• The second way that a relaxing/cellulite massage works is through targeting the lymphatic system and draining the accumulated fluids that are often associated with cellulite. Massage can also break up fatty deposits and expel excess water.

• Natural oils can also help improve skin’s appearance and thus reduce the “dimply” effect. Some common oils used during massage include peppermint or lavender, both of which help stimulate fatty cells.

Studies have shown that a cellulite massage is one of the most effective treatments for cellulite out there. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on surgery, then a perfect alternative is a deep tissue massage. Take the relaxing approach and soothe those lumps and bumps away.

Valecia Weeks is a professional licensed massage therapist through the state of Texas as well as a Birth Doula. She is a licensed ZUMBA instructor and a certified personal trainer with NESTA.

This article originally published in the August 12, 2013 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.