Dry massage enhances blood circulation, saves from cellulite, increases skin turgor, slows down the aging process. This type of massage has many advantages, but if contraindicated, it can be harmful.
What is cellulite and its localization on the body - it is important to know before the massage
GLD (gynoid lipodystrophy) or cellulite is a pathological change in the density of subcutaneous adipose tissue and fiber. Due to the fact that the fat under the skin is distributed unevenly, seals and bumps are formed, which are popularly called "orange peel".
The main reason for the appearance of cellulite is hormonal imbalance. Estrogen is a female sex hormone, due to an excess or lack of which metabolism is disturbed and cellulite appears. This is mostly a female problem, even for the thin ones. That is, it is not necessary to be overweight for cellulite to appear.
Types of cellulite:
| Cellulite type | Characteristic |
| Solid GLD | The main difference is small lumps under the skin, which become more or less noticeable when the body moves. This type is considered natural and occurs mainly in everyone, especially young girls and athletes. |
| Flaccid cellulite | More often occurs in women and some men after 40-45 years, with an inactive lifestyle, when the muscles become flaccid and the skin saggy. At the same time, fatty seals are soft and lethargic. |
| Edematous cellulite (edematous) | Edematous HDF occurs due to health problems, impaired metabolism and imbalance in water-salt balance. To determine this type of pathology, you need to press firmly on the skin (on the arm, leg, thigh) with your fingers, if at first there is a dent - this indicates excessive fluid. In this case, it is not necessary to do massages, but to consult a doctor, take diuretics and normalize metabolism. |
| Mixed type | This is cellulite in different types. It occurs mainly in those who have a few extra pounds and do not follow the diet. In this case, soft cellulite appears on the hands, edematous and flaccid on the buttocks and thighs. |
Dry massage can be performed at all stages. It is easier to get rid of cellulite when it is just beginning to develop.
There are 4 stages of development of gynoid lipodystrophy:
| Stage of development | Short description |
| First or initial stage | It is characterized by the appearance of an "orange peel", but it is visible only if you firmly squeeze a fold of skin in a problem area - the buttock, leg, thigh, abdomen. You can get rid of initial cellulite if you follow your diet, give up fatty foods, alcohol, sweets. It is necessary to control the dosage of food and in no case overeat. |
| Second stage of development | Fat deposits are compacted under the skin. On palpation, they are felt.Because of these seals, blood circulation is impaired. At the second stage, the intracellular nutrition of the cells is disrupted, as a result of which the upper layer of the epidermis becomes sluggish and flabby. The main method of struggle is mechanical action on the lumps, which are broken through various types of massages. |
| Third stage | At this stage, subcutaneous deposits are visible in any position of the body. In addition to the aesthetic problem, the third stage is harmful to health due to the constant disturbed metabolism and blood flow. |
| Fourth stage | Pathological changes in tissues and disruption of their work. In appearance, the skin looks flabby, bumpy, with a characteristic cyanosis. People with stage 4 cellulite often have problems with being overweight, with the work of the cardiovascular system, and shortness of breath may occur when walking due to lack of oxygen. |
Cellulite can be localized anywhere on the human body. It is most commonly found on the buttocks, outer and inner thighs, sides, and abdomen. It can also be on the arms, neck, and chin.
The benefits of dry massage
Brushing or dry massage is done with a dry wooden brush. This massage method has many advantages, due to which it is popular for all stages and types of cellulite:
- Dry massage breaks down fat deposits and the harder the brush, the more intensely the "orange peel" disappears.
- Drybrushing helps to get rid of excess moisture from soft tissues, thereby improving intracellular work and increasing blood flow.
- Brushing helps to exfoliate dead cells of the epidermis, thereby freeing pores and removing toxins.
- Improves blood circulation, strengthens capillary walls and prevents the development of varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and other pathologies of the vascular system.
- Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy, when their appearance increases by 50%.
Contraindications
Before the massage, in order not to harm your health, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications.
It is forbidden to do anti-cellulite massage with a brush in the following cases:
- If by nature the skin is thin and prone to damage and redness, then when exposed to a hard brush, scratches or microcracks can be provoked, which, with complications, lead to infection and decay.
- For dermatological conditions that are accompanied by dry and damaged skin, such as psoriasis or eczema.
- Increased body temperature and blood pressure. With hypertension, it is necessary to dilate the vessels so as not to burden the heart, and with massage (any, not only anti-cellulite), the blood will accelerate and the walls of the vessels are heated, which can further increase the pressure.
- After the 3rd stage of varicose veins, the skin should not be disturbed, because the vessels are close and they can be damaged, provoking bleeding or the development of a trophic ulcer.
- With hyperpigmentation and a large number of moles or nevi, it is recommended to abandon this method of combating cellulite.
After one procedure, there will be no result, that is, the skin will become softer and more tender, but cellulite and volumes will not go anywhere. You need to do massages regularly, 2-4 times a week. It is important to eat right and, if possible, exercise at least a little to keep your muscles in good shape.
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Dry massage with a cellulite brush has some contraindications, which you must first familiarize yourself with:
- Redness of the skin, burning and itching occurs in the owners of delicate skin. It is recommended to change the brush to a softer one and to reduce the intensity of pressure during the procedure.
- The appearance of a vascular pattern on the skin "speaks" of the fragility of the capillaries, which burst during massage.
- Bruises can appear after massage for two reasons.The first is the wrong massage without observing the massage lines, and the second is the violation of blood flow, in which it is necessary to be examined by doctors.
- Inflammation or decay of the skin can occur as a result of brushing if contraindicated. Also, microcracks may appear on the upper layer of the skin due to irregular or abrupt movements. In case of infection, the inflammatory process begins.
If one of the described phenomena occurs, it is necessary to stop massage procedures or contact a specialist for advice on how to properly massage without damaging the skin.
Preparing for a massage session
There are no special rules for preparing for massage, you need to master the technique so as not to injure the skin. They do not bathe or steam the skin beforehand, and do not need to scrub. The drier the skin, the more dead and keratinized cells of the epidermis are exfoliated.
After the massage, you need to drink pure water with lemon or a smoothie made from cucumber, lemon juice and herbs. This will help speed up your metabolism and flush out toxins through open pores. You also need to take a shower (without a scrub so as not to injure your skin) and smear your body with moisturizer or milk.
At the preparatory stage, you need to examine the area of skin that will be massaged for wounds, abrasions and other injuries. Also, do not massage if you feel unwell, weak, or fever.
Dry brushing technique and scheme
Dry massage with a brush for cellulite is performed using several techniques - circular or straight movements. It is important to bypass the area of the lymph nodes, and move the brush along the lymph flow from the limbs to the heart. Do not massage (especially with hard bristles) the chest and inner thighs.
For beginners, it is recommended to take a soft or medium hard brush, so as not to damage the skin from inexperience. while performing the procedure, do not stretch the skin. Everyone chooses the pressure of the brush for themselves, but it is important to choose the "golden mean" so as not to scratch the skin, and not to iron it because there will be no result.
By fat accumulations on the abdomen
In the abdomen, massage is done in a circular motion around the navel. It is not necessary to touch the chest so as not to injure it. The duration of the procedure is 5 minutes. Dry massage can be combined with vacuum massage (using cans for anti-cellulite massage). But on the same day, both procedures are contraindicated. You can alternate them every other day.
The appearance of redness and tingling is a natural process. Such phenomena indicate an acceleration of blood circulation. If a rash or severe itching develops, reduce the intensity of the massage or change the brush.
On the "orange peel" on the thighs
Dry massage with a brush against cellulite increases turgor and reduces the "orange peel" effect. The thighs and buttocks are the most problematic part, where 95% of women have cellulite. It is better to massage on your own with a brush with a long handle, so that it is convenient to reach when standing. If someone helps, then you need to lie on your stomach and relax.
On the outer part of the thigh, it is necessary to carry out with bristles from the bottom up, that is, from the knee. On the buttocks, you can massage in a circular motion. Average session time is 7 minutes. You need to focus on the condition of the skin. When she turns red, the massage must be finished so as not to harm the small blood vessels.
The thighs can be massaged with a hand brush. It is round or oval in shape, small, with a comfortable handle. With its help, you can carry out procedures before the shower every evening. With brushing, you don't need a scrub, as the skin will already be soft and smooth.
On problem areas on the back
Fat often accumulates in the neck, sides and lower back, especially on the sides. The procedure is best done while lying down so that someone can help. On the neck, the brush should be carried out from the edge of the hair to the area of the shoulder blades from top to bottom, to the heart. On the sides, on the contrary - upward (again to the heart).
In the lumbar region, use a medium-hard brush and perform circular motions to improve blood flow and break up subcutaneous fat deposits.
By cellulite locations on the upper arms
Flaccid cellulite is most often formed on the upper arms, which occurs in everyone with age (even in jocks). You need to massage with a small brush of medium hardness in the direction from the elbow to the shoulder joint.
Movements should be medium with little pressure. In this area, it is not convenient to massage yourself, so you can ask someone for help.
How to use a drain brush?
Dry massage with a brush for cellulite is carried out by several types of brushes, which differ in the size, shape and quality of the bristles.
Several types are divided by quality:
- brushes with natural bristles, where boar hair or bamboo or cactus fibers are applied;
- with nylon bristles - these are synthetic brushes that are stiffer in structure;
- Japanese brushes are natural bristle brushes (palm fiber is most often used).
Massage with a drainage brush is performed on dry skin. After the massage, the bristles must be rinsed under running water and hung to drain and dry. If you put a wet brush on, bacteria begin to accumulate in it, resulting in mold or an unpleasant odor. Worse, with the next procedure, these microorganisms can get under the skin and develop inflammation.
Features of dry massage for stretch marks
Some people believe that stretch marks can be eliminated through massage. It is a myth. The stretch is the same scar, that is, the wound... It occurs with a sharp increase in weight, in which the skin stretches and the tissues from the inside crack.
After some time, a scar forms (only inside), and outside a light strip, which is called a stretch. In this place, the skin is tender and vulnerable. When stretch marks do not rub the skin with hard bristles, you need to use a soft brush and control the intensity of pressing.
With massage, you can slightly equalize the color and texture of the skin so that stretch marks become less noticeable, but they will not go anywhere. If you brush regularly, you can prevent the appearance of new stretch marks, because the upper layer of the epidermis becomes more elastic and resilient.
Features of massage during pregnancy
During pregnancy, such procedures can be carried out only after consulting a doctor. One of the advantages of brushing is the normalization of the intracellular water-salt balance, which is often disturbed during gestation and swelling of the extremities occurs.
For massage you need soft bristles. It is necessary to start the session from the feet with smooth movements rising higher to the knees. This procedure will soothe leg pain and relieve swelling. Do not massage under the knees and it is important to avoid the groin area, because there are lymph nodes in it.
It is not recommended to touch your stomach, but you can brush on the back and hips. Such massages increase the outflow of blood and have a positive effect on the body of the expectant mother and on the development of the fetus. If you feel unwell or have adverse reactions, the brush should be discarded.
During pregnancy, you need to use all kinds of oils and creams against stretch marks and to moisturize the skin.in order to avoid them, it is important to read the instructions of each drug for use by pregnant women. It is better to use olive oil - a natural fortified component.
How to enhance the dry rubbing effect?
To enhance the effect after the massage, you need to take a contrast shower.
By alternating cold and hot water, you can achieve the following results:
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- improved blood circulation;
- enhancing the production of natural collagen and elastin, which are necessary to maintain skin elasticity;
- reduction of skin laxity.
In addition to reducing the intensity of cellulite, massage helps to reduce body volume and after 4-6 weeks you can see that the waist and hips have become smaller by 3-7 centimeters, depending on the individual characteristics of the body.
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The frequency and duration of the session is selected individually. For some, a massage for 5 minutes before a shower is enough, others like to rub the body for 15 minutes. It is important not to overdo it so as not to damage the skin, cause irritation, bruising and other adverse reactions.
The speed of the result does not depend on the duration of the session, therefore it is better to do everything according to the rules, observing the time, intensity, frequency and duration.
On the abdomen and buttocks, the skin is dense and you can do massages daily, but on the face or hands it is better to limit yourself to massages after 1-2 days, so that possible microcracks in the skin or damage to the capillaries have time to heal and do not turn into bleeding, hematoma or rash.
When will the effect be seen?
Cellulite appears for a long time, subcutaneous fat accumulates, humps form. Getting rid of cellulite is also a long and laborious process. Immediately after the procedure, you need to take a shower and you will notice that the skin has become much softer.
The first results after the massage can be seen after 4-6 weeks of regular use of the brush (on average 3 times a week). Such procedures should be done regularly. It is difficult for the first few weeks, but then brushing becomes automatic before a shower, like brushing your teeth in the morning.
In the second stage of cellulite, you can get rid of it in 4 months, provided regular massages and proper nutrition. It is also recommended to walk more and be outdoors more often, because oxygen also plays an important role in creating a beautiful figure and a smoother body.
Skin care after the session
It is not recommended to go outside or put on warm clothes immediately after the massage. You need to take a warm or contrast shower to wash off all the scales and cells that have separated after the procedure. It is not recommended to use scrubs while bathing, so as not to injure inflamed and rubbed skin.
After a shower, you do not need to dry yourself with a towel. It is enough to gently blot the skin so as not to injure it, and apply any moisturizer or nourishing agent.
What to do if skin irritation appears?
Dry brushing can be irritating for a variety of reasons. For cellulite, some use different creams and wraps in parallel with brushing, which can cause a rash or burning of the skin. It is important to make sure that the brush is the cause.
In this case, it is recommended to change it to a softer one, or to massage with less pressure on the surface of the epidermis. If this does not help, then it is better to abandon the course or seek help from a specialist.
Article design: Mila Friedan
Video on how to massage with a dry brush
How to massage with a dry brush:
I bought myself a brush recently and started doing a massage. Much lighter than vacuum. Plus, before that I did wraps with Horse Force toning gel. It copes well with cellulite and the skin with it is very elastic