The Internet is full of headlines about new massage methods, diets, and new pills to combat cellulite. All women are interested in knowing how effective or ineffective the new method is. Before we talk about this, it is important to understand what the problem called cellulite is. This is not just obesity or the formation of a subcutaneous layer of fat due to excess weight. The problem is much deeper and more serious; even slender girls can face cellulite, and plump ones can successfully avoid the telltale “bumps” on the buttocks or back of the thigh. The reasons for their manifestation lie in hormonal changes, illness, taking medications, stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and a dozen other reasons.
Vacuum anti-cellulite massage is another attempt to overcome the disease and restore firmness and elasticity to the skin. We will consider the advantages, disadvantages, features and effectiveness of cupping massage for cellulite in the context of a comprehensive fight against the problem. If you have signs of orange peel on your thighs and legs, you smoke a lot, drink alcohol, have an unbalanced diet, but at the same time you want to get rid of cellulite with just cans, then the idea is doomed to failure.
Many experts recommend
Vacuum cans for cellulite are a popular and very effective method to get rid of the “orange peel”.
Many experts recommend resorting to anti-cellulite massage to solve the problem - the procedure is really effective, but vacuum cups are still a priority.
It is very simple to explain this point: during a regular massage (no matter whether it is done by a professional or with special equipment), the skin and subcutaneous layers are rubbed - this, in principle, is not bad and is even effective.
But during cupping massage there is both rubbing and kneading - it directly affects fat deposits.
PLEASE NOTE: vacuum cups can also be replaced by a professional massage therapist - he also kneads the skin with his hands, but there will be no full effect, since it is human nature to get tired and make mistakes.
The principle of using vacuum cans for cellulite is simple: since they are made of soft/elastic material, you just need to squeeze the can and apply it to the desired area of the body.
The vacuum formed in the jar will draw in the skin, and this is an active massage, not only of the skin, but also of the deeper layers.
The essence of the technique
Not so long ago, medical cups were used only in one area of healing: respiratory diseases, colds, etc. Gradually, the method became obsolete, and newer and more effective healing manipulations took its place. Only because of this, these devices did not lose their relevance, but began to be used in a different direction, cosmetic. Thus, a new spa service was born - cupping abdominal massage.
The technique is based on simulating a vacuum, which plays a key role in the process of getting rid of fat, having a complex effect, namely:
- softens subcutaneous connective formations;
- activates blood flow;
- increases blood and lymph circulation in problem areas;
- improves metabolism;
- facilitates the breathing process for tissues;
- eliminates cellulite;
- restores the former tone of muscles and epidermis.
In the salon or even at home, you will be able to:
- restore skin turgor;
- reduce stretch marks (only fresh ones can be dealt with quickly);
- make old scars less noticeable;
- set up stable operation of lymphatic drainage;
- reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat;
- restore muscle tone.
Silhouette correction using vacuum massage will improve your appearance and skin condition. The main thing is to follow the process of the session correctly, otherwise you risk getting hematomas.
Advantages of vacuum massage with cups, principle of action on the skin
It is not difficult to highlight the advantages of using vacuum cans for cellulite:
- the method of dealing with “orange peel” is very inexpensive - the procedure can be performed at home;
- there is no need to allocate a lot of free time to carry out one vacuum procedure;
- no specific preparation of the body for vacuum massage is required;
- if the procedure is carried out in accordance with the rules, then bruises on the skin do not remain.
Anti-cellulite massage with vacuum cups not only speeds up metabolism and kneads/“breaks” fat deposits under the skin.
The procedure under consideration helps improve lymph flow, normalize blood circulation both in the skin and in deeper tissues.
After vacuum exposure, the feeling of fatigue disappears, the skin becomes more elastic and toned, the muscles warm up - this is a direct path to weight loss.
And lastly, the procedure in question using vacuum cans saturates the skin with oxygen, which prevents its early aging.
Contraindications
Of course, like any cosmetic procedure, cupping massage has its contraindications. The latter for this method are divided into several types: absolute and relative.
Table: contraindications for massage using cupping
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Yes, anti-cellulite massage using cupping has a long list of contraindications. That is why, before starting independent practice, it is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor so that he can eliminate all possible risks and allow you to conduct sessions.
Disadvantages of vacuum massage for cellulite
Despite the many advantages of the procedure in question and the positive opinion of representatives of official medicine about it, vacuum massage also has disadvantages.
- Firstly, the procedure is quite painful. Moreover, if a woman does not feel pain when performing vacuum “breaking” of cellulite, this means that it is being performed incorrectly. In addition, after a vacuum massage, the skin acquires an intense red tint - you won’t be able to show off in shorts or a miniskirt.
- Secondly, the vacuum effect leads to enlargement of the veins; they literally “bulge out”. And if for healthy people this effect is not dangerous, then with previously diagnosed varicose veins it can cause a significant deterioration in health.
- Thirdly, if you do it yourself, you won’t be able to “work” absolutely all the places – you simply won’t be able to get to them. In this case, only contacting a specialist or involving relatives/friends will help.
Types of cans and which ones are best to use for vacuum massage
For vacuum massage, you can use two types of cans.
Glass.
“Grandma’s” jars, which were previously used to treat coughs, are inconvenient to use:
- a vacuum inside can only be created by burning air;
- heated glass can burn your skin;
- They are inconvenient to massage even on the back of the thighs; there is no need to talk about other places at all - simply there is not enough arm length and flexibility;
- A glass jar may break if dropped.
If you are going to use glass jars for vacuum massage against cellulite, then you should give preference to a more modern option, which involves the presence of a rubber bulb on top.
You just need to squeeze this bulb, place the jar on the desired area of the body and release the rubber - the vacuum will immediately suck the skin.
What determines the effect and how many procedures need to be done
Vacuum massage against cellulite at home is not recommended to be done more than 14 times in a row.
It is recommended to do 2-3 procedures per week, and as soon as the permitted number of procedures has come to an end, you need to take a break for 2-3 months, after which the vacuum massage course can be repeated.
A visible improvement in the condition of the skin occurs after 3-5 procedures, but the severity of the “orange peel” will become less noticeable only towards the end of the entire course.
To get rid of cellulite completely (at least to hide it) you will need to carry out 2-3 full courses of vacuum massage.
Why is the effect of the procedure in question so variable? The fact is that it depends on several factors:
- on how intensely widespread cellulite is, on the degree of its severity;
- from the regularity of the massage - the painful procedure is often skipped, which means you should not expect the declared effect;
- from additional activities that should be combined with vacuum massage - we are talking about diet correction and physical activity.
To do it in the salon or at home?
Many women prefer to fight the appearance of the so-called orange peel at home, primarily in order to save money, since the salon procedure is quite expensive and you will have to spend a lot of money on the entire course. In addition, not everyone has enough time to spend traveling to a massage parlor, so they prefer to carry out the procedure at home.
In any case, not everyone likes to feel other people's hands on themselves. It is easier to relax at home in a familiar environment, which facilitates the massage process itself, turning it into a pleasant ritual. Another advantage is that you can perform an unlimited number of procedures and with the frequency that is necessary.
How to prepare the skin, how to lubricate the body
No specific preparation is required for vacuum massage with cups, but the body will need to be lubricated with something for better glide of the cups.
The following products are used as lubricants:
- special oil for massage - it can be purchased at a pharmacy; the best choice would be one that contains pepper;
- ordinary shower gel - it treats dry skin, but after the vacuum massage you will need to lubricate the treated areas with cellulite cream;
- cosmetic oil prepared independently - you need to mix half a glass of base (this can be olive oil) with 5 drops of essential oil (it is better to take citrus or geranium oil);
- anti-cellulite cream, which must be mixed in equal proportions with massage oil.
If a woman took a shower before a vacuum massage, then she needs to wait until the skin is completely dry.
Be sure to warm up the skin until it turns slightly red before “planting” the jar. To do this, it is enough to make several circular massage movements, pinch it, and beat it with the palm of your hand.
Which cosmetic product to choose for the procedure
To perform a cupping massage, you can choose one of two products: oil or cream. The first is practically not absorbed into the skin, due to which less is consumed. As a rule, a few tablespoons of oil are enough for one session. Also, the herbal product is distinguished by its natural composition, budget price and long shelf life. Coconut, flaxseed, almond, peach, olive or even sunflower oil (the simplest and most affordable option) are perfect for cupping massage. It is recommended to add apricot, peach, grapefruit, lemon, orange, cinnamon, rosemary, mint, patchouli, geranium, cypress or cedar ether to the base product. All of the oils listed have anti-cellulite properties, which will increase the effectiveness of the procedure. To prepare the composition, a ratio of 5:1 is used. In this case, five parts of the base product and one part of ether are taken.
Even ordinary sunflower oil is suitable for the procedure.
Massage creams also have benefits. Cosmetics are perfectly absorbed, which allows you to avoid having to shower at the end of the session (especially important for busy people). Also, anti-cellulite creams have an additional warming property, due to which the effectiveness of the massage increases. In addition, the products contain special active ingredients aimed at eliminating the “orange peel”. The main disadvantage of creams is wasteful consumption. For one cupping massage session you may need 50–150 ml of product.
Decide for yourself which product to choose for the procedure. It is recommended to try both options and choose the most suitable one for yourself.
Step-by-step instructions for anti-cellulite cupping massage
Algorithm for vacuum massage against cellulite:
- Lubricate the skin of the areas that are supposed to be treated with the chosen product - oil, anti-cellulite cream or shower gel. During the lubrication process, we do a light massage - we warm up the skin and muscles.
- We take the jar in our hand, squeeze it (or a rubber bulb, if using a glass version) and lean it against the desired area. At this moment, we unclench our hand - the can sticks and if everything is done correctly, a mild pain will appear.
- At a slow pace, they begin to move the can over the desired area. As a rule, the lines are “drawn” straight and from top to bottom, but when working with the buttocks, circular movement of the vacuum can is also allowed.
- When working with the thigh, the procedure should end with a movement from the kneecap to the groin fold. There is no returning movement; the jar is simply removed from the skin and moved back to the kneecap.
PLEASE NOTE: if during the massage the jar peels off from the skin with a loud sound, this means that little vacuum has been created, or the skin is poorly lubricated. In this case, it is better to start the procedure over again.
Never use vacuum cans on the area under the knee and inner thigh!
The duration of the procedure is 15-30 minutes, but here you need to focus on your own feelings - if the massage causes severe pain, then 10 minutes will be enough.
During the massage, the muscles of the worked area should be as relaxed as possible, and for this, the correct pose is selected:
- If the lower leg is being massaged, then you need to lie on your side and place the leg you are working on on your “free” leg.
- When massaging the back of the thigh, you need to lie on your side and bend slightly towards the floor.
- The front of the thigh is massaged in a sitting position, the leg should lie on the floor and be straight (do not bend the knees!).
- The fold under the buttock is a hard-to-reach area, but it can be massaged with a vacuum jar while kneeling and leaning on one hand.
Features of abdominal massage
The abdomen is a risky area for vacuum massage, but it is there that most often there is a pronounced “orange peel”!
In order not to harm yourself, vacuum massage on the stomach is carried out according to the following rules:
- The jar should be applied to the skin carefully and slowly - no sudden movements.
- It is necessary to carefully monitor how much skin is drawn into the jar - the permissible height is 1.5 cm.
- Movements of the can are carried out clockwise and at a slow pace. After 1 minute of such a massage, take a break for a few seconds without removing the jars, then continue the procedure, but in the opposite direction.
Only with such a vacuum massage against cellulite on the stomach can you be sure that no harm will be done.
Table: pros and cons of the method
| pros | Minuses |
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