Benefits Of Massaging – Does It Work For Weight Loss?
Massage can stimulate weight loss in many ways. Here’s how they work and the benefits you will reap:
Reduces Abdominal Fat: Belly fat is a point of concern for many. Thankfully, a study shows that massaging the abdominal area with aromatic oils 5 days a week helps reduce abdominal fat tissue and waist circumference. It was also found to improve body image (1). Increases Blood Circulation: A full body massage helps increase blood circulation (5). This helps to get rid of the toxic waste in your body and improves metabolism. Tones The Muscles: Weight loss massages can help in toning your body, especially the muscles. They can also decrease stiffness and soreness in the muscles (6). Improves Digestive Functions: A healthy gut also helps in weight loss. Massaging helps stimulate gut activity, thereby improving bowel movement, reducing constipation, and decreasing abdominal pain (7), (8). Reduces Stress: Stress leads to toxin build-up in the body, which can lead to metabolic slowdown and overeating. Massaging helps reduce stress and releases “feel good” hormones (9). This helps reduce the production of hunger hormones and prevents excessive eating (10).
Improves Sleep Quality: A full-body massage helps relax the muscles. This, in turn, stimulates good-quality sleep. Since sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain, improved sleep quality through massages can help nullify the effects of poor sleep (11). Lower Blood Pressure: High blood pressure due to stress or unhealthy food habits can lead to inflammation and water retention. Deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage can help lower your high blood pressure (12).
It is clear from these benefits of massaging that it directly or indirectly aids weight loss. The question is, which massages are best for weight loss? Scroll down to learn all about the three most effective massages for weight loss.
3 Effective Massages For Weight Loss Backed By Science
1. Skin Fold And Vacuum Massage For Weight Loss
Cellulite is mainly found in the thighs, hips, and abdominal area. It makes the skin look dimpled. And, getting rid of it can be a task. Thankfully, a skinfold massage can help get rid of cellulite. A vibrating device is used to massage the affected area. Research shows that a skinfold massage could help smoothen the skin (13). Sixty minutes of vibration massage five times a week also showed promising results in reducing cellulite (14). Vacuum massage is another non-invasive technique to reduce cellulite. It helps in collagen restructuring, releases tension in the muscles, improves skin elasticity, reduces skinfold thickness, increases collagen, and decreases muscle pain (15). Go to a professional vacuum therapist to do this massage.
2. Lymphatic Massage For Weight Loss
Lymphatic massage helps in lymphatic drainage, i.e., flushing out extra fluid from the waist, wrist, ankles, and legs. It reduces puffiness and bloating. A study found that lymphatic drainage massage or manual massage could help reduce thigh and belly fat (16), (17). People who play sports use this massage often to heal injuries (18). For lymphatic massage to be effective for weight loss, you must eliminate unhealthy food from your diet. Get a licensed lymphatic massage therapist to get the massage done on a regular basis.
3. Aromatherapy Massage For Weight Loss
Aromatherapy massage is a special type of weight loss massage that cuts down the desire to binge eat. It also helps reduce stress. Special aromatic oils made from the extracts of flowers, fruits, leaves, barks, and seeds are used to massage the problem areas or the whole body. One hour of aromatherapy massage with grapefruit oil, cypress oil, and other oils for six weeks was found to help reduce abdominal fat and waist circumference (1). People who use this massage have often said that they sleep better and have reduced muscle pain. Aromatherapy massage also helps reduce stress and depression (19), (20). This, in turn, can reduce the desire to binge eat or eat nothing at all (which leads to slow metabolism and weight gain) (21), (22). Do massages burn calories? Massage helps increase circulation and metabolism. It also improves your range of motion, tones your muscles, and helps you feel rejuvenated to remain physically active enabling you to burn more calories. Is massage better than exercise? While there is no direct comparison, massages can help relax your sore muscles after exercise. Does a massage count as exercise? No, a massage is not considered an exercise, but it can have similar beneficial effects on your mind and metabolism. Is massage every day good for you? Massage helps you destress, improve your mood, and promote relaxation, So a few minutes of massage every day can be pretty beneficial. Does massage tone your legs? Yes, massage helps tone your muscles and can help in sculpting your arms and legs. Is too much massage harmful? Yes, it could be harmful if done with the wrong technique, posture, or amount of pressure. You should, therefore, be clear in communicating any discomfort or pain during a massage. Is it bad to shower after a massage? It is advisable to give some gap and take a shower after about an hour of the massage. Can massage help slim thighs? Yes, lymphatic and deep tissue massage can work on the fat and lymph build-up and help tone your thighs, giving a slimming effect. Should I wear deodorant to a massage? While perfumes are not recommended before a massage, deodorants are encouraged.
