The same thing every spring: One look at the dents on the thighs and buttocks – and frustration is programmed. Nevertheless: Don’t lie lazily on your orange peel skin according to the motto “It doesn’t help anyway”. There is new hope : A recent study by the University of Ankara shows that targeted massages not only stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow, but can also reduce tissue water and fatty tissue on the abdomen, hips and thighs.
Interesting: The massages with special devices did not perform significantly better than manual work. Why massages are so promising in addition to exercise and a low-fat diet actually sounds logical: In women, the elastic fibers of the connective tissue are arranged in columns and are therefore very flexible. Fat cells can squeeze through and become visible on the skin’s surface.
They also impede blood circulation and lymph flow, which leads to water accumulation in the tissue. Massages can get both things going again – as long as you stay on the ball. In order for manual labor to be effective, you should massage your problem areas for ten minutes every morning and evening.
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Flash massage with brush
If you only have a little time in the morning: You can also kick-start the microcirculation and get the lymph going with a firming brush massage. At the same time, the small abrasion acts like a gentle peeling. Use either a body brush made of natural bristles, a loofah, sisal or – for sensitive skin – a silk glove.
Rule of thumb: Always massage from areas that are far from the heart towards the heart, right side first.
Here’s how it works: Massage gently from the right foot in circular motions over the lower to the thigh. First the outside, then the inside. Then the left leg is massaged in the same order.
Include Arms:Perform stroking movements from the right hand to the shoulder or armpit. Then comes the left arm. After the chest, which is gently massaged from top to bottom, gently brush the stomach in circular motions. You are welcome to put more pressure on your buttocks – in small circles from bottom to top.
Anti-cellulite movement
You don’t always have to do the balancing act right away – but you can’t do it without movement. Endurance sports such as Nordic walking are ideal for getting your stomach, legs and buttocks in shape.
Especially good: swimming or aqua aerobics. The highlight is that you train against the water resistance. The movement in the water also causes a gentle skin massage.
Our favorite oils to make yourself
For good elasticity Centella asiatica (tiger grass) is said to stimulate collagen production. Add the following aroma mixture to 50 ml Centella oil (e.g. from Farfalla*): 10 drops of grapefruit oil and 2 drops each of rose geranium and peppermint.
For smoothed dents Recipe for success from aromatherapist Ruth von Braunschweig: Mix 50 ml each of almond and olive oil. Add 15 drops of citrus oil, 5 drops of rosemary oil, 5 drops of juniper berry or cypress oil and 3 to 5 drops of lavender oil. If you want, you can add the Schuessler salts No. 1 and No. 11 in an alcoholic solution (pharmacy). Drizzle 10 to 15 drops into the aromatic oil mixture.
Recommended book: “Pflanzenöle” by Ruth von Braunschweig, 228 pages, Stadelmann, 19.80 euros.
Three insider tips Great skin firmer
Schuessler Salt No. 11 – Silicea. It is available as tablets and as a body lotion. For an anti-cellulite wrap: dissolve 3 to 50 tablets into a paste in water, put on a gauze pad and place on the skin. Wrap household foil around it and let the porridge soak in for at least two hours.
Ultrasound treatment Ultrasound treatments are soft and painless. The sound waves are supposed to loosen lipids through minimal heating and the liquefied fat is supposed to be diluted via the lymph and kidneys. The holistic concept includes nutritional advice and training on a vibration platform. From about 160 euros per session.
Slim shorts Maybe worth a try: shorts made from a mixture of bamboo viscose and the precious stone tourmaline. Hundreds of tourmaline beads exert a mechanical stimulus on the tissue and are said to stimulate the breakdown of fat. However, you have to wear the shorts for 8 to 12 hours a day for 6 to 12 weeks. Approx. 50 euros .
roll and pull
Sit on a thick pillow, put one leg up. Grasp the skin with your thumbs and fingers and slowly roll back and forth a few times – in sections from above down to the knee, in one line. Place your fingertips there and pull the skin upwards. Repeat around the leg. change legs
make pressure
Clench your hands loosely into fists. Place the knuckles directly over the knee. Breathe in. As you exhale, apply pressure and sweep your knuckles up from the knee. First massage the front of the thigh, then the outer and inner thighs. Repeat each a couple of times. Then the other leg.
Pluck
Grasp a piece of skin tissue between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull upward. Let go and grab the next batch. Plucks upwards from the knee in bands. Around the thigh. Fast, rhythmic and with pressure.
Grab and push
Sit on a chair and clasp one thigh just above the knee with both hands from left and right. Apply gentle pressure and push the “grip chain” up the thigh. Repeat 3 to 5 times. Then it’s the other leg’s turn.
For the butt
Place the fingers of both hands on the lower edge of the buttocks. Apply pressure and slowly pull the fingers outwards from the bottom to the hips. Let your hands slide back to the buttocks. Work the whole buttocks in strips. Do each stroke 3 times.
For the belly
Place your left hand flat below your rib cage, while your right hand gently massages your stomach in circular motions – clockwise around the navel. Then add your left hand (fingertips point towards each other) and let both hands rotate.
