Massive attack: hydromassage against excess weight

Hydromassage is considered one of the most pleasant procedures, which are usually included in comprehensive weight loss and wellness programs. It helps to increase blood circulation, relieve fatigue, eliminate physical and nervous tension, as well as the consequences of stress.

Underwater massage for weight loss, as an independent procedure, is not able to remove extra pounds, since it cannot mechanically destroy or burn fat. Its essence lies in the fact that it, first of all, has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Impaired blood and lymph circulation are restored, and immunity is strengthened. As a result, the natural process of eliminating excess weight is launched. In addition, sessions help us relax and normalize our emotional state. Thus, we stop constantly overeating due to stress and lose weight.

How it all began

The hydromassage procedure itself was invented in Germany at the beginning of the last century and was intended to treat injuries. First, water massage was prescribed to a control group of patients as an additional treatment method.

The experiment was justified: in the control group, the recovery process was faster, injuries healed in a short time, swelling went away, skin condition improved, and sleep returned to normal faster.

After this, hydromassage was officially included in the list of medical procedures. But the matter did not end there - over time, an interesting “side effect” was discovered: regular bathing with elastic water pressure has a beneficial effect on the figure, restoring skin tone and promoting weight loss.

The key word is regular! This is how hydromassage began to be used for weight loss. Now this is a popular procedure that is offered in many clinics and beauty salons. Let's find out in detail how water massage works on your figure.

Benefits of abdominal massage

If the massage is performed by a professional, it affects not only the skin and subcutaneous fat, muscles, but also the internal organs. The right approach will improve intestinal motility, liver and pancreas secretion. However, it is advisable to carry out such a procedure only after consultation with a doctor.

Professional abdominal massage gives the following results:

• Makes the terrain more even;
• Removes cellulite and stretch marks;
• Helps normalize digestion;
• Eliminates swelling by normalizing blood circulation in the subcutaneous layers and internal organs.

Massage also helps to improve well-being , relieve muscle tension, and relax .

If you plan to get a purely cosmetic effect, a light effect will be enough. This procedure can be carried out independently. For a deeper massage, you should contact only a qualified specialist.

Baths for excess weight

The choice of equipment for hydromassage is extensive: these are showers, baths, special boxes, and the procedure is also carried out in swimming pools equipped with the necessary functions.

In most beauty salons, the hydromassage procedure is carried out in a bathtub, in which special nozzles are installed under a certain combination.

So, you can simply immerse yourself in the bath, turning towards the nozzles as you like, and there is no need for a massage therapist. And there are manipulations where the presence of a specialist is necessary - they involve the use of a hose, from which water comes out under a certain pressure.

The massage therapist directs the jets to areas that require special treatment, this provides a more pronounced effect. In some ways it is similar to Charcot’s shower, about which I already wrote an article on the blog.

Hydromassage in a jacuzzi is also popular. For the first 10-15 minutes, the body relaxes in warm (38 degrees Celsius) water with bubbles, then comes the turn of the massage itself - first a softer underwater one, then a harder one - 10-15 cm above the surface of the water.

How is water traction performed?

There are two ways of doing this – vertical and horizontal. They differ in the position of the patient's body in the aquatic environment under the same exposure modes.

Table. Comparison of methods for carrying out water traction.

As already noted, the water can be normal, fresh, or it can be enriched with minerals, which is usually offered in sanatoriums. Enrichment is carried out:

• radon;

  
  Radon baths, benefits

• hydrogen sulfide;
• sodium chloride salts;

  
  Sodium chloride baths

• turpentine.

There are two modes of implementation. In one of them, the load is given continuously - the stretching process occurs without relaxation pauses. In the second, more effective, traction is replaced by relaxation according to the impulse principle.

Process description

Step by step the water traction looks like this.

How does hydromassage affect the gained kilograms and uneven skin?

Massage itself does not burn fat - the effect of elastic water jets relaxes the body, relieves stress, improves blood and lymph flow, and accelerates metabolic processes.

The anti-stress effect alone already gives results - you don’t want to relieve stress with something tasty, which means that the excess weight will have nowhere to come from.

And the acceleration of metabolic processes activates fat burning - so, from session to session you can notice that the extra centimeters disappear somewhere, and a state of lightness has become familiar in the body.

To get rid of cellulite, it is good to undergo a massage course in a bath with iodine-containing water.

By combining procedures with a healthy diet and physical activity, you can lose excess weight while avoiding unsightly sagging skin and the appearance of stretch marks. Water massage will improve skin tone and strengthen muscles.

What types of abdominal massage are there?

Getting rid of a bulging belly is not easy, even for those who lead a healthy lifestyle. The reason for this is hormonal imbalances and exposure to stress. The abdominal area contains vital organs. With the help of various types of massage, you can reduce your waist size and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Depending on the technique and purpose of massage, the following types are distinguished:

• Canned . To improve the appearance of the abdomen, it is recommended to use silicone cups. With their help, a vacuum massage is performed, which improves blood circulation in problem areas. Oil is applied to the skin, the jar is slightly squeezed and applied to the skin. It must be carefully moved clockwise. Before starting the procedure, it is advisable to warm the jar in hot water to make it softer and rub the skin a little to prepare it for the massage. If bruises remain on the skin, then you need to reduce the vacuum effect and not squeeze the can so hard.
• Lymphatic drainage . This type of massage helps improve lymph flow and relieve swelling. Thanks to the lymphatic drainage effect, massage fights cellulite and improves the appearance of the skin, tightening it. Lymph moves slowly, so movements should be leisurely. The massage begins with stroking, then the massage therapist moves on to rubbing and kneading.
• Visceral . This is a deeper massage that allows you to work through the abdominal wall on the internal organs. This procedure must be carried out by an experienced specialist, otherwise it can harm the body. The technique includes deep, strong pressure, vibration, and kneading. As a result, blood circulation in the internal organs is normalized, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, the outflow of bile and the production of gastric juice improves. After this procedure, you should not drink water for 10 minutes and eat for an hour. After the first session, it is better to eat only light food in small portions.
• Honey . Honey contains more vitamins and microelements. It quickly draws out toxins and cleanses the skin. Natural honey helps eliminate cellulite and smoothes the skin. You only need to choose liquid honey. To enhance the effect, add a few drops of essential oil (orange, clove, lavender, mint). The mass is applied in a thin layer, and then the masseur places his palm on it and sharply tears it off. As a result, the honey turns gray, which indicates high-quality cleansing of the skin. Thanks to honey massage, you can quickly eliminate swelling in problem areas.
• Pinch . The pinch technique allows you to strengthen weakened abdominal muscles and improve the condition of the skin. After warming up the dermis and applying oil, the specialist grabs an area of ​​skin and gradually moves around the navel, expanding the treated area.
• Water . The skin in the abdominal area is massaged with a stream of water. All movements are performed clockwise.

There is also a non-contact abdominal massage (breathing exercises). With the help of special exercises, it improves the functioning of internal organs and strengthens the diaphragm. Breathing exercises also tone your abdominal muscles and help you lose weight faster.

How does the massage procedure work?

Each zone has its own pressure (1-5 atm) and type of jet. Thus, the specialist massages sensitive areas (abdomen, chest, inner thighs, groin) with a fan-shaped jet under a pressure of 4 atmospheres.

Then a thorough study of problem areas occurs. During the procedure, the muscles naturally tense - this improves blood flow and lymph outflow, ensuring smoothness of the skin.

After completing the session, you should not get up suddenly. The first results will be noticeable after 3-4 procedures.

Course duration: 20 sessions. As a result, you can get rid of 4-6 kg - subject to diet and exercise. If there is no result, you should take a more careful approach to your diet and increase physical activity.

The procedures are carried out every two days; a repeat course can be taken after six months.

At home

You can also perform a massage at home by purchasing special shower heads or a short hose with an attachment that allows you to adjust the water pressure.

You can massage your entire body - with the exception of the mammary glands and groin. If it is not possible to purchase attachments, you can simply massage your body in the bathroom with a soft brush, rubbing problem areas until they turn red - this will speed up the blood and speed up metabolic processes.

However, not everyone has high pressure in their home water supply, especially on the high floors of Soviet high-rise buildings.

I also advise you to read the article “Losing weight with a contrast shower”

Results and impressions

Those who have already tried several underwater massage sessions are vying with each other to share their reviews. Of course, among them there are both positive ones and those with a tinge of dissatisfaction. However, there are some things in common:

• When half of the course sessions are over, you feel light, swelling disappears, fatigue goes away, and your legs no longer have the same heaviness.
• There is an improvement in the structure, color and elasticity of the skin.
• The spine becomes more flexible and the joints become more mobile.
• Full sleep returns and the headache goes away.
• Immunity increases.

Of course, no one will say exactly how many kilograms you can lose thanks to hydromassage. Too many factors influence the result. However, it is reliably known that a well-designed weight loss course (in combination with diet correction and feasible physical activity) will help you lose up to 6 kg and reduce the volume of your abdomen and hips by approximately 2-3 cm.

Most reviews about underwater massage are positive - enthusiastic stories about the results obtained and recommendations of the procedure to others. Some mention unpleasant moments. Let's take a more specific look at what people write about.

pros

Hydromassage destroys fatty tissue located under the skin. Due to this, weight loss occurs. The huge advantage of this procedure is that the skin does not sag after it, but, on the contrary, tightens. Since fat is not very heavy, body weight decreases slowly. What can’t be said about volumes – the figure is getting slimmer literally before our eyes.

Underwater massage has an excellent effect on cellulite. Who needs quick results - welcome to the miracle bath. An obvious effect is observed already in the 3rd or 4th session. The most problematic areas (usually the hips and abdomen) actually become smaller. And the mood improves.

Some note that hydromassage and Charcot’s shower are heaven and earth. The procedure is painless, there are no bruises, and the result is much better.

Many people write that the sessions effectively removed fat deposits, smoothed out the orange peel and toned the body. However, they emphasize that the anti-cellulite effect does not last forever. It ends in about 2 months.

Minuses

Those who share their impressions of underwater massage also note some inconveniences. For example, after the first session, the next day you may feel like after an intense workout at the gym. Therefore, the optimal interval between procedures is 1 day.

There is also an intimate nuance that many are embarrassed to talk about out loud. While massaging the buttocks, the operator can sometimes accidentally hit the perineum with the jet. This creates extremely unpleasant sensations.

Some found the duration of the session (15-20 minutes) too short and not commensurate with either the benefits received or the monetary cost. Dissatisfaction was also caused by the need to completely undress before the procedure and dry off after it. In winter this is especially burdensome.

About benefits and contraindications

First, about the pleasant things.

The benefits of hydromassage can hardly be overestimated: in addition to getting rid of excess weight, exposure to jets solves many health problems.

Namely:

• Treats varicose veins;
• Accelerates the healing of ruptures and sprains;
• Strengthens fragile blood vessels;
• Eliminates congestion;
• Normalizes digestive function;
• Restores the condition of the musculoskeletal system.

Indications for the procedure include:

• Immunity disorders;
• Recent injuries;
• Sleep problems;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Asthenia;
• Varicose veins;
• Fatigue;
• Stress;
• Vegetovascular dystonia.

There are also contraindications, for example:

• Oncological diseases;
• Previous heart attack;
• Infections;
• Skin problems;
• Fever;
• Thrombophlebitis;
• Pregnancy;
• Ischemia;
• Hypertension;
• Urolithiasis disease.

In any of these cases, the procedure will only cause harm, aggravating existing health problems.

Preparing for a belly massage

Complicated preparation for massage is not required. Before starting the procedure, it is advisable to go to the toilet. The intestines and bladder must be empty, otherwise it will be uncomfortable. The last meal should be no later than 2-3 hours before the procedure. You can eat light food that is quickly digested: cereals, fruits, soups. It is worth avoiding fatty meat, alcohol, strong coffee, and legumes on the day of the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything that may cause increased gas.

However, fasting is also contraindicated. Massage activates digestive processes. If you haven't eaten at all that day, the production of gastric juice will irritate the walls of the stomach and cause discomfort.

Be sure to shower before your massage. Use a washcloth, gel, scrub, peeling to cleanse the skin. It is not advisable to use lotions and creams after a shower.

What to remember

Having decided to lose weight with the help of hydromassage, it is important to understand that, despite its effectiveness, this procedure is still an auxiliary tool.

It makes the results of diet and fitness more noticeable, but cannot replace them. So you will have to rely only on your determination and willpower.

It is important to assess your health, if you have questions, consult a doctor, and, if there are no obstacles, go ahead and sign up for a hydromassage! It's very nice, you'll see for yourself.

And I say goodbye to you until the next article and invite you to subscribe to my blog updates.

Classic abdominal massage technique

Classic massage has been very popular for decades. It can be used both to normalize the gastrointestinal tract and to eliminate cosmetic defects.

Classic abdominal massage is carried out as follows:

• First prepare the skin by cleansing it. Choose a massage oil or anti-cellulite cream that suits your skin type.
• The massage begins with light stroking with your fingertips to warm up the skin. Start from the area around the navel and gradually increase the diameter. Remember that all movements in the abdominal area should be performed only clockwise.
• After stroking, you can start rubbing . If this is the first session, it is advisable to rub the skin of the abdomen for no more than 3 minutes. They allow you to warm up the dermis more intensively and prepare it for further manipulation. Rubbing is done with both hands. If the massage is performed to eliminate cellulite, you can increase the time of this stage or make the movements faster and more intense.
• Pressure is used to normalize the functioning of internal organs . You need to place your palm on a certain point, cover it with your other hand, press lightly and hold it for no more than 3 seconds. Then you can move on to the next point and move clockwise.
• Another stage of classic massage is kneading . A small area of ​​skin on the abdomen is grabbed with the fingers. This roller gradually shifts. Kneading warms up the skin well and accelerates the process of breaking down adipose tissue.
• Then you can move on to vibration . Such movements are carried out with the edge of the palm or fingers. Vibration improves skin elasticity and helps tighten the belly.
• The massage session ends with stroking . All that remains is to remove the remaining oil.

Redness of the skin is a normal reaction to massage. But there should be no bruises or hematomas on the skin. If you notice marks or feel pain in the abdominal area, you should interrupt the course and consult a doctor.

To get a good result, you need to carry out a massage course of 10 procedures. The break between sessions should be short. Sometimes it is recommended to do massages every day until the end of the course. Then you definitely need to take a break.

The duration of one session is no more than 25 minutes. But for the first time, it is not advisable to massage the abdominal area for more than 15 minutes.