A good, relaxing massage is all you can ask for after a tiring week. But did you know that certain massages also help lose weight and reduce cellulite (1), (2)?

Studies show that combining a balanced diet and exercise with massage therapy is an effective weight loss strategy (3), (4). It can aid faster, long-term weight loss. In this article, we have listed three best massages for weight loss. Read on!

3 Effective Massages For Weight Loss

1. Aromatherapy Massage

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An aromatherapy massage is a special type of weight loss massage that cuts down your desire to binge eat. Special aromatic oils made from the extracts of flowers, fruits, leaves, barks, and seeds are used.

Researchers found one hour of aromatherapy massage with grapefruit oil, cypress, and other oils for six weeks helped 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 may also help reduce stress and depression (5), (6). This, in turn, can reduce the desire to binge eat or eat nothing at all (leads to slow metabolism and weight gain) (7), (8).

2. Lymphatic Massage For Weight Loss

Weight gain and obesity can lead to lymphedema. This further amplifies inflammation and weight gain. Lymphatic massage helps in lymphatic drainage, flushing out extra fluid from the waist, wrist, ankles, and legs. It reduces puffiness.

A study found that lymphatic drainage massage or manual massage could help reduce thigh and belly fat (9), (10). People who play sports use this massage often to heal injuries (11).

You must eliminate unhealthy food from your diet. Get a licensed lymphatic massage therapist to get the massage done on a regular basis.

3. Cellulite Skin Fold And Vacuum Massage

Cellulite makes the skin look like an orange peel. Getting rid of it can be a task. But a skinfold massage can certainly help reduce the time to get rid of cellulite.

A vibrating device is used to massage the affected area. Scientists found that skinfold massage could help smoothen the skin (12). Sixty minutes of vibration massage five times a week also showed promising results in reducing cellulite (13).

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 (14). Get a professional vacuum therapist to do your massage.

These are the three massages you can try to shed fat from any region of your body, including the abdomen, thighs, back, hips, and chest. Let’s take a look at the benefits of these massages.

Benefits Of Massages For Weight Loss

• Increase Blood Circulation – A full body massage helps increase blood circulation and flow (15). It helps get rid of all toxic wastes and improves metabolism.

• Relieve Stress – Stress leads to toxin build-up, which can lead to metabolic slowdown and overeating. Massage helps reduce stress and releases “feel good” hormones (16). This helps reduce the production of hunger hormones and prevents excessive eating (17).

• 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 high blood pressure (18).

• Tone The Muscles – Weight loss massages can help in toning your body, especially the muscle area. They can also decrease stiffness and soreness in the muscles (19).

• Improve Muscle Recovery – Working out causes muscle wear and tear. Resting and deep tissue massage can help improve muscle recovery. As a result, you will be able to workout without excessive muscle pain or reduced flexibility.

Conclusion

Massages alone will not result in weight loss. You also have to eat healthy foods, workout 5 hours a week, get 7 hours of sleep daily, and bond with people who have similar weight loss or fitness goals. Massages can help boost weight loss, induce relaxation, and reduce pain. Include them in your lifestyle, and you will start seeing a difference soon.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

1. Are massages good for weight loss?

Yes, massages are good for weight loss. You must also eat healthy and workout 5 hours a week for best and quick results.

2. What is the best massage for weight loss?

You can try aromatherapy massage, cellulite massage, and lymphatic massage to lose weight.

3. How to massage the stomach to lose weight?

1. Lie down flat.
2. Use an aromatic oil.
3. Place your right palm on the top part of the abdomen and the left palm on the lower abdomen.
4. Use circular motions to massage your abdomen for 10 minutes.
5. Do this every day.

4. Does Ayurvedic massage help in weight loss?

Yes, Ayurvedic massage can help you reduce weight. But remember, you have to eat healthy foods and workout to get results.