It has become rather fashionable to promote certain massage treatments as being a means to reduce weight and fat, to slim, to “contour,” “sculpture,” or “tone” the body.
These types of massages are, for instance, called Slimming Massage, Lypossage™, Body Contouring Massage, Cellulite Massage, Firming Massage, Body Toning Massage, and such.
The majority of these massages use massage techniques that aim at reducing the presence and appearance of body fat by working on the body’s lymphatic system, circulatory system, on muscle and skin tone.
Much of the work is done in the area of “detoxification” by getting rid of adhesions, excess waste and reducing water, fluids and lymph retention in the body, which can result in some weight loss.
Nevertheless, although some slimming or toning can occur, substantially losing weight or getting rid of cellulite will not happen without additional lifestyle changes, which are generally much more effective than massage.
Mind also that one needs a significant number of “slimming massage” sessions (twenty to thirty sessions) to get any noticeable results at all.
