With obesity, the human body contains an excessive amount of adipose tissue, which leads to an increase in body weight, and also causes the development of a large number of concomitant health problems. The effectiveness of medical massage for obesity has been proven for many years of practice. The article will consider the main tasks, goals, as well as the technique of performing special massage aimed at combating excess weight.
Massage Tasks for Obesity
The main objectives of therapeutic massage is to start and activate metabolic processes in the body, improve blood circulation in organs and tissues, and reduce the percentage of fat in the body. In addition, there is a strengthening of the muscular corset, and mainly of the abdominal muscles. Bowel function improves. Gradual weight loss, which is achieved through massage, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
How does obesity massage work?
The mechanism of action of massage is based on the fact that movements performed by a specialist stimulate skin receptors, affect ligaments and internal organs and systems, as a result of which they are excited and form an impulse flow entering the central nervous system. The activation of certain brain centers that occurs during the massage process contributes to a change in the functional state of the body and a decrease in body fat. Regular procedures reduce fatigue and give the patient a boost of energy.
In addition, an active effect on the body activates blood flow, accelerates the excretion of metabolic products from the body. Massage the abdomen with obesity normalizes intestinal motility. The active work of a masseur helps the patient's muscles to tone.
Massage Efficiency
The positive effect of the massage procedures depends on the degree to which the disease is located, as well as on a number of conditions that caused the disease. So, obesity, which arose in connection with disability and amputation of the limbs and, accordingly, a decrease in the level of activity, is best treated with the help of wellness massage, which can lead a person to recover as quickly as possible.
In patients who suffer from a high degree of obesity, which arose due to malnutrition, overeating, lack of physical activity, the effectiveness of massage is significantly lower. In this case, he should go in conjunction with a special diet and a number of other medical procedures aimed at actively reducing weight and burning body fat.
It should be noted that, as a rule, the effectiveness of massage for obesity in women is lower than in men. This can be caused by a number of hormonal changes that occur in the body due to active weight gain and a high percentage of fat.
Segmental massage
The main massage technique for obesity is segmental, the purpose of which is to reduce fat deposits in various parts of the patient’s body. In addition, this type of massage actively stimulates blood circulation and starts the processes of active burning of excess fat.
General recommendations
To achieve a positive effect in the fight against obesity, massage should be performed in the morning after breakfast.
During the procedure, a person with a high degree of obesity is not recommended to use shock technique, since strokes on weakened muscles can negatively affect the patient's well-being. In the event that the patient complains of a poor condition, he has a decrease or increase in pressure, the session should be discontinued.
A feature of massage for obesity is that its intensity should increase gradually along with the duration of the procedure. As a rule, the first session lasts 15 minutes. Further, the time of each must be increased by 5 minutes, gradually bringing to 1 hour.
The effect of medical massage for obesity will be noticeable if the procedure is performed 2 times a week. More frequent treatment sessions are not recommended, as the patient’s body does not have time to recover.
It is imperative to give the patient a rest in a supine position 15 minutes before the procedure and 30 minutes after the massage.
A good combination of massage with a bath or steam room. However, for such a procedure, the patient must obtain a doctor’s permission.
Massage Procedure
The procedure for the massage therapist during the treatment procedure depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's well-being.
So, during the running course of the disease, when the patient is physically unable to lie on his stomach due to large fat deposits, he lies on his back, and special ridges are placed under the head and knees. In this case, the massage procedure begins with the patient’s foot.
The main techniques that are used in massage for obesity include soft stroking, rubbing and kneading, as well as a vibrating effect on the human body.
At the initial stage of the disease, segmental massage is permissible in the following order:
- Back massage. When performing it, the main techniques are kneading, gripping and alternately squeezing muscles, it is necessary to twist the tissues, including strokes on the massaged part with a brush. To affect the joints and ligaments, grinding and squeezing are used.
- Massage the back of the neck.
- Massage the latissimus dorsi.
- Massage of the pelvic area and back of the legs.
Particular attention is paid to the active rubbing and increased blood flow throughout the body.
During the second part of the procedure, the patient lies on his back. The specialist conducts body massage in the following order:
- Massage of the left leg and left arm. In this case, mainly kneading and grinding are used. The limb massage ends with shaking and stroking.
- Massage the right leg and right arm.
- Massage of the chest area.
- Massage of the abdomen, which is based on the active kneading of body fat, which contributes to increased blood flow and the start of fat burning processes. In order to increase skin tone, you can use shock movements.
Rules for doing massage
A qualified person knows that all movements must be performed clockwise. During the session, special attention should be paid to pressure on the patient's body. To complete a massage with obesity should be shaking the upper and lower extremities and abdomen.
Acupressure
Acupressure can help cope with overweight. Scientists have proved that the point effect on various parts of the patient’s body enhances the release of certain substances, which improve metabolic processes and help trigger the burning of fat in the body.
The basis of the procedure is a tonic acupressure. Its essence lies in the fact that the impact on a certain place on the body of an overweight person is in the form of soft short pressure. The massage technique for obesity is as follows: the massage point must be pressed up to 50 times in one minute.
To combat obesity, acupressure should begin from the head and gradually descend to the legs. Procedures must be carried out every day. The duration of one course should be at least 14 days, after which a break is made for a week, and the course is repeated again.
In conclusion, it should be noted that various types of massage for obesity will only give results if the patient begins to lead a healthy lifestyle. An important condition for the fight against the disease is nutrition correction, limited intake of fast carbohydrates and fatty foods.
The effect can be achieved as quickly as possible only if the patient includes in his regimen daily physical activity, walks in the fresh air and swimming.