Palpate and roll massage

How it works
Cellulite is linked to the accumulation of fat and the storage of fatty cells in certain areas of a woman's body such as the hips, thighs and buttocks. It's made worse by blood and lymphatic circulation problems.

The palpate and roll or 'vacuum' massage technique involves kneading the skin and tissue beneath the surface of the skin to aid lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat by the body's cells) and to activate the lymphatic and blood circulation. It can be done by hand or with a machine.

This type of massage can be combined with vacuotherapy and depressotherapy. Endermology and suction massage are also possible; these are both carried out with a machine.

The procedure
- By hand: the masseur carries out a series of 'pinching' massages to form folds, soften tissue and activate circulation.

- Using a machine: the machine has a reasonably strong sucking action on the target areas, which creates a 'vacuum' and brings blood flowing to the target zone, which is then massaged with a rolling movement. The back-and-forth momentum helps oxygenate cells, eliminate toxins and soften connective tissue.

The sucking action begins gently to test the skin. During the following sessions, the intensity is upped gradually to unblock the target areas (stomach, thighs, legs and arms). The skin should redden slighlty due to the sucking effect; this shows circulation is intensified!

What you need to know
- The palpate and roll technique is recommended on cellulite, especially on the lower body. It won't solve overweight problems but it can help.

- It can relieve oedema in swollen legs.

- A session lasts half an hour and costs around £40.

- Massage devices and machines can be purchased from around £50.

- This type of massage is best delivered over several sessions and combined with a diet plan so that the benefits aren't compromised by unhealthy eating. After around 15 sessions 2-3 times a week, you can visibly lose centimetres from the target areas, tissue will be less blocked and orange peel reduced.

- To make the benefits last further sessions will, of course, be needed, as well as a little weekly exercise and a balanced diet.

Warning
This type of massage is not recommended if you have very bad circulation in your legs or bruise easily.