Cellulite is a term used to describe skin that appears rippled, lumpy and coarse. Its appearance often is compared to orange peel or cottage cheese. Frequently attributed to poor circulation, poor diet and improper exercise, cellulite is actually due to a malformation of connective tissue below the skin, the layer that contains fat cells, according to researchers. Cellulite massage is a massage technique used to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Theory of Cellulite Massage
Magnetic resonance imaging shows that women with cellulite have more fibrous connective tissue in the fatty layer under the skin, perpendicular to the skin. The connective tissue pulls on the skin, and fat cells bulge outward toward the skin between the connective tissue fibers, producing the typical appearance of cellulite. Cellulite massage is based on the theory that stretching that fibrous layer with specific massage strokes will smooth the appearance of the skin.
Cellulite Certification
Cellulite massage is a technique related to lymph drainage massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. It is often taught at schools that offer training in those styles of massage. It is also sometimes taught in cosmetology schools, depending on the laws regulating cosmetology in each state.
Regulation of Massage
There are 44 states with state massage licensing. They do not regulate cellulite massage specifically. To practice cellulite massage, you will be required to have a massage license. Requirements for licensure include education, usually 500 hours of training in a variety of massage techniques, passing a test, fingerprints and a background search. Before enrolling in a school, investigate massage licensing requirements to make sure the school's program meets those requirements.
Regulation of Schools
Massage schools are generally regulated by state boards of education. Before enrolling in a massage program, check to see if the school is approved by your state. Visit the school, take a look at the classrooms, meet the instructors if possible and talk with students to see if they are satisfied with the instruction. Talk to potential local employers to see which schools they recommend. Make sure the curriculum includes training in cellulite massage if that is the area in which you wish to specialize.
References
- "Skin Research and Technology"; Anatomy and Physiology of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue by In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging And Spectroscopy; Querleux B, Cornillon C, Jolivet O, Bittoun J.; May 2002
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Side-by-Side Comparison of Areas With and Without Cellulite Depressions Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Hexsel DM et al.; Oct. 2009
- MassageTherapy.com: Massage State Regulation Guide
- "Review for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification"; Joseph Ashton; 2002
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