Honey massage - contraindications, how the procedure occurs

Are you a professional massage therapist or are you planning to become one? Do you want to learn the technique of performing a honey back massage in order to be able to solve the problems of numerous office workers, athletes, people complaining of pain in the lower back, neck and reach a higher level of income?

Your profession has nothing to do with massage, but you want to learn how to perform a honey procedure in order to help your family and friends get rid of muscle tension at home?

We have prepared an article that will help both. Learn new things about the techniques and techniques of honey back massage and please your clients or people close to you!

What is honey massage?

Massage with honey for medicinal purposes was practiced in ancient Tibet. In Ancient Rus', it was rubbed into steamed skin after a bath, and nutrients easily penetrated deep through open pores. In Ancient Egypt, it was believed that honey cures many diseases and prolongs youth.

The modern approach is partly based on techniques that came from antiquity, its benefits have been proven over the centuries. It is not surprising that in the East, where this technique is most actively used, life expectancy is much longer than in other regions of the world. The effectiveness of the procedure is associated with the unique properties of honey, the peculiarities of the interaction of the epidermis with the biologically active substances contained in the product.

It releases useful components and at the same time adsorbs toxins, quickly removing them from the body. At the same time, lymph flow increases, blood circulation activates, and nutrition of internal organs and tissues improves. All this ensures good health and saturation with vital energy.

Important! The results are noticeable after a course of 15 sessions.

Today, several types of procedures are practiced:

Honey facial massage;
Back, abdomen;
Arms, legs;
Anti-cellulite massage;
From stretch marks;
For weight loss.

The course includes working on the back and lower extremities. As necessary, exposure is performed on individual parts of the body and selected areas. Another type of procedure is SPA wraps.

Honey facial massage

This is a complex effect on the skin and tissues located quite deeply. This effect allows you to achieve several effects at once:

Restoring blood circulation through rhythmic movements;
Improving complexion;
Ensuring proper functioning of the skin;
Increased skin tone, lifting effect;
Fresh appearance thanks to accelerated tissue regeneration;
Safe and gentle removal of toxins;
Smoothing wrinkles;
Cleansing and exfoliating the epidermis.

After massage, pale gray particles sometimes remain on the skin - remnants of honey along with impurities that closed the pores. Then there is no irritation, redness or other unpleasant consequences; old and rough skin disappears without a trace. This effect perfectly replaces peeling and the use of scrubs, and takes care of the face as carefully as possible, without damaging the cells.

Honey body massage

When performing a honey body massage, the skin is intensively cleansed, dead cells and all kinds of impurities are removed. But at the same time, cleansing is carried out at a deeper level, because honey enters the tissues and adsorbs accumulated toxins, and subsequently brings them to the surface. The substance has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, accelerates the healing of wounds and microcracks, increases the permeability of the dermis and allows the absorption of beneficial elements.

The main feature is its complex effect on the body. In parallel with increasing elasticity and softness of the skin, active detoxification, blood circulation of tissues and their nutrition improves. Metabolic and recovery processes occur faster, cell regeneration accelerates. All this has a positive effect on both appearance and well-being.

Benefit

General nutrition and oxygen saturation of each individual cell of the skin.
Active peeling, exfoliation of keratinized particles of the epidermis.
The skin becomes smooth, firm, elastic, silky.
The appearance of cellulite is reduced.
During the massage procedure, sweet particles penetrate deep into the tissues and absorb toxins accumulated in them.
Corrects the figure, slightly but systematically reducing body volume.
Relieves stress and fatigue, improves immunity, gives vigor.
Subcutaneous fat is burned due to the effect on fat deposits.
Improving blood circulation and blood supply to cells.
Tissue regeneration accelerates, metabolism increases.

Honey massage of feet and hands

A foot massage will help relieve fatigue, tone muscles and achieve complete relaxation of the body. There are a huge number of reflex points in the feet, each of which is responsible for the functioning of a particular organ. Accordingly, stimulation of certain zones makes it possible to influence the entire body as a whole.

Foot stimulation is not only effective, but also a very pleasant procedure that allows you to mobilize vitality, get a boost of vigor and replenish energy reserves. The body has a therapeutic and preventive effect, relieves stress and improves mood.

Massaging your hands helps tidy up the skin, make it soft and beautiful, and get rid of rough areas. Working out the muscles of the shoulder and forearm has a beneficial effect on their condition, helps eliminate sagging, and saturate the tissues with useful substances.

General recommendations

Despite the fact that the procedure is very simple, when performing it at home, you must follow several important rules:

honey used for massage must be of high quality. This means that its composition should not contain any additives or impurities. The product itself, which must be completely natural, can be taken of any variety. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, it is recommended to use liquid honey;

What kind of honey should be used for massage?
if the product has become candied for one reason or another, then before use the honey must be melted in a steam bath . But at the same time, the heating temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. Otherwise, the beekeeping product will lose all its beneficial properties;
There are many recipes for preparing massage mixtures based on honey . Essential oil (juniper, lemon, sandalwood and others) can be an additional ingredient;
There are certain areas on the body where it is strictly not recommended to apply honey . First of all, we are talking about the groin and armpit areas, as well as the chest.

Movements for back massage

On a note! It is strictly forbidden to reuse honey, since instead of having a healing effect, a previously used beekeeping product can harm the body. In its properties, honey resembles a sponge that absorbs all toxic substances from the skin. Therefore, such a product becomes very toxic.

Anticellulite massage

Honey can help get rid of such an undesirable phenomenon as cellulite. With this phenomenon, tissues are deformed, which leads to insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to skin cells. As a result, decay products and liquid accumulate, nodes with a dense structure are formed, the skin becomes lumpy and does not look aesthetically pleasing.

The sides and thighs are mainly affected by cellulite, so special attention is paid to them. During the procedure, blood and lymph circulation is activated. The skin warms up and absorbs beneficial elements well, easily releasing toxins. After the course, the elasticity of the skin increases, it becomes smoother and more elastic.

In particularly difficult situations, a vacuum massage is performed using honey and special devices - jars. This effect is aimed at combating slow blood flow, the accumulation of fat cells in certain areas, and the manifestations of cellulite. The goal is to start tissue regeneration in the deep layers of the skin.

This involves patting movements of the massage therapist's hands. A technique is widely used in which the palms seem to be “glued” to the body and then abruptly torn off. This option is similar to cupping massage.

Important! Bruising may remain after the procedure. You shouldn’t be afraid of this; they go away on their own after a short time.

How to do a therapeutic back massage yourself

You can perform some therapeutic procedures and wellness massages yourself. To create a favorable atmosphere, it is recommended to take a warm shower, turn on relaxing music and aroma candles. The procedure begins with the cervical region. Wrap your arms around it. Make turns left and right, down and up. Use your fingers to warm the skin in a circular motion. Repeat the circular and zigzag movements three times. Pinch the skin.

Move on to the shoulders. Start the therapeutic massage by clasping your arms crosswise. Without letting go of your hands, perform circular movements to warm up your joints. One minute clockwise and the same counterclockwise. Massage and pinch your shoulders. Lower your arms lower and grab your sides. Stroke this area of your back and then massage it with your fingertips.

For losing weight and fighting stretch marks

Stretch marks on the skin are a fairly common occurrence. They mainly appear after pregnancy, but can also occur under the influence of other factors: poor nutrition and obesity, smoking and constant stress, poor environmental situation and various diseases. All this can lead to disruption of protein synthesis and, as a result, to weakening of the skin and the appearance of characteristic stripes on it.

Honey massage stimulates collagen production and normalizes blood circulation. This promotes natural skin restoration, healing and gradual narrowing of stretch marks. In addition, the procedure prevents the appearance of new streaks, strengthening the skin structure.

Massage with honey allows you to get rid of extra centimeters in problem areas. The procedure ensures the breakdown of harmful substances into microparticles, their removal, and activates the flow of oxygen into the blood and tissues. Stimulating salt and water metabolism promotes weight loss, and an aggressive effect on subcutaneous fat helps eliminate accumulated excess adipose tissue.

Reviews from doctors and patients

Elena, 34 years old, Moscow, massage therapist

After I gave birth to my second child, stretch marks appeared on my stomach. I myself have been doing massage for several years, and honey massage is one of my favorites. I did several procedures on my stomach myself, the effect is amazing!

Svetlana, 40 years old, Krasnodar, housewife

For the first time, a friend gave me a massage with honey. Well what can I say? The result on the skin is noticeable immediately, but for this you will have to endure pain. We did 10 procedures, after which there was no trace of cellulite left.

Alexandra, 38 years old, Voronezh, accountant

I have cervical osteochondrosis, and my head hurts terribly. A friend read the review and advised me to massage with honey. During the procedure it was terribly painful, but afterwards there was an incredibly pleasant feeling. In addition, I noticed that the pain began to appear less frequently. Now they do sessions regularly, every week.

Features of honey wrap

Honey wrap creates a greenhouse effect, which enhances the beneficial effects of honey. This procedure is considered very effective in terms of burning fat, activating metabolic processes and natural lymphatic drainage. All this strengthens the body's immune defense and gives the skin a toned appearance, healthy color and noticeable silkiness.

Important! Honey removes excess fluid from the body and cleanses the body by removing waste and toxins. But the effect will not be noticeable immediately, but after 10-15 procedures.

Indications and contraindications

Honey massage is useful in a wide variety of situations, thanks to the unique characteristics of the product. Indications for this procedure are:

Deterioration in general health;
Weakened immunity, tendency to frequent diseases;
Muscle hypertonicity;
Diseases of the respiratory and musculoskeletal system;
Inflammation of muscle tissue;
Arthritis and arthrosis;
Manifestation of cellulite;
Lethargy and apathy;
Constant feeling of fatigue.

There are many reasons for a honey massage. For example, a facial procedure is prescribed when signs of aging and fading of the skin appear, dull or uneven skin tone, increased dryness or oiliness of the skin, inflammation, acne and blackheads, scars.

Honey massage is recommended during the recovery period after injuries, for arthritis and arthrosis, vertebral hernias and osteochondrosis. An indication may be pain in the lumbar region, but you should first consult a doctor. This procedure can help cure coughs due to the flu or other illness, as well as bronchitis. In this case, you need to rub and massage the chest and back, and tapping movements are also used.

But this type of honey massage can be harmful if contraindications are not taken into account. Honey procedures are contraindicated for:

Allergies to the product;
Couperose;
Fresh damage to the skin, burns, purulent lesions;
Herpes;
Hormonal disorders associated with malfunctions of the thyroid gland;
Dilated blood vessels;
Presence of hematomas;
Pregnancy;
Tendency to bleed;
Autoimmune diseases.

Important! Honey massage should not be done in the first time after surgery, in case of sexually transmitted pathologies and asthma, varicose veins and inflammation of the lymph nodes.

The procedure is contraindicated for a number of other diseases: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, renal failure, blood clotting disorders. You will have to refuse the services of a specialist during periods of elevated temperature, nausea or vomiting. If there are pathologies, it is better to consult a doctor.

Important! If painful sensations occur, you should immediately inform your massage therapist.

Duration of one session and number of recommended procedures

Therapeutic massage can be carried out with a break of up to six months. Cosmetic centers offer a standard set of manipulations, designed for 10 visits. For back diseases, medical massage is recommended to be carried out in courses with regular repetition and physiotherapeutic procedures.

For osteochondrosis, 7 to 15 visits every six months are recommended. No more than 20 minutes at a time.
For radiculitis - from 10 to 15 sessions every four months, you can rub the body for 7 to 30 minutes.
For scoliosis, classes are held every other day for a month. The duration of one session is 30-50 minutes.
Symptoms of intervertebral hernia are relieved with a medical massage lasting 15-30 minutes. It is possible to relieve your back in 10 visits.

Honey massage technique

It all starts with warming up the muscles. Next, two main techniques are used: pressing in the honey and then vacuuming it out. The desired areas of the body are rubbed with honey and massaged with relaxing, smooth movements.

The technique has some features:

Problem areas are worked on for 15-20 minutes;
The session lasts approximately an hour;
After working on the back, legs, buttocks, it is necessary to wash off the honey, after which the front part of the body is massaged;
The specialist applies honey to the palms of his hands and distributes it over the patient’s body with patting movements;
When it is necessary to work on several zones, each is massaged separately;
The patting movements gradually intensify, the massage therapist’s hands are pressed closer to the skin, and then abruptly pulled away - this creates a vacuum effect;
During the first sessions, pain is possible; this occurs due to the body’s adaptation to the effects. In the future, the process becomes more pleasant and easier.

The range of techniques used in honey massage techniques is quite large. Depending on the characteristics of the body and the purpose of the procedure, the treatment can be carried out according to the classical scheme or with an emphasis on problem areas and certain types of influence. The specialist’s hands can stick with the entire palm or its edge, fingertips, two hands at once, alternately.

But honey massage can also be done at home. To do this, honey is applied to the body and soft pats are performed for 5 minutes. This warms up the skin; this is necessary to prepare the body for the main procedure. After heating, the product is rubbed into the body with fairly rigid movements, this is done for about 5 minutes.

Next, pinching movements are performed, but without excessive zeal: pain should not be felt. But a slight burning sensation is quite possible and indicates that the massage is being performed correctly. Such movements are also done for 5 minutes.

Then the hands are applied to the problem areas for several minutes, and then removed from the skin with a sharp movement. This type of massage is suitable exclusively for areas of the body that require special attention. In this case, the honey should change color.

It is not recommended to perform such movements on the neck, décolleté, arms and calves. For the first three sessions, a 5-minute exposure is sufficient, then its time can be increased by 1 minute each time. Bringing it up to 10 minutes. A sign of effectiveness is reddening of the skin. The basic principle is that the intensity of movements gradually increases.

Helpful advice! To enhance the effect, add 5 drops of grapefruit or orange essential oil to honey.

A separate technique is used for honey facial massage. The product is distributed evenly over the surface, except for the area around the eyes. After about 5 minutes, you will notice that the droplets of honey are located unevenly on the face. The reason is simple: the substance was absorbed into the unslagged pores and moved to the deeper layers - the epidermis. In places where drops remain on the surface, there are microcracks or microtraumas.

These are the pores that are cleaned with massage. It is important to remember that performing the procedure on the face does not involve horizontal or circular movements. You just need to lightly press and release your fingers, avoiding pain. To pull out sebaceous plugs, a vacuum effect is required.

Interestingly, honey facial massage activates the functioning of internal organs. There are separate zones on the face associated with certain body systems. Thus, in case of pulmonary and bronchial pathologies, more attention should be paid to the cheek area; in case of malfunctions of the digestive system, dysbacteriosis, more attention should be paid to the forehead. Stimulation of the chin helps to cope with gynecological problems, and stimulation of the tip of the nose with cardiovascular problems.

You can also make honey wraps at home. To do this, honey needs to be heated in a water bath until it becomes liquid. But here it is important to control the temperature, avoiding heating above 23-25°C. When heated too much, honey loses its beneficial qualities and creates a risk of burns.

A thin layer of honey is applied with massage movements to the body with a spatula or brush, after which the problem areas are wrapped in plastic wrap. After this, you need to lie down, cover yourself with a blanket, relax and remain in this position for about an hour and a half.

Efficiency is largely determined by the quality of honey. It is imperative to choose a natural product that does not contain additives. In this regard, a store-bought product is not a suitable option; it usually contains sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. Ginger honey and soufflé also fall into this category.

Transparent honey is easier to work with and spreads more easily over the skin. But candied honey can be used. It can be melted or used in its original state to obtain a peeling effect.

What to choose: professional hands or massage at home?

You won’t be able to perform a honey back massage on your own at home, but you can ask your friends to do the procedure. Homemade honey back massage sessions performed by a non-professional will show the following results:

relaxation of the body, relief from nervous tension
getting rid of insomnia
strengthening the immune system
improvement of complexion
relief from mild tension in the back, neck, lower back
improving blood circulation, accelerating lymph flow, removing waste and toxins

How can a therapeutic honey back massage performed by a professional help?

correcting incorrect posture
treatment, prevention of spinal hernias
relief from unpleasant and severe pain in the neck and lower back
reduction of manifestations of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, diseases of bones and joints
getting rid of unwanted fat deposits in the back area

Preparation for the procedure

Before performing a massage, be sure to take a warm shower. If you plan to do the procedure in the salon, you should check in advance about the availability of a shower. You can use liquid soap or gel with a neutral pH. Using a scrub will enhance the effect of honey, as will working with a massage roller to warm up. Before performing the procedure on your face, you need to remove makeup and cleanse the skin with a special gel or foam.

For people who are not sure about the presence or absence of an allergy, it is advisable to do an allergy test before the procedure. To do this, you don’t have to see a doctor; just apply a little honey to the forearm and gently rub into the skin. The result is assessed after half an hour. If redness, blisters, and rashes do not appear, then there are no obstacles to honey therapy.

How to prepare for a session

To get the maximum healing effect from a massage, you must:

eat no later than an hour before the session;
take a shower (skin should be clean);
remove jewelry from the hands and neck that may interfere with the procedure;
relax as much as possible during the manipulation so that the doctor’s hands do not encounter muscle resistance;
Lie quietly after the massage for 15 minutes.

If manipulations are performed on the abdominal area, the last meal should occur no later than 3 hours before the session. You should also check for open wounds or burns on the skin. They can make an initially pleasant massage extremely painful. Unpleasant sensations will not allow you to relax.

Experts do not recommend epilation of legs and other areas immediately before the procedure. Rubbing epilated skin is a dubious pleasure. In addition, inflammation may occur due to massage oil getting into micro-wounds and cuts.

After the massage

After completing the procedure, you need to wash off all the honey using warm water and a soft washcloth. It is advisable to lubricate the skin with a moisturizing lotion or cream, and if you are fighting cellulite, use the appropriate product. After the session, it is necessary to replenish your water balance, so you should drink plenty of fluids.

Helpful advice! Rest for 10-15 minutes will help make the therapy more effective; during this time it is better to lie down.

How often can sessions using honey be performed?

The course usually includes 10-15 procedures. The duration depends on the specific problem. Sessions can be conducted no more than once every 2-3 days. After completing the course, it can be repeated, but you must take a break of at least 2 weeks.

Exercises for therapeutic back massage

Prepare a ball with a diameter of 15-20 cm or a bottle of warm water. Lie down on a hard surface and place the prepared object under your back.

Make circular movements while rolling on the ball or bottle. Do the exercise for 5 minutes. Take a break and repeat again after 10 minutes. The second option is to use a terry towel. It should be at least one meter long so that you can grab the ends with outstretched hands. Repeat the same movements as wiping. This option is an excellent replacement for medical massage. Repeat the movements from left to right, up and down.