Most of us would like to lose a few pounds. But it’s easier said than done. No matter how many fad diets, exercise crazes and herbal remedies we try, the pounds just don’t seem to fall off.

Whatever your shape, size and motive, losing weight is a hard slog. And unfortunately there’s no magic formula. Different methods work for different people.

One lesser-known method to add to your weight loss routine is massage therapy. Yes, relaxing massages can help facilitate weight loss. But before you get too excited, it’s important to stress that you can’t book yourself a massage and expect the weight to fall off. To lose fat you need to do two key things, eat well and exercise.
But that’s not so say massage can’t play an important role in your overall health plan.

So how can massage help you lose weight?

Reduces cortisol levels

Released in response to physical and emotional stress, the hormone cortisol has been shown to increase appetite and cause fat deposits in the abdominal area. While exercise is the best method for lowering cortisol levels, massage has been proven to reduce circulating levels of the hormone, which helps ease stress, decrease appetite and reduce accumulation of belly fat: all of which support a weight-loss programme.

Supports digestive function

The digestive and excretory systems help get rid of toxins and poisons that linger in your body. Abdominal-sacral massage can give a stressed digestive system the reboot it needs by improving blood flow, lymph and nerve supply to the abdomen and sacrum area. This will help your body clear itself of excess toxins, while gently realigning the organs that blockages can push out of place.

A smoothly functioning digestive system is critical to achieving your target weight.

Relieves stress

It’s easy to forget the importance of relaxation as you focus on losing weight and changing your body. However, cutting out stress is a key component because stress forces your body to release cortisol, which, as we established earlier, makes you hungry. You overeat, gain weight and end up in a cycle that damages your body.

Despite the prevalence of stress in our hectic lives, massage can make a real difference to how you feel by calming the body and mind and enabling you to focus your energy on losing weight.

The type of massage you pick is important. Traditional aromatherapy massage is an obvious choice for relaxation, and Thai yoga massage, with its stretches and pressure points, has also been shown to reduce stress.

Promotes better circulation

Another benefit of massage therapy is better circulation in the body. A stronger and healthier circulatory system helps your cells get the nutrients they need for the body to function properly. This is an important part of the weight loss battle because proper nutrition without good circulation hurts your ability to reach your goals.

Muscles that are supplied with the right amount of nutrients through circulation are able to work better and burn more calories.

Fights cellulite

Many people who are trying to lose weight are also dealing with dreaded cellulite. Cellulite is subcutaneous fat that appears as dimples and is difficult to get rid of. In many cases, losing weight doesn’t eradicate it and can actually make it worse. But this is another area that massage can help.

Beauty experts have found that a massage that targets the body parts with cellulite can help break up the fat and reduce its appearance. Deep-tissue massage is particularly effective and regular sessions can improve the overall way your skin looks.

Lymphatic drainage massage is also a good cellulite buster. It works to improve the function of the lymphatic system, which helps to remove and filter waste, toxins and excess fluid from the body. Good lymphatic circulation in the body will prevent lymph fluid from solidifying and binding with the collagen fibres that are in the fat cells.

At Castle Thai Spa, we offer a range of massages and treatments that can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Give us a call on 0131 629 0794.