This is the second part of a two part series on the HCG diet and massage. The first part reviewed the claim that fat in many massage oils interfere with HCG induced weight loss and this segment aims to answer the argument that massage may cause bruising and scar tissue that can slow down the weight loss.
In his manuscript "Pounds and Inches", Dr. Simeons objects to massage for the time the hormone is being administered and is emphatic about not disturbing the body in that phase. Here is what he has to say about it:
"I never allow any kind of massage during treatment. It is entirely unnecessary and merely disturbs a very delicate process which is going on in the tissues. Few indeed are the masseurs and masseuses who can resist the temptation to knead and hammer abnormal fat deposits."
"I have seen such patients who were as black and blue as if they had received a sound thrashing."
"How anyone in his right mind is able to believe that fatty tissue can be shifted mechanically or be made to vanish by squeezing is beyond my comprehension. The only effect obtained is severe bruising. The torn tissue forms scars, and these slowly contract making the fatty tissue even harder and more unyielding."
This was written in 1954 and made me laugh. It brings to mind an amusing image I use humorusly on my gift cards. The image is black and white set in the 1950's with a big boned European woman in a sterile white dress.
Clearly massage has changed in the past 58 years. I do not know of any massage therapist that squeezes or hammers a fat deposit. My massages stimulate the lymphatic system and works with structural blockages to lymphatic flow. Both of which are key in weight loss.
My clients in phase 2 of the HCG diet report that the day after massage, on average, they have lost double the normal weight loss for the day and have more energy.
I have noticed in clients who have been on HCG for more than 2 weeks that their muscles get very soft and deep work is not a good idea. You will know if the work is too deep for you because these areas are very tender. For sure, during the part of the diet where the hormone is being administered there is more susceptibility to bruising.
Lighter work aimed at lymphatic drainage and flow is really the best type of massage for Phase 2 and works very well with the goals of the diet (plus will make you feel wonderful releasing the toxins that were stored in the fat you are shedding.)
So for those of you HCGrs...get your massages but make sure to ask your therapist to provide an alternative to oil (before you show up for your session) and let them know you are in Phase 2 and may need very light work.
It is best if you find a therapist who specializes in lymph massage and has some understanding of the unique needs of the HCG protocol.
If you have any questions...feel free to leave me a comment or send me a private email!
This article should not be a substitution for professional medical care
copyright © 2010 Essential Stillpoint
are thai massages/ dry massages ok? and isonce a wk light massage also ok?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what a dry massage is so I can't answer that specifically. As far as the other questions, I don't like to generalize with massage modalities. It is more about the massage practitioner than the modality. If you have an inexperienced person than better to stay away from massage during the HCG portion of the protocol. If the therapist is experienced...just make sure they are able and willing to use very light pressure. The stretching part of Thai massage would be fine but some therapists do a deep therapy along with that. The muscles can be easily damaged while on HCG...so listen to your body. I hope this helps!
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