Coffee Massages: The Latest Pick-Me-Up
The latest trend in massages may surprise you. Giving an entire new meaning to the term 'coffee break', spas and salons all over the country now have coffee massages on the menu. Coffee massage therapy uses coffee grounds as the main ingredient in everything from body scrubs and wraps, coffee oils for facial massages and even coffee aromatherapy candles to set the mood.
A typical coffee massage uses ground up coffee beans as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. The caffeine in the beans also works as a stimulant to revitalize skin cells and promote growth. The massage therapist will first scrub down the entire body with coffee grounds before performing the actual massage using a coffee-based oil or lotion.
Coffee facial massages are also gaining popularity. Creams and lotions that use coffee – especially green coffee – are gentle enough to be used on the face and on all skin types. The antioxidants found in green coffee help moisturize and cleanse the face as well as tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. It is believed that coffee may also protect the skin from over exposure to the sun and skin damage, although the effects of such facials are only temporary.
One of the biggest benefits of a coffee massage is the reduction of cellulite. Coffee works as a stimulant and causes blood vessels to widen and increases blood flow. By doing this, coffee may help to reduce water retention and decrease the size of fat cells. Combining coffee with massage therapy combines the effects to successfully target and reduce cellulite. For a low cost and low risk option to treat cellulite, you can make a simple coffee scrub at home. To do this mix a cup of fresh coffee grounds with a little almond or olive oil to make a thick paste. Now rub this paste vigorously all over your skin especially on the areas with cellulite. After the massage, wrap the areas of with plastic wrap or cling film and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and rinse off. If you plan to use a coffee scrub regularly, you can experiment with other aromatherapy oils such as rosemary or juniper essential oils to increase its efficacy and benefits. Aromatherapy massages help reduce fluid retention and revitalize the skin, giving it a tighter and smoother appearance.
Coffee massages should be avoided if you are pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure. If you are allergic to caffeine, it is best to stay away from such products and therapies as well.
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