Every year, as summer approaches and the promise of beach days becomes imminent, the pinch-and-roll massage, or as it’s traditionally known, re-emerges as a hot topic among those looking to don their bikinis with confidence. While this beauty massage has been touted for its ability to banish cellulite, many wonder about its effectiveness in shedding those extra pounds and what risks it might carry.
Understanding The Pinch-and-Roll Technique
This method isn’t new; it’s a tried and tested massage technique aiming to firm and tone the skin. “Its objective is to lift the epidermis to dislodge subcutaneous fat. It involves slightly pinching the skin between the thumb and index finger while moving upwards to boost blood circulation in the targeted areas,” shares Alexandra Murcier, a dietitian-nutritionist.
Pinch-and-Roll vs. Lymphatic Drainage: Spotting The Difference
While pinch-and-roll is crafted to combat cellulite by detaching fat clumps through targeted movements, lymphatic drainage serves those with circulatory issues with a gentler approach. “It’s a softer massage aimed at stimulating the body’s lymph circulation, thus helping to eliminate waste and toxins,” adds Dr. Nina Cohen-Koubi.
Can Pinch-and-Roll Truly Eliminate Cellulite?
“Yes, in terms of enhancing venous and lymphatic circulation, pinch-and-roll is recommended for cellulite treatment. However, it’s a painful massage and should be part of a comprehensive approach,” the nutrition specialist advises.
Is It A Magic Solution For Weight Loss?
Alone, pinch-and-roll can’t perform miracles: “While it can visually slim by improving skin texture and reducing the ‘orange peel’ effect, this method alone doesn’t result in sustainable weight loss. For noticeable silhouette effects, this massage should be combined with a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and regular physical activity,” Murcier emphasizes. “It’s just one of many tools for body care. A holistic approach, considering the patient’s overall situation and environment, is crucial for positive, lasting weight loss effects,” Cohen-Koubi adds.
Where To Experience Pinch-and-Roll?
This massage can be self-administered at home, by a professional masseur or physiotherapist, or at a specialized beauty institute, mechanically. “However, be wary of practitioners who claim weight loss is achievable through pinch-and-roll sessions alone; this method does not permit it,” the nutritionist reiterates.
Manual or Mechanical Pinch-and-Roll: Which To Choose?
“For those too lazy to massage themselves daily, mechanical pinch-and-roll might be the better choice,” suggests Murcier. This means a machine performs the treatment, sucking in and rolling the skin to mimic the masseuse’s hand movements. However, institute treatments can be pricey, around 25 euros for half an hour, usually sold in a package of 10 to 12 sessions. “Efficiency-wise, the old-school, manual version has nothing to envy the mechanical one,” she nuances. The key is regularity.
Self-Administering Pinch-and-Roll Effectively
Use Oil or Cream
“Applying oil or cream makes the massage more pleasant and facilitates movement, thus enhancing its effects on the skin: flexibility, tonicity.”
Massage From The Bottom Up
“The massage should be performed from the bottom up to stimulate blood circulation in cellulite-prone areas.” These primarily include thighs, buttocks, legs, knees, abdomen, and arms.
Use A Loofah
“After completing pinch-and-roll and just before showering, using a loofah for a quick massage on the targeted area is a good way to stretch the skin and exfoliate, removing dead cells,” adds Murcier. To activate microcirculation, finish with a cold water splash.
How Long Should You Spend On Pinch-and-Roll Daily?
“When done at home, ten minutes a day can suffice to see changes after a few days, but again, it varies by individual: diet, body shape, genetics…” Murcier continues.
Enhancing Pinch-and-Roll Effects
Incorporate It Into A Daily Routine
“To fully benefit from pinch-and-roll, it should be practiced daily or at least every other day. It’s ideal to incorporate it into an enjoyable routine for regular adherence,” advises Murcier.
Eat Healthily
“Pairing pinch-and-roll with a suitable diet, favoring fiber-rich, low glycemic index foods like avocados or almonds, is crucial. Reducing overall salt intake (a cause of water retention) while staying well-hydrated are also good practices,” Murcier continues. Don’t forget the importance of eating at regular times, chewing well, and having a light dinner.
Stay Active
“Doing some exercises in the morning, walking regularly, and choosing stairs when possible are other ways to maximize pinch-and-roll effects. Water-based activities, like aqua biking or swimming with fins, also work well against cellulite,” Murcier recalls.
Maintain Consistency
“After finishing pinch-and-roll sessions, it’s important to continue with the good practices established during the sessions; healthy eating, physical activity… otherwise, the orange peel skin will likely return.”
Focus On Mindset
“When embarking on a slimming wellness journey, it’s important to work on your mindset and ask the right questions: why do you want to lose weight? What’s your ideal weight, and why?” states psychosomatic specialist, Cohen-Koubi.
Embrace Self-Acceptance
“Even today, the media’s portrayal of the ‘perfect’ physique puts pressure on women. They internalize this ideal, thinking they need to be thin to be attractive instead of accepting their physique and aiming for a harmonious body in which they feel good,” the nutritionist points out. She adds: “All these ‘quick and effective’ slimming methods, including pinch-and-roll, reinforce the notion that slimming is obvious when it’s a deep commitment often requiring professional support.”
Pinch-and-Roll: Potential Side Effects
Pain, soreness, bruising, or fatigue can occur after a pinch-and-roll session. Cohen-Koubi reminds: “Whether manual or mechanical, this massage method is quite aggressive for the body. Some women think the more it hurts, the more effective it will be, but I am convinced that one can improve aesthetics without pain. Instead of pinch-and-roll, I’d recommend massages with ultrasound or infrared waves, just as effective and much gentler.”
Pinch-and-Roll: When To Avoid
“Pinch-and-roll should especially be avoided by those with severe circulatory issues (venous thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins…) or hemophilia: the hemorrhagic risk is significant. People with cancer should also be cautious; I wonder if this type of massage might risk spreading cells to other body parts…?” For pregnant or nursing women, the nutritionist is equally clear: “I advise against pinch-and-roll, it’s best not to take any risks during and after pregnancy.”
While pinch-and-roll continues to attract many seeking perfection, it’s clear this technique should be approached with caution.
