Belly massage is a self-care ritual that remains largely overlooked in Western cultures. The belly is still something of a taboo: unloved, a source of insecurities, the seat of our emotions and, sometimes, discomfort. It tends to be seen as a vulnerable area we’d rather not show or touch. Yet giving it a few minutes of attention can be a genuine moment of wellbeing. Here’s how to get started. You’ll begin with a breathing tip, then discover four massages you can do at home: circular massage, pinch-and-roll by hand or with a cupping cup, deep drainage and Gua Sha. For each one, you’ll find the steps to follow and how often to do it.
First tip: before massaging, breathe
Before performing any belly massage, it is recommended to practise a few abdominal breathing exercises. Why? Simply because breathing prepares the body and complements massage movements. Abdominal breathing is also a moment to pause before starting. To find out more, see our articles on digestion, stress and bloating.
Before any massage:
- inhale deeply through the nose, from the perineum up to the collarbones — the belly, abdomen and then the lungs gradually fill with air;
- exhale in the reverse direction through the mouth, progressively releasing air from the throat, chest, abdomen, belly and lower abdomen.
To better feel your body’s movements, place one hand on your belly and one on your chest, and practise these slow, deep breaths.
Finally, practise this abdominal breathing for 5 minutes. You can then move on to the massages themselves.
First draining belly massage: circular massage
This is a commonly used belly massage technique. It is done clockwise, following the path of the intestines. Using a massage oil to help your hands glide is also recommended. Our Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil is well suited to this: lightweight and enriched with grapefruit and ivy, it helps your hands glide smoothly.
- Start with broad strokes, using the pads of your fingers, applying no pressure but with a firm touch.
- Place your fingers at rib level and move down along the left side.
- Pass below the navel, across the lower abdomen, then move up along the right side, returning to just below the ribs.
- Gradually tighten the circle around the navel.
- Finally, finish the circular massage using your full palms.
This massage can be done every day, gently.
Second massage: pinch-and-roll
This technique is often associated with anti-cellulite massage. The pinch-and-roll technique can be performed by hand. However, using a cupping cup makes the process much easier. Our compact Anti-Cellulite Cupping Cup faithfully replicates the pinch-and-roll motion:
- the suction mimics the pinching movement;
- gliding the cup over oiled skin is equivalent to rolling a fold of skin between the fingers.
The cupping tool that replicates pinching and rolling, 3 minutes per zone
- The professionals' technique, at home: you lift, glide, and release, and the tool grips the skin fold like a manual pinching and rolling
- Soft silicone that fits thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms
- 3 minutes per zone, every day, always with a massage oil so the tool glides
The belly pinch-and-roll doesn’t need to be lengthy (3 minutes with the cup is enough), but it is best performed consistently, ideally every day. It is also recommended to perform it:
- from bottom to top, moving towards the heart;
- starting from the centre of the belly, moving outwards towards each side.
Third massage: deep drainage
To complete your draining belly massage routine, it is advisable to incorporate a few deeper movements. To do so:
- place the edges of your hands on either side of your belly, at the level of the oblique muscles;
- gently draw the skin towards your navel, sliding your hands inward;
- then, using your palms, gently tap your belly;
- repeat for at least one minute.
Fourth massage: Gua Sha
Gua Sha is more than a tool: it is a wellness method rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to its ancestral principles, it involves “scraping away what ails the body”. In its modern form, it consists of gliding a flat tool with a smooth, defined edge over the skin as part of a self-care routine. To find out more, read our articles on looking after the body and water retention.
How to perform a Gua Sha draining belly massage?
- start by applying a massage oil to the skin;
- next, use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure at the solar plexus and the groin creases;
- then perform the massage using the appropriate edge of the Gua Sha, stroking from the navel upwards towards the heart, then from the navel downwards towards the lower abdomen and groin creases;
- finally, repeat the gentle pressure movements to finish.
The Gua Sha massage can be performed 2 to 3 times a week as part of a belly massage routine. To go a step further, see also our article on how to achieve a flatter belly.
Our Body Gua Sha is well suited to this type of massage. Its design is shaped to follow every contour of the body, including the belly. It comes with a detailed guide to help you with each massage movement, so you can enjoy a relaxing self-massage. For more ideas, take a look at our tips for a bloated belly.
How to use Cellublue on your stomach: quick summary
Start with the breathing tip, then move on to the circular massage with the Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil. Continue with pinch-and-roll using the Anti-Cellulite Cupping Cup, and add the Body Gua Sha 2 to 3 times a week. The steps for each massage are set out in the sections above, and the guide that comes with the Gua Sha will walk you through each movement.
Frequently asked questions
How do you massage your stomach?
Start with a few abdominal breaths, then choose one of the four massages described above. The simplest is the circular massage, done clockwise with a little oil. The steps are set out in the section “First draining belly massage: circular massage”.
Which direction should you massage your stomach?
For the circular massage, go clockwise. With the cupping cup or the Gua Sha, the direction depends on the movement. See the sections on pinch-and-roll and Gua Sha for details.
How do you get rid of cellulite on your stomach?
No technique makes cellulite disappear, but pinch-and-roll is the massage most associated with anti-cellulite routines. It can be done by hand or with a cupping cup on oiled skin, for around 3 minutes a day with the cup. You can also add Gua Sha 2 to 3 times a week.
Can you massage your stomach every day?
The circular massage and pinch-and-roll with the cupping cup can be done every day. Gua Sha is best done 2 to 3 times a week. If you have any pain, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice before massaging your stomach.
Related articles
- How to practise the pinch-and-roll massage on your thighs?
- Post-Pregnancy Belly Cellulite: What to Do
Useful categories: Belly cellulite, Anti-Cellulite Massages.
