4 Benefits of Chocolate Therapy
Have you heard about the benefits of chocolate therapy? This treatment is based on pure chocolate and oils. Its advocates claim that it increases general well-being and body aesthetics. In particular, during the process, the whole body is covered with the mixture, and its properties act on the skin.
The therapy begins with a cleansing and a body massage intended to relax the dermis and eliminate dead cells. Then, they cover your body with hot chocolate and put on a blanket for 20 minutes. The treatment then ends with a shower.
A wide variety of aesthetic centers now perform this innovative therapy. Some even do it at home with certain precautions. It’s suitable for all skin types, as it benefits all skin types. To learn more about it, you’re in the right place.
Main benefits of chocolate therapy
A review of studies published in The Netherlands Journal of Medicine shows that chocolate contains active phenolic compounds that are beneficial to human health. In particular, it stands out for its antioxidant potential, which helps prevent premature aging.
However, although the evidence on chocolate therapy is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s a good way to benefit from the wealth of nutrients in cocoa. It’s also an ideal therapy for relaxation and increased well-being. What benefits are attributed to it?
1. Blood circulation
Chocolate is believed to help improve blood circulation due to its theobromine content. According to some studies, this substance helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. However, clinical trials are lacking to confirm these effects.
In any case, the application of massages is also attributed with benefits for circulation. A study reported in Medical Science Monitor found that massage was useful in improving blood flow in local regions.
2. Stress
The smell and taste of chocolate are pleasant to humans. For that reason, upon contact with this product, the brain begins to act in a positive way to release endorphins. This neurotransmitter is responsible for producing feelings of well-being in the body, which reduces stress and anxiety.
Keep reading: Make this Homemade Chocolate Mousse Recipe
3. Healthy skin
One of the main benefits of chocolate therapy has to do with skincare. Due to its high concentration of antioxidant substances, it helps fight the oxidative stress that accelerates the aging process.
Some research even suggests that it helps inhibit the negative effects of UV rays when used topically. In other words, it has potential as a photoprotector. However, it doesn’t replace the daily use of sunscreen. It’s only a supplement.
4. Cellulite
There aren’t any studies that prove that chocolate therapy can reduce the appearance of cellulite in different areas of the body. However, testimonials from those who use this method affirm that it does produce a significant improvement in this regard.
Apparently, the substances in the chocolate, in combination with a massage, minimize the presence of wrinkles and firm the skin. However, you must accompany the treatment with a healthy diet and physical exercise.
How to enjoy the benefits of chocolate therapy at home?
It’s essential that, whenever possible, professionals should apply chocolate therapy. This guarantees the effectiveness of the massages and their proper application. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t try it at home. Of course, in this case, you should take certain precautions.
Ingredients
- Pure chocolate bar (200 g or 7.05 oz)
- Olive oil (100 ml)
Instructions
- Heat the chocolate until it melts.
- Add the oil and stir until the mixture becomes consistent.
- When it’s at a bearable temperature for the skin, apply the treatment all over the face and body.
- If desired, massage gently for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Let it cool another 20 minutes on the skin and rinse with warm water.
Recommendations to take advantage of the benefits of chocolate therapy
White chocolate or chocolate that contains milk aren’t suitable for the therapy. For the process to be successful, you should use pure chocolate containing approximately 80% cocoa.
It’s essential to select a suitable area where you can be comfortable and totally relaxed. It’s also necessary to have utensils that comply with correct hygiene.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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van den Bogaard B, Draijer R, Westerhof BE, van den Meiracker AH, van Montfrans GA, van den Born BJ. Effects on peripheral and central blood pressure of cocoa with natural or high-dose theobromine: a randomized, double-blind crossover trial. Hypertension. 2010 Nov;56(5):839-46. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.158139. Epub 2010 Sep 7. PMID: 20823377.
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Mori H, Ohsawa H, Tanaka TH, Taniwaki E, Leisman G, Nishijo K. Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise. Med Sci Monit. 2004 May;10(5):CR173-8. Epub 2004 Apr 28. PMID: 15114265.
- Magrone T, Russo MA, Jirillo E. Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Polyphenols: From Biology to Clinical Applications. Front Immunol. 2017;8:677. Published 2017 Jun 9. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00677
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- Katz DL, Doughty K, Ali A. Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2011;15(10):2779-2811. doi:10.1089/ars.2010.3697
