A rolling and kneading massage technique using a massage device

Abstract

Title: Palpate-roll massage method using a massage device. Palpate-roll massage method using a massage device (1) comprising: - a treatment chamber (7), - a suction means (5) configured to generate a vacuum in the treatment chamber, to form a skin fold in the treatment chamber, - at least one roller (12) rotating within the treatment chamber to massage the skin fold, and - control means (14) configured to control the suction means. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Palpate-roll massage method using a massage device. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of palpate-roll massage techniques. The invention also relates to a massage device configured to perform such a massage technique. Prior art

[0002] Massages of the human body can be performed for aesthetic treatments or to relax a person. Among the various known relaxation massage techniques are, for example, Californian massage, Thai massage, and Shiatsu. Massages are generally performed manually by a massage therapist. However, the quality of such massages is highly dependent on the skill of the practitioner performing the massage. These massage techniques are therefore difficult to reproduce.

[0003] Massage devices intended for application to a person's skin are also known. Generally, such massage devices are intended for aesthetic treatment rather than for producing a relaxing effect. Publication EP3151806A1, for example, discloses a rolling massage device of the palpate-roll type that is particularly suitable for softening skin tissue and activating blood and lymphatic circulation. Such a massage device is notably recommended for the treatment of cellulite. Massages performed with such devices are not, however, particularly relaxing. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a massage method that remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon known prior art massage methods.

[0005] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a particularly relaxing, effective and reproducible massage method. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a palpate-roll type massage method using a massage device comprising: - a treatment room, - a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the treatment chamber, to form a skin fold in the treatment chamber, - at least one rotating roller in the treatment chamber to massage the skin fold, and - control means configured to control the suction means, the massage process including: - an initial massage stage of a first area of ​​the body during which the suction means are controlled to produce an initial average pressure in the treatment chamber, and - at least a second massage stage of a second area of ​​the body during which the suction means are controlled so as to produce a second average pressure in the treatment chamber, the first average pressure being strictly lower than the second average pressure.

[0007] The massage device may further include: - at least one movable valve with a flapping motion inside the treatment chamber, - a first drive means configured to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber, the control means also being configured to control the first drive means, the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a first frequency during said first stage, the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a second frequency during said second stage, the first frequency being strictly greater than the second frequency.

[0008] The depression in the treatment chamber during the second massage stage can be a variable depression comprising an alternation of activations and deactivations of said suction means according to a given modulation frequency, the pressure in the treatment chamber being controlled by pulse width modulation.

[0009] The massage process may include: - a third massage stage of a third area of ​​the body during which the suction means is controlled so as to produce a third average pressure in the treatment chamber and during which the first drive means is controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a third frequency, the third average pressure being substantially equal to the second average pressure, the third frequency being substantially equal to the first frequency.

[0010] The first area of ​​the body may include a dorsal area, and the The second zone of the body may include a ventral zone.

[0011] The massage device may include a massage apparatus, and the massage process may include, at each stage of massage, the movement of the massage apparatus over the surface of a person's body by a practitioner, in a back-and-forth and / or circular motion.

[0012] The massage procedure may include: - a first phase of massage of the back area, then - a second phase of massage of the sacrum area, then - a third phase of massage of the back of the legs and the diaphragm, then - a fourth phase of massage of the foot area, then - a fifth phase of massage of the abdominal area, then - a sixth phase of massage of the front of the legs, then - a seventh phase of massage of the sternum area, the suction means being controlled so as to produce the first average pressure in the treatment chamber and the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with the first frequency during the first phase and during the second phase, the suction means being controlled so as to produce the second average pressure in the treatment chamber and the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with the second frequency during the fifth, sixth, and seventh phases, the suction means being controlled so as to produce the second average pressure in the treatment chamber and the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with the first frequency during the third phase.

[0013] The massage process may include a second drive means configured to drive at least one rotating roller, said second drive means driving at least one rotating roller during the massage process, said control means being configured to control the second drive means, and the massage process comprising at least two massage steps during which at least one roller is driven in rotation at different speeds.

[0014] The massage device may include at least one data display screen, and during each stage of the massage process, the following may be displayed on said screen: - information concerning an area of ​​the body to be massaged, and / or - information regarding the direction of massage and / or the speed of movement of the massage device on the skin surface, and / or - information concerning the frequency and / or amplitude of back-and-forth movements of a massage device on the surface of the skin - information regarding the duration of the massage phase, and / or - information regarding the depression to be applied in the treatment room, and / or - information concerning the beat frequency of at least one valve to be applied.

[0015] The massage device may include a massage device intended to be moved on the surface of a person's skin, the massage device including a speed sensor for moving the massage device on the skin surface, in particular an optical sensor, the massage process including a step of comparing an actual speed of movement of the massage device on the skin surface with a recommended speed of movement, and if the difference between the actual speed of movement and the recommended speed is greater than or equal to a threshold, the display of an alert message on a screen of the massage device.

[0016] The invention also relates to a massage device for performing a rolling massage, the massage device comprising: - a treatment room, - at least one movable valve with a flapping motion inside the treatment chamber, - a first drive means configured to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber, - a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the treatment chamber, to form a skin fold in the treatment chamber, and - control means configured to automatically control the first drive means and the suction means to perform the massage process as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0017] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a massage device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a graph illustrating the control of a suction means of the device pulse width modulation massage.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic view from the back of a person, with different areas of application of a massage device against the person's body identified by arrows.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the person, with different application areas of a massage device against the person's body identified by arrows.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of the person, with different application areas of a massage device against the person's body identified by arrows. Detailed description

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a massage device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The massage device 1 comprises a station 2 and a massage unit 3 connected to the station by a pneumatic and electrical connection means 4. The connection means 4 is flexible so that a practitioner can manipulate the massage unit 3 while moving around a person lying on a massage table in order to perform a massage on the person with the massage unit 3.

[0024] The massage device 3 is intended to be applied to the surface of the person's skin to perform a rolling massage. Rolling massage is a massage technique designed to mobilize skin tissue and consists of creating a skin fold by pinching and moving the skin fold across the skin's surface. Rolling massage was initially developed for aesthetic treatments, particularly for the treatment of cellulite.

[0025] Station 2 may be, for example, a trolley mounted on casters. Station 2 includes a suction means 5 and a power supply means 6. The suction means 5 is configured to generate a vacuum in a treatment chamber 7 of the massage device 3 to form a skin fold in this treatment chamber. The suction means 5 may be configured to generate a relative vacuum in the treatment chamber of at least 360 mbar, i.e., the pressure in the treatment chamber may be equal to atmospheric pressure less 360 mbar.

[0026] The power supply means 6 can be configured to provide electrical power to the massage device 3. The power supply means 6 may, for example, include an electrical transformer. The station 2 can itself be connected to an electrical distribution network.

[0027] Massage device 3 includes: - a treatment chamber 7 - two movable valves 8, 9, moving in a pulsating motion inside the treatment chamber, - a first drive means 10 configured to move a first valve 8 inside the treatment chamber 7 in a flapping motion, and - a return means configured to exert a return force on a second valve 9 which tends to return it to a rest position. The massage device therefore comprises a first flap 8, which moves in a motorized, flapping motion, and a second flap 9, which moves in a non-motorized, flapping motion. The position of the second flap 9 can fluctuate according to an external force exerted against it, for example, the reaction force exerted by a skin fold and / or the force produced by a vacuum in the treatment chamber 7.

[0028] The treatment chamber 7 is delimited by a housing comprising an opening intended to be placed against the person's skin. The treatment chamber 7 is pneumatically connected to the suction device 5. When the opening in the housing is placed against the skin, the treatment chamber is hermetically or substantially hermetically sealed, meaning that a vacuum can be created in the treatment chamber. The massage device also includes a handle intended to be grasped by the practitioner to move the massage device 3 over the surface of the person's skin.

[0029] The flapping motion of the flaps is preferably obtained by rotating each of the two flaps 8, 9 around a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the two flaps are preferably parallel. Each flap 8, 9 includes a free end intended to come into contact with the skin to form a skin fold. The free ends of the flaps 8, 9 are intended to move closer together and further apart cyclically, as illustrated by arrows Fl in [Fig. 1]. The movement of the flaps within the treatment chamber results in a change in the volume of the treatment chamber.

[0030] The first drive means 10 may include a first electric motor and a first transmission mechanism arranged between the first electric motor and the first valve 8. The transmission mechanism may, for example, include cams and / or gears configured to convert a continuous rotational motion of a shaft of the first electric motor into a reciprocating displacement motion of the first valve 8.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the two valves 8 or 9 could be driven by the first drive means 10. In this case, the movement of the two valves could be synchronized so as to generate a coming together and a moving apart Cyclic movement of the free ends of the two flaps. According to yet another embodiment, the massage device could comprise only a single movable flap. The pinching of a skin fold could then be achieved by the interaction of the single movable flap with a wall of the treatment chamber 7 or with a fixed flap.

[0032] Advantageously, the free end of the second flap 9 comprises a rotatable roller 12. The outer surface of the roller 12 is intended to come into contact with the skin to massage a skin fold formed in the treatment chamber 7. The roller 12 has a cylindrical shape and is rotatable about its axis of revolution. The roller 12 may have a radius of between 10 mm and 15 mm inclusive. The axis of revolution of the roller 12 is parallel to the axes of rotation of the flaps. According to one embodiment, the flaps 8 and 9 may not comprise a rotatable roller, or both flaps 8 and 9 may each comprise a rotatable roller.

[0033] The massage device 3 further includes a second drive means 13 configured to drive the roller 12 in rotation about its axis of revolution. The second drive means 13 may include a second electric motor and a second transmission mechanism arranged between the second electric motor and the roller 12 to drive the rotation of this roller about its axis of revolution. If the massage device also includes a roller arranged at the free end of the first flap 8, this roller may be motorized or non-motorized. The second drive means 13 could thus include a third electric motor and a third transmission mechanism arranged between the third electric motor and the roller arranged at the free end of the first flap to drive the rotation of this roller about its axis of revolution.

[0034] The various drive means 10, 13 of the massage device are supplied with electrical energy by the power supply means 6.

[0035] In addition, the massage device also includes control means 14 configured to control the suction means 5, the first drive means 10, and the second drive means 13. The control means 14 may, in particular, include a set of interaction means 15, such as buttons and / or sliders, enabling a user to control the suction means 5 and the drive means 10 and 13. The control means 14 may also include means 16 for displaying the current state of the suction means 5 and the drive means 10 and 13. The display means 16 may, in particular, include a screen and / or indicator lights. The control means 14 may be integrated into the massage device 3 and / or the station 2.

[0036] The frequency of the first valve 8 can be controlled by the control means 14, in particular by controlling the rotation speed of the shaft of the first electric motor. The rotational speed of roller 12 can be controlled by control means 14, specifically by controlling the rotational speed of the shaft of the second electric motor. Referring to [Fig. 2], the suction means 5 can be controlled by pulse-width modulation, i.e., by operating the suction means 5 intermittently according to a given cycle. A duty cycle is defined as the ratio of the duration T1 during which the suction means 5 is activated to the total duration TO of a period. By varying this duty cycle, the average pressure in the treatment chamber 7 can be adjusted. The modulation frequency can, for example, be 16 Hz, meaning that the total duration TO is 62.5 ms. Alternatively, other frequency values ​​could be considered, for example, a frequency between 1 Hz and 30 Hz inclusive.

[0037] In addition, the massage device 1 also includes a screen 17 for displaying information to the practitioner performing the massage. In particular, the screen 17 can be used to display the parameters of a massage protocol to be performed. These parameters can be stored in a memory 18 embedded in the massage device 1 and / or in a data server to which the massage device 1 is connected. These parameters can include a list of the different body areas to be treated and, for each body area, a massage duration, a beat frequency of the first valve 8, a pressure in the treatment chamber 7, a rotation speed of the roller 12, and one or more instructions on how to operate the massage device, including a massage direction and / or a speed of movement of the massage device on the skin surface.The screen 17 can be integrated into station 2 and / or massage device 3. Integrating the screen onto massage device 3 allows the practitioner to more easily view the massage parameters to be applied while performing the massage.

[0038] The massage device 1 just described is advantageously used to perform a palpate-roll type massage with non-therapeutic but particularly pleasant, relaxing, and soothing effects. This massage process will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0039] The massage procedure, or massage protocol, is performed exclusively with the massage device 1 as defined above. The massage procedure is thus perfectly reproducible from one person to another or from one session to another, which notably ensures uniform treatment and allows for a more objective measurement of the benefits of the massage.

[0040] Each step of the massage protocol is performed by applying the massage device 3 to a specific area of ​​the human body and with specific settings. In particular, the beat frequency of the first valve 8 and the level of vacuum in the treatment chamber 7 are adjusted according to each area of ​​the body massaged. According to the described embodiment, the second drive means 13 can be controlled so that the rotational speed of the roller 12 remains constant throughout the massage. This speed can, for example, be between 50 and 60 revolutions per minute. According to a variant of the invention, the massage process could comprise at least two massage stages during which the roller 12 is rotated at different speeds.

[0041] The massage device is operated by a practitioner who performs back-and-forth or circular movements with the device on the various massaged areas. The back-and-forth movements are generally straight but may in some cases follow a curved trajectory that conforms to the natural contours of the human body.

[0042] The massage procedure can be broken down into two main stages. In the first stage, the person lies face down on a massage table, and the massage is performed on the posterior part of the body, extending from the nape of the neck to the heels. In the second stage, the person lies face down, and the massage is performed on the anterior part of the body, extending from the solar plexus to the ankles. Each stage is further broken down into phases during which more specific areas of the body are worked with particular settings of the massage device 1. Each phase is further broken down into steps during which the trajectory of the massage device on the body surface is specified.

[0043] In a first phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the area of ​​the back extending from the lumbar region to the nape of the neck. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 pulsates at a frequency of 1 Hz, i.e., it produces a pinching motion once per second. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 150 mbar. The duty cycle can be set to 1 so that the pressure in the treatment chamber remains constant during this first phase. Four successive massage steps E11, E12, E13, E14 are then performed on different areas of the back. During each of these steps Eli, E12, E13, E14, a specific area of ​​the back is massaged by performing back-and-forth movements, as indicated respectively by the arrows Fil, F12, F13 and F14 on the [Fig.3].During step E11, back-and-forth movements are performed with the massage device 3 along the person's spine. During step E12, transverse back-and-forth movements are performed with the massage device 3 along the right side of the person's back. During step E13, transverse back-and-forth movements are performed with the massage device 3 along the left side of the person's back. During step E14, transverse back-and-forth movements are performed with the massage device 3 along the nape of the person's neck. The first... This phase can last approximately 10 minutes.

[0044] Next, in a second phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the sacral area. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 beats at a frequency of 1 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 150 mbar. The duty cycle can be equal to 1. Five successive massage steps E21, E22, E23, E24, E25 of different areas of the sacrum are then performed. During each of these steps E21, E22, E23, E24, E25, a specific area of ​​the sacrum is massaged by performing back-and-forth movements, as indicated respectively by arrows F21, F22, F23, F24, and F25 in [Fig. 3]. The second phase can last approximately 10 minutes.

[0045] Next, in a third phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the back of the legs and to the diaphragm area, particularly at the level of the ribs. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 beats at a frequency of 1 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled so as to produce an average vacuum in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 90 mbar. The duty cycle can be 0.6. Two successive massage steps E31, E32 of different areas of the legs and diaphragm are then carried out. During each of these steps E31, E32, a specific area of ​​the legs or diaphragm is massaged by performing back-and-forth movements, as indicated respectively by arrows F31, F32 on figures 3 and 4. During step E31, transverse back-and-forth movements of the massage device 3 are performed along the back of each thigh and along the calves of the person.During step E32, the massage device 3 is moved back and forth along the person's ribs. The person may optionally turn onto their left side and then their right side for this step. The third phase can last approximately 10 minutes.

[0046] Next, in a fourth phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the foot area. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 beats at a frequency of 1 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 360 mbar. The duty cycle can be equal to 1. A foot massage step E41 is then performed using back-and-forth movements, as indicated by arrow F41 in [Fig. 3]. During step E412, the massage device 3 is moved back and forth along the arch of each foot. The fourth phase can last approximately 3 minutes. Step E41 can optionally be inserted between steps E31 and E32 described previously.

[0047] The person can then turn around so as to lie on their back on the massage table and proceed to the second stage of the massage.

[0048] Next, in a fifth phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the abdominal area. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 beats at a frequency of 0.8 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 90 mbar. The duty cycle can be 0.6. Three successive massage steps E51, E52, E53 of different abdominal areas are then carried out. During each of these steps E51, E52, E53, a specific area of ​​the abdomen is massaged using circular movements, as indicated respectively by arrows F51, F52, and F53 in [Fig. 5]. In particular, during steps E51 and E52, the massage device 3 is guided along a circular path around the navel, at the level of the intestines and stomach, in a counterclockwise direction.During step E53, the massage device 3 is guided along a circular path around the plexus in a clockwise direction. The fifth phase can last approximately 8 minutes.

[0049] Next, in a sixth phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the front of the legs. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first flap 8 beats at a frequency of 0.8 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 90 mbar. The duty cycle can be 0.6. A leg massage step E61 is then performed using back-and-forth movements, as indicated by arrow F61 in [Fig. 5]. During step E61, transverse back-and-forth movements of the massage device 3 are performed along the front of each leg of the person. The sixth phase can last approximately 2 minutes.

[0050] Finally, in a seventh phase, the massage device 3 is applied to the sternum area. The first drive means 10 can be controlled so that the first valve 8 beats at a frequency of 0.8 Hz. The suction means 5 can be controlled to produce an average negative pressure in the treatment chamber 7 of approximately 90 mbar. The duty cycle can be 0.6. A sternum massage step E71 is then performed using up-and-down movements, as indicated by arrow F71 in [Fig. 5]. The massage device 5 is advantageously raised away from the person's skin during its up-and-down movement. The seventh phase can last approximately 1 minute.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the suction means and the drive means of the massage device 1 are manually adjusted by the practitioner using the control means 14. Information relating to each phase or step of the massage can be displayed on the screen 17 so as to guide the practitioner in performing the massage protocol and / or in the settings of the suction device and training devices. In particular, screen 17 may display all or part of the following information: - information concerning an area of ​​the body to be massaged, for example by displaying on the screen a human body or a part of a human body as in one of figures 3 to 5 and identifying this area on the representation. - Information regarding the direction of massage and / or the speed at which the massage device should move across the skin. This information may be displayed as arrows and / or dynamic pictograms, the speed of which on the screen indicates the speed at which the massage device should be moved across the body. - information regarding the frequency and / or amplitude of the back-and-forth movements of the massage device on the surface of the skin. - Information regarding the duration of the massage step. For example, a countdown timer or timer can be displayed to control the duration of the massage performed during each step and / or phase. - information regarding the depression to be applied in the treatment room and / or information regarding the depression actually measured in the treatment room. - information concerning the beat frequency of at least one valve to be applied and / or information concerning the beat frequency of at least one valve actually measured.

[0052] The massage device may advantageously incorporate a sensor for measuring the speed of movement of the massage device on the skin surface, for example, an optical sensor. The massage device can be configured to compare an actual movement speed with a recommended movement speed for the relevant massage step. If the practitioner moves the massage device too slowly or too quickly on the skin surface, the difference between the actual movement speed and the recommended speed may then become greater than or equal to a predefined threshold. In this case, an alert message may be displayed on the screen 17. This alert message may prompt the practitioner to increase and / or decrease the movement speed of the massage device.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the settings of the suction means 5 and / or the drive means can be automatically modified by the control means 14 at the end of each phase, without intervention from the practitioner or possibly with minimal intervention from the practitioner who simply validates the transition to the next massage phase, for example by pressing a button. Thus, the practitioner does not need to worry about making adjustments herself and the The massage can be performed without any downtime. The practitioner also doesn't need to memorize or consult the various parameters of each phase or step of the massage. This allows her to fully concentrate on performing the massage. The practitioner can, however, still modify the settings automatically applied by the massage device.

[0054] By adapting the pressure in the treatment chamber for different areas of the human body, a particularly pleasant, relaxing, and soothing massage process is available. Most parts of the human body are treated, and the duration of the massage is controlled.

Claims

Demands

1. A palpate-roll massage method using a massage device (1) comprising: - a treatment chamber (7), - a suction means (5) configured to generate a vacuum in the treatment chamber, to form a skin fold in the treatment chamber, - at least one rotating roller (12) in the treatment chamber to massage the skin fold, and - control means (14) configured to control the suction means, the massage process comprising: - a first stage (Eli, E12, E13, E14, E21, E22, E23, E24, E25) of massaging a first area of ​​the body during which the suction means are controlled so as to produce a first average pressure in the treatment chamber, and - at least a second stage (E51, E52, E53, E61, E71) of massaging a second area of ​​the body during which the suction means are controlled so as to produce a second average pressure in the treatment chamber, the first average pressure being strictly lower than the second average pressure.

2. A massage method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the massage device further comprises: - at least one movable valve (8, 9) with a flapping motion inside the treatment chamber, - a first drive means (10) configured to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber, the control means also being configured to control the first drive means, the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a first frequency during said first step, the first drive means being controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a second frequency during said second step, the first frequency being strictly greater than the second frequency.

3. Massage method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the depression in the treatment chamber during the second stage (E51, E52, E53, E61, E71) of massage is a variable depression comprising an alternation of activations and deactivations of said suction means (5) according to a given modulation frequency, the pressure in the treatment chamber (7) being controlled by pulse width modulation.

4. A massage method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises: - a third stage (E31, E32) of massaging a third area of ​​the body during which the suction means (5) is controlled so as to produce a third average pressure in the treatment chamber (7) and during which the first drive means (10) is controlled so as to move at least one flap (8, 9) inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with a third frequency, the third average pressure being substantially equal to the second average pressure, the third frequency being substantially equal to the first frequency.

5. Massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the first body area comprises a dorsal area, and - the second body area comprises a ventral area.

6. Massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the massage device (1) comprises a massage apparatus (3), and in that the massage method comprises, at each massage stage, the movement of the massage apparatus (3) over the surface of a person's body by a practitioner in a back-and-forth and / or circular motion.

7. A massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - a first phase of massage of the back area, then - a second phase of massage of the sacrum area, then - a third phase of massage of the back of the legs and the diaphragm, then - a fourth phase of massage of the foot area, then - a fifth phase of massage of the abdominal area, then - a sixth phase of massage of the front of the legs, then - a seventh phase of massage of the sternum area, the suction means (5) being controlled so as to produce the first average pressure in the treatment chamber (7) and the first drive means (10) being controlled so as to move at least one valve (8, 9) inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with the first frequency during the first phase and during the second phase, the suction means (5) being controlled so as to produce the second average pressure in the treatment chamber (7) and the first drive means (10) being controlled so as to move at least one valve (8, 9) inside the treatment chamber (7) in a pulsating motion with the second frequency during the fifth phase,during the sixth and seventh phases, the suction means (5) is controlled so as to produce the second average pressure in the treatment chamber (7) and the first drive means (10) is controlled so as to move at least one valve inside the treatment chamber in a pulsating motion with the first frequency during the third phase.

8. A massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second drive means (13) configured to drive at least one roller (12) in rotation, said second drive means driving at least one roller in rotation during the massage method, said control means (14) being configured to control the second drive means (13), and in that the massage method comprises at least two massage steps during which at least one roller is driven in rotation at different speeds.

9. A massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the massage device (1) comprises at least one data display screen (17), and in that during each step of the massage method, the following are displayed on said screen: - information concerning a body area to be massaged, and / or - information concerning the direction of massage and / or the speed of movement of the massage device on the skin surface, and / or - information concerning the frequency and / or amplitude of back-and-forth movements of a massage device on the surface of the skin - information regarding the duration of the massage phase, and / or - information regarding the depression to be applied in the treatment room, and / or - information concerning the beat frequency of at least one valve to be applied.

10. A massage method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the massage device (1) comprises a massage apparatus intended to be moved on the surface of a person's skin, the massage apparatus comprising a speed sensor for the movement of the massage apparatus on the surface of the skin, in particular an optical sensor, the massage method comprising a step of comparing an actual speed of movement of the massage apparatus on the surface of the skin with a recommended speed of movement, and if the difference between the actual speed of movement and the recommended speed is greater than or equal to a threshold, the display of an alert message on a screen (17) of the massage device (1).

11. Massage device for performing a rolling massage, the massage device comprising: - a treatment chamber (7), - at least one flap (7, 8) movable in a flapping motion inside the treatment chamber, - a first drive means (10) configured to move the at least one flap inside the treatment chamber, - a suction means (5) configured to generate a vacuum in the treatment chamber, to form a skin fold in the treatment chamber, and - control means (14) configured to automatically control the first drive means (10) and the suction means (5) to perform the massage process according to any one of the preceding claims.

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