The term Cellulite was first used in the early 1970s in beauty salons and spas to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat which caused uneven dimpling on the thighs and buttocks of many clients. Cellulite is a combination of fat, water, and toxic wastes that the body has failed to eliminate.
Cellulite is simply ordinary fatty tissue. Strands of fibrous tissue connect the skin to deeper tissue layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a waffled appearance of the skin.
It appears in a large percentage of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. Areas where it is commonly but not exclusively found are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it can occur if you are overweight, normal, or thin.
Exercise and a healthy diet can make a difference. Some other therapeutic strategies for defending yourself are:
Skin Brushing - The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the largest area from which toxins are eliminated. Skin brushing not only removes the build up of dead skin cells but improves the circulation of blood and lymph, which helps the body in its removal of cellular waste.
The first time you use a skin brush the bristles feel a little harsh so just take it gently to begin with. It won’t be long before you get used to the sensation and your strokes become firmer.
Body brushing will take you between three to five minutes. Start from your peripheries and move inwards towards your heart. Be gentle on or avoid especially delicate parts of your body.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle, rhythmic technique that assists in the removal of cellular waste by stimulating circulation. See one of our qualified massage therapist.
Aromatherapy – Pure essential oils which are detoxifying, have diuretic properties and are stimulating to the lymphatic system are beneficial in reducing cellulite. Essential oils should be used in body oils or bath oils. They include the following essential oils
Essential oil
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Actions
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Fennel
Grapefruit
Cypress
Lemon
Juniper
Mandarin
Orange
Tangerine
Rosemary
Carrot seed
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Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser
Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation, liver
Diuretic, liver
Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser, lemon
Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation
Diuretic
Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation
Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation
Stimulates blood and lymph circulation and tissue fluid circulation, alterative/blood cleanser, liver
Alterative/blood cleanser, liver
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Body image has become increasingly important in recent years, but remember cellulite is not a disease. Your body fat is determined by what you eat and your exercise habits, unfortunately the distribution of fat is determined by heredity. By using the techniques above and seeking help from a professional Aromatherapist, Massage Therapist, Nutritionist or Naturopath you can change your body.