Like everything, cellulite is easier to prevent than treat. For most of the year, cellulite is out of sight and also out of mind. Only when summer looms do we panic and set about banishing these lumps and bumps with a short-lived orgy of pummeling and punishing dietary regimes. Needless to say most of these efforts are doomed to failure.
Cellulite is notoriously stubborn and by the time skin takes on that orange-peel appearance without needing to be squeezed, it is not going to disappear overnight. But don’t despair. There is lots you can do that will make a difference, providing you persevere.
Most women are unhappy with their bottom and upper thighs. This is because the skin here is particularly prone to sponginess. We call this orange-peel effect ‘cellulite’ but its existence is cloaked in controversy. From the medical viewpoint the skin’s bumpy texture is blamed on the underlying fat cells. But if this is so, why aren’t other padded areas such as the tummy and upper arms bumpy too.
The feminine hormone oestrogen seems partly to blame. As well as favouring the accumulation of fat in these areas, this hormone encourages fluid retention so the tissues are easily water-logged. This makes skin feel spongy.
Stress and inactivity make matters worse. Muscles that are tense or under-worked impede the smooth flow of blood and lymph. When this happens the fat cells become starved of oxygen and blood while wastes accumulate in the underlying tissues. These toxins irritate collagen fibrils and in time they wrap themselves around fat cells. These fatty nodules can be felt as tiny lumps beneath the skin in the most advanced stages of cellulite.
Many factors contribute to creating cellulite. The best way to keep skin in this area smooth and sleek is to eliminate as many of them as possible.
How to Get Rid of Cellulite – Holistic solutions
As a variety of different factors contribute to the build-up of cellulite, the best way to tackle this problem is to address them one by one. Be prepared – it will take between four to six weeks to see a real difference in smoothness and tone.
- Oestrogen encourages fat and fluids to be deposited in the hip and thigh area, so taking steps to restore hormone balance is a priority. Phyto-oestrogens may be helpful as they lessen the impact of excess oestrogen. Good food sources are legumes such as soya, chickpeas, Green Gram beans and lentils
- The liver is responsible for neutralizing and clearing toxins from the body. After winter it is always rather sluggish. Start the day with the juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon in hot water. Sip three cups of specially formulated detox tea during the day. Eat liver-cleansing foods such as artichokes, ginger, garlic, dandelion leaves and grapefruit
- Cellulite begins when the blood flow to the fat cells falters, so aim to improve circulation in stricken areas. Strengthen the capillaries by eating plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, especially berry fruits. Sip black grape juice or take Vitis vinijera (extract of grapes and vineleaves). Both are rich in flavonoids and tannins that improve capillary health
- Poor lymph drainage means fluid stagnates in cellulite-stricken areas. If you are really serious about shifting these lumps and bumps, treat yourself to a course of four to six manual lymphatic drainage treatments
- Drink lots of water and prepare meals with fluid-flushing vegetables and herbs such as celery, dandelion leaves, fennel, tarragon and parsley
- Once a week take a Seaweed Bath and smother problem areas with a Seaweed Body Wrap. Add stimulating essential oils of rosemary, lavender and lemon to potentise seaweed and ordinary baths. Brush the body and the skin after baths and then massage Anti-cellulite Gel into problem areas
- What you eat and drink definitely makes a difference. Stick to your healthy eating blueprint and avoid salty and sugary foods. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are easily turned into fat which is stashed away on the hips and thighs. Sprinkle seaweed into salads, soups and stir-fries to give your metabolism a boost, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, stay away from alcohol, coffee and strong tea. To help shift those stubborn fat cells drink green tea instead
- Work the muscles Sitting for long periods at a time means the muscles in this area don’t do much work. If you work behind a desk, get up every half an hour and walk around. Walking up stairs is good exercise for the bottom and leg muscles. When muscles are active they burn up excess fat stores around them
- Brush the body Stimulating these areas helps to boost both blood flow and lymph drainage
- Squeeze it A stimulating massage involving movements like squeezing and pummelling release tension from muscles, boost blood circulation and move fluids from the tissues to prevent cellulite from settling in
- Spray it away Spraying the hips, bottom and thighs with jets of warm and cold water works wonders for revving up the circulation. Drink plenty of pure spring water – it helps flush fluids out of the tissues
- Boost metabolism Many plants contain mild stimulants that give metabolism a boost and so help to prevent fat from accumulating in the tissues. Recent research suggests Japanese green tea helps to burn off excess fat. Try drinking green tea each day
- Strengthen the capillaries Keeping the tiny blood capillaries in good shape helps blood to flow freely to the fat cells and prevents cellulite from forming. Seek out foods rich in capillary protecting antioxidants such as the plant-derived anthocyanidins present in blue-purple berry fruits like bilberries, blueberries, cherries and black grapes. The odd glass of antioxidant-rich red wine is fine, but avoid caffeine which tends to restrict blood flow
- Use plant refiners Massaging cellulite-prone areas with an oil containing stimulating, cleansing, diuretic and refining essential oils on a regular basis will keep the contours sleek and smooth
How to Get Rid of Cellulite by toning muscles
Toning the muscles of the bottom and the inner and upper thighs will help to redefine this area when used in combination with aerobic-style exercise.
- Lie on your side with legs stretched out, your head resting on the lower arm and the upper arm resting on the floor. Lift the upper leg 15cm (6in), hold for 10 counts, and then gently lower. Repeat these 20 times, then roll over on to the other side and repeat the exercise
- Kneel on all fours with your back straight. Lift one leg up behind you, keeping it bent, and feel the bottom muscles working. Do this 20 times then repeat with the other leg
