Bumpy Territory?
Dimples may have been cute when you were a kid, but the lumpy and uneven texture which has begun to appear on your thighs and bottom, known as cellulite, is the curse of many a women’s existence. It is believed that those who develop cellulite have been destined since birth to develop it. The appearance of cellulite begins to appear in adolescent girls around the age of 14, the increases as they mature.
Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule about who develops cellulite, but luckily, there are things you can do to eliminate and reduce it, and quite possibly – “ prevent it from coming back!
What it is and who gets it?
Cellulite has been observed to be a cosmetic condition which primarily affects women. Believed to be a condition associated with collagen destruction, it alters blood and lymph circulation, causing an aggregation of adipose cells and modifying the surrounding connective tissue. In turn, the formations of lumpy, irregular fatty deposits appear as dimpled skin around the hips, buttocks and thighs of almost 90% of women.
Acupuncture for Cellulite?
Who would’ve thought? Cellulite Acupuncture is an ancient treatment technique that helps to nourish connective tissues from within, therefore treating cellulite at its source – “ unlike other creams, lotions or scrubs. It is a specially designed treatment which helps to reduce and eliminate the unsightly appearance of cellulite through an intensive system that helps to cleanse and improve circulation. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin sterile, disposable needles into specific acupuncture points located on various locations to effectively eliminate cellulite and keep it from coming back. The result is supple, firmer and smoother looking skin. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, cellulite is a condition related to the excess accumulation of dampness and mucous within the body. Deficient “Qi”, or vital energy, tends to cause poor digestive function is believed to be the root cause of both cellulite and obesity.
Natural Cellulite Fighters
Even with regular exercise and a healthy diet, it seems that cellulite is much more difficult to reduce than any other type of fat. Largely a problem relating to weakened connective tissue resulting in persistent fat storage, it is important to establish a regimen which consists of two elements:
1) Boosting sluggish metabolism to facilitate and improve digestion, therefore preventing fat accumulation.
2) Stimulating and increasing the circulation of blood throughout the affected areas.
In combination with a consistent Acupuncture treatment, the following are a few great Chinese herbs to use not only to prevent cellulite, but also to invigorate blood circulation throughout the entire system.
Hawthorn Fruit (Fructus Crataegi)
Grown throughout the Shandong Province of China, Hawthorn Fruit is harvested in the autumn months when the fruit has just ripened. With a sweet, yet slightly sour taste, this fruit is rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins – “ both which hold powerful antioxidant properties. With its miraculous health properties, Hawthorn fruit helps to stimulate fluid and phlegm movement throughout the body as well as promoting digestion and preventing lipid fat accumulation. Known to have a relaxing effect on the cardiovascular system, clinical studies have also shown that regular consumption facilitates systemic vasodilation of the blood vessels as well as enhancing enzyme metabolism and oxygen utilization in the heart muscle. By doing so, it helps to increase blood flow to the coronary artery and improves blood circulation to effectively balance blood pressure and reduce elevated levels of cholesterol.
Available Forms: raw (dried hawthorn fruit), tablet and candied.
Fennel Seed (Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris)
Commonly used as a cooking spice, Fennel Seeds are aromatic and well-known for their calmative and warming effects. Used throughout Asia after meals to help sweeten the breath and promote digestion. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these seeds help to encourage movement throughout the “lower burner” of the body. In simple terms, this seed stimulates blood and fluid circulation from the abdomen downwards. Since the legs and buttocks are included in this “burner”, Fennel Seed, when combined with other herbs, helps to considerably reduce or eliminate cellulite appearance and to prevent it from coming back.
Available Forms: raw (dried fennel seeds) and powdered form.
Notoginseng Root (Radix Notoginseng)
Native to China, Notoginseng Root is harvested in the autumn or winter months of its seventh growing year just prior to the flowering of its plants or after the ripening of its fruit. A favored and ancient remedy for both internal and external bleeding, this root has shown great promise in the treatment of conditions relating to poor circulation. Recent studies have shown Notoginseng Root to have a positive effect on the circulatory system and have seen it to improve blood flow throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Rich in Triterpene (Saponin) Glycosides, Notoginseng has the ability to enter fatty materials and deposits to effectively break them up. This very property makes Notoginseng effective in breaking up cellulite deposit formations while improving circulation throughout the legs to remove even the appearance of varicose veins.
Available Forms: raw (dried Notoginseng root), powder, tablet or liniment.
Seaweed
First recorded use of seaweed as a food and health source dates back to 800 B.C. in China. Seaweeds have a rich abundance of all the necessary building blocks of life. Containing 10 – “ 20 times the minerals and vitamins of regular land vegetables, they are higher than any other class of food. The use of seaweed to promote health and beauty follows a theory that the chemical composition of seawater is almost identical to that of human plasma and that it contains all the elements necessary for optimal cellular function. When used externally, seaweed has a remarkable ability to soften, moisturize and firm the skin. Regular application helps to detoxify tissues and stimulating blood circulation throughout the body to improve skin colour, tone and texture while reducing the unsightly appearance of cellulite.
Available Forms: raw (dried edible sheets) or soap form (for external use)
With summer here, say goodbye to the “cottage-cheese” look for good. Smoother and firmer legs are possible!
Dr. Mable Cheung is amongst a handful of licensed & practicing Acupuncturists and one of the firsts to introduce both Cosmetic & Cellulite Acupuncture. She is also a 3rd generation Chinese Medical Doctor at Cheung’s Trading Company Limited. For more information, feel free to contact her at 519-252-9228 or at www.cheungstrading.com