June 2008 issue - View Magazines

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vhealth
Give cellulite
the brush-off by Mark Sparrow
Acolleague of mine once began a skincare
training exercise by getting everyone to
close their eyes and then passing round an
orange for us to feel the texture, closely followed by
a peach.
Female readers will know immediately to what this
sensory skincare experience was referring and this
enduring image speedily established for all
participants the difference between the ideal skin
tone and that which is probably more normal.
Fruity euphemisms aside, and for those who haven’t
already guessed, the subject in question was cellulite.
Never an easy subject to discuss with female
colleagues or customers, cellulite is, I am reliably
informed, much discussed and debated by women
when their men-folk are out of earshot! It is true to
say that cellulite – a penetration of the
subcutaneous fat cells by fluids and toxic wastes –
is something which affects women, almost
exclusively, and, indeed, it may be related to female
hormonal imbalance.
It is often found on the outer side of the thighs,
extending to the hips, and it is distinguished by a
characteristic puckering of the skin, just like that of
my colleague’s orange. This puckering is due to the
fat cell walls getting thicker and locking in fluids
and toxins and is nothing to do with weight gain as
it can affect all women regardless of their weight.
Cellulite is not only an upsetting condition in itself
but it is also a symptom of a more general state of
health; it may indicate a sedentary lifestyle, a slow
lymphatic system and a lack of effective
elimination in general. Natural medicine can do
much to address both the symptom and the cause,
especially when taking a holistic view.
Relatively small changes in the diet can begin to
make a difference. Increasing your intake of
essential fatty acids (‘good’ fats from oily fish, nuts
or seeds), eating more brightly coloured fruits and
vegetables and decreasing tea, coffee and alcohol
are all good places to start. Adding a cleansing
herbal infusion – such as dandelion and burdock –
and drinking more water will help to support the
body’s elimination processes.
At the same time exercise positively affects every
part of your body. Again, small changes can make
a difference: try increasing the distance you walk
every day by getting off the bus a stop early; taking
the stairs instead of the lift or pacing about while
you are on the phone.
Body brushing is a great way to enliven your
system; it not only cleanses and strengthens the
skin, it also stimulates the circulation and
eliminates toxins. Working on dry skin, ideally
before showering, take a natural fibre brush and
brush the whole body, beginning with the feet, and
moving in the direction of the heart.
Sweep up the legs, across the hips, thighs and
bottom, gently over the abdomen and then work
on the arms from hands to shoulder, then down the
neck to the upper chest. Don’t brush too hard to
begin with and be gentle on sensitive areas, like the
tummy. Don’t brush or detox if you are pregnant or
are suffering from any serious health problems.
Massage also stimulates the circulation. Either visit
a qualified practitioner or try massaging at home.
Use circular motions and pay particular attention
to any fatty areas. Massage releases tension that
may cause stagnation and it stimulates the
lymphatic system which is responsible for moving
waste products from the body.
Blending essential oils which are known to
improve circulation – black pepper, marjoram –
with those that help elimination – grapefruit,
lemon, juniper – will add to the benefits. Try
Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Firming Hip and Thigh Gel
to get all the benefits of nature’s detoxifying oils
and herbs.
Come to think of it, although cellulite may be
almost exclusively a female problem, the tips I’ve
suggested will improve anyone’s health and vitality.
So if we all get eating healthily, exercising regularly,
scrubbing and massaging there’ll be peachy skin all
round this summer! V
Mark Sparrow is from Neal’s Yard Remedies, 27 Market Place, Salisbury. Tel: 01722 340736
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