<strong>View</strong> 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 Designer quality, direct prices and one of the largest collections in the UK. Units 5A & 5B Upper Adhurst Industrial Est. London Road,Sheet, Nr. Petersfield Gu31 5AE WEB: www.jufurniture.co.uk 01730 895500 or 895588 E-Mail cjustunique@aol.com £68 See the full collections on our website, phone for our catalogues or visit our warehouses and showrooms. £395 £118 Signs of growth – naturally Innerspirit – ‘healing for the mind, body and soul’ – has grown hugely since its formation less than four years ago. Its first show was held in two marquees on the front garden of founder Tina Othen. Soaring attendances and growing demand have seen the number and scale of the shows increase enormously. Now they employ two sales managers and a show co-ordinator and marketing manager. ‘We have turned some of our events into two- and three-day events that include free talks to help educate people to our field of work and to encourage them to take control of their own lives and destiny,’ says Tina. This year has also seen the opening of the Innerspirit Holistic Centre, incorporating seven treatment rooms, a hairdressing salon, nail bar, vertical tanning and spray tanning. ‘We cover a extensive range of holistic and alternative therapies, beauty treatments, hairdressing, body piercing and tattooing,’ says Tina. Next month will see the introduction of training courses from first-aid and holistic therapies to body piercing. They also run monthly Reiki share groups and pamper evenings, while prom and wedding packages are also offered. To find out more contact Innerspirit Holistic Centre, 32a Drift Road, Clanfield,Waterlooville, PO8 0JL. T: 02392 366111 www.innerspiritholisticcentre.com £444 J.U. FURNITURE MAKERS
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