It never fails, you hop out the shower and as you towel dry yourself, you look down and low and behold there it is, cellulite. That bumpy, “orange peel” look on the fleshy areas of your body, is caused by the accumulation of toxic deposits in the fatty tissues. You can help eliminate the appearance of cellulite with the use of stimulating essential oils and massage therapy.
Ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, dating as far back as 4,000 years ago, recommended massage for healing the body. The Ancient Chinese also advocated stroking the body “to protect against colds, keep the organs supple and prevent minor ailments.” In ancient Egypt, bas-relief carvings dating back more than 4,000 years show Pharaoh Ptah-Hotep receiving a leg massage from a servant. Centuries later, Queen Cleopatra is recorded as enjoying a foot massage during dinner parties. Ancient records also show that even the lowliest Egyptian workers were paid in wages of body oil sufficient for daily use.
Today many upscale spas still continue this tradition, incorporating essential oils and massage principles into their spa therapies. These techniques are all designed to help heal many of the ailments which people suffer, from muscle tension to beauty treatments. Here are some spa cellulite treatments you can try at home:
Anti-cellulite Massage
- Direct alternating hot and cold water to the affected area using a powerful shower head. Switch between hot and cold every 30 seconds for five minutes.
- Brush the affected area with a dry natural bristle bush. Always brush in the direction of the heart.
- Rub the skin with sea salt using a sisal mitt. Work in the direction of the heart and make sure that you use light, circular motions.
Have a warm bath, then massage your body with vitamin E oil to smooth the skin’s texture. Mix 3 drops grapefruit and 3 drops rosemary essential oils with 2tsp. (10ml) sweet almond oil. Massage the oil mixture into areas of cellulite.
Anti-cellulite Wrap
Strawberry and Ginger Body Wrap
Ginger has a warming effect on the skin and is an excellent circulatory stimulant. Strawberry has cleansing, astringent properties.
Ingredients
- 2 ginger roots each 4in (10cm) long
- 4tbsp (60ml) kaolin clay powder
- 15 large strawberries
Preparation
Put all of the ingredients into a blender and whiz for a minute. If the mixture is too runny to stick to the body, add more kaolin powder until you achieve the consistency of the thick paste.
Application
Apply wrap to areas affected by cellulite or poor circulation, then wrap your body in metal foil. Lie down in a warm room for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off the wrap with warm water. Turn the water to cool for the last 15 seconds, then pat dry.
In addition to these at home treatments, you will also need to get plenty of exercise, and avoid indulgences such as tea, coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol. You also need to drink plenty of water, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and exfoliate at least once a week to boost circulation to affected areas. You will also need to carry out body wrap treatments at least twice a week along with daily massages with a hand or massage roller. This will help to achieve visible and lasting results.
*For severe cellulite, see your doctor for cellulite laser treatments.
References:
Rees, Sian. Natural home Spa. Australia:Random House 1999Stuart, Catherine. The illustrated Guide To Massage And Aromatherapy. London: Hermes House 2005
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