Cellulite
Cellulite
Description
Cellulite is not generally recognized as a medical condition, except by some plastic surgeons.
Generally, it exists in popular culture and will be treated by aestheticians.
According to the popular view, "cellulite" (which may be pronounced cell-u-leet, to give a ring of French authenticity) is a special type of fat cell which develops in the buttock-thigh region of afflicted women.
This may include toxic substances.
The region will have a dimpled appearance, like the skin of an orange.Causes
Unlike the popular view provided under Description, in which the afflicted woman is battling an aberrent form of fat cell, the medical opinion is not that the fat cell is any different, just that either the area becomes over-stretched by fat, causing the uneven surface; or, adhesions develop under the surface of the skin, which give the same effect on the surface.
There may well be an inherited predisposition for fat to be preferentially (and disproportionately) stored at the hip-thigh ("saddlebags") region. The amount of fat, however, not the type, is the problem.
Standard diet and exercise protocols may be recommended. However, nothing short of surgery may even hold the slightest hope of delivering the ideal shape to the dissatisfied client.
To meet the demand a host of treatments have appeared on the market, usually "milking" the market for a while, then giving way to the next fad.
Some systems may be as simple as a body wrap, or skin lotion. Others may be sophisticated electrodermal techniques and plastic surgery can be liposuction or a "lift" of the entire region, entailing skin flaps.Signs & Symptoms
The chief sign is cosmetic, in nature, although there are a host of psychological ramifications about "body image" and "self-confidence" etc.
There are toning programs, weight loss programs, pills, potions and lotions, as well as electrotherapies and surgery.
Diet and exercise, alone, seem to be inadequate. Whether one subscribes to the "toxicity" hypothesis, or not, attention to the body's detoxification processes may be beneficial.Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Hair, Skin and Nail Support &
Essential Fatty Acids
---------------------------------
General Supplements
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Biotin*
Choline*
EPO*
Inositol*
L-Carnitine*
Silica*
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.Dietary Considerations
Flushing the body with plenty of pure water is widely recommended.
Low fat foods are key, including low calorie fruits and vegetables i.e. limiting starchy vegetables.Homeopathic Remedy
Description Remedy Detox' & drain (blood, kidney, liver & lymph): Arsenicum Album Belladonna tinct. Berberis vulgaris Food cravings Phosphorus
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Ginseng
Hawthorn
Horsetail
Milk Thistle Silymarin
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Ginseng is used to balance energy levels.
Hawthorn in this application is reputed to: stabilize heart rate, stimulate circulation and reduce blood fat levels.
Horsetail provides silica to support connective tissue.
Milk Thistle detoxifies the liver.Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Roberta Wilson suggests a three-part protocol: brushing, bathing and skin oil.
Brushing
Massage a few drops on to your thighs, then dry brush the skin.
2 oz carrier oil 10 drops Lemon Essence oil 5 drops Cypress Essence oil 5 drops Orange Essence oil 2 drops Fennel Essence oil
Bathing
2 oz algae or seaweed powder 4 drops Lemon Essence 2 drops Cypress Essence 2 drops Fennel Essence oil 2 drops Rosemary Essence oil
Soak for 20 - 30 minutes.
Skin oil 1
4 oz (half cup) carrier oil 10 drops Cypress Essence oil 10 drops Lemon Essence oil 10 drops Orange Essence oil 5 drops Rosemary Essence oil 4 drops Cedarwood Essence oil 4 drops Coriander Essence oil 3 drops Fennel Essence oil 3 drops Clary Sage Essence oil 2 drops Patchouli Essence oil
Apply after bathing.
Skin oil 2
In a blended carrier oil of 20 ml Grapeseed oil and 5 ml wheatgerm oil, blend:
5 drops Fennel Essence oil 3 drops Juniper Essence oil 3 drops Rosemary Essence oil 2 drops Geranium Essence oil 2 drops Pepper Essence oil
Skin brushing boosts circulation to the surface of the skin. This should be part of your daily hygiene.
This can be followed by an application of skin oil. The same oil can also be applied with massage.
Once or twice a week, include the cellulite bath.Related Health Conditions
AbstractsReferences
Agliano M et al. Vasa vasorum of superficial collecting lymphatics of human thigh. Lymphology, 1997 Sep, 30:3, 116-21.
Carwell GR et al., Circumferential torsoplasty. Ann Plast Surg, 1997 Mar, 38:3, 213-6.
Kohn-SR; Morganroth-GS: In search of the elusive "cellulite" Consultant 1993 Mar; 33(3): 26-7 (5 ref).
Lockwood-T: Lower body lift with superficial fascial system suspension. Plast-Reconstr-Surg. 1993 Nov; 92(6): 1112-22; discussion 1123-5.
Lockwood T: The role of excisional lifting in body contour surgery. Clin Plast Surg, 1996 Oct, 23:4, 695-712.
Merrer-J: [Cellulitis of the thigh caused by Haemophilus influenzae in an adult (letter)]. Presse-Med. 1996 Feb 3; 25(4): 171.
Sacchi G et al., The structure of superficial lymphatics in the human thigh: precollectors. Anat Rec, 1997 Jan, 247:1, 53-62.
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