Fight Cellulite With Aromatherapy

Cellulite has often been compared to cottage cheese in its appearance. It is commonly found on the thighs but also on the stomach and bottom. The reason why it has a lumpy, dimply appearance, is that cellulite is really just fat that makes the skin's surface look dimply or lumpy as it presses against the connective tissue under the skin. However, cellulite is believed to be more than just fat. It is understood to be an accumulation of fat, fluids and toxins that are trapped under the skin as a result of weak connective tissue.

Cellulite is considered one of the bane's of women's lives with nearly 95% of women experiencing the problem to one degree or another. You don't have to be overweight to have cellulite. When you get the chance to see photographs of models that have not been air brushed, chances are you will also see the tell tale signs of cellulite.

As well as exercise and drinking adequate amounts of water, plant extracts in the form of essential oils have been found to help break down fat deposits and assist in the elimination of fluids and toxins, thus diminishing cellulite. When undergoing an aromatherapy (essential oil) treatment for cellulite it is important to increase water intake to help flush out your system. Grapefruits have also been found to assist in the breaking down of cellulite, so half a grapefruit in the morning and a glass or two of pure grapefruit juice during the day can make a difference.

One of the most effective ways to treat cellulite is to use aromatherapy massage. This usually involves deep tissue massage using essential oils in carrier oils. Essential oil massage can help to reduce toxins, waste material and eliminate built up fluids as well as improving blood circulation.

The most common essential oils to treat cellulite are:

• Juniper
• Citrus
• Geranium oil
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Grapefruit
• Lavender

However, different therapists favour different oils. Juniper, lavender and rosemary are among the favourites. Juniper and rosemary have diuretic qualities that improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. They also improve your circulation and reduce bloating.

Lavender is often chosen because it is so relaxing and a great de-stressor. However, it also has a lovely scent and is a great skin toner, refreshing and revitalizing the skin.

Baths can be an enjoyable way to benefit from essential oils. Simply add five to ten drops of your favorite oil to your bath water and soak in it for fifteen or more minutes. Try to have an aromatherapy bath at least once a week to improve blood circulation and aid in the body's eliminative functions.

The most effective use of aromatherapy as a cellulite treatment, however, is to use it in combination with massage. Essential oils must be mixed with suitable carrier oils before being applied to the skin. There are many appropriate carrier oils such as almond, grape seed oil, jojoba and avocado. However, some oils are best combined with other carrier oils to get the best results. It is a good idea to try a few different mixtures to find the one that works best for you. Mixed thus, aromatherapy oils can be massaged into the skin and assist the body to detoxify and heal.

The choice of the right carrier oil is important for cellulite massage. Some oils are not as easily absorbed as others; some even cause irritation. The carrier oil allows you to massage the essential oil into the skin and extends its benefits. Essential oils are much more expensive by volume than carrier oils. By mixing them, you also gain a price benefit.

Therapeutic massage is excellent for improving circulation. In fact, one type of massage called lymphatic drainage focuses totally on improving the function of the lymphatic system. This type of massage is not typical of the heavier pressure usually applied. It uses light strokes that follow the direction of the circulatory system. More typically, aromatherapy massage tends to involve deep tissue massaging.

Massage with essential oils can assist in the elimination of toxins, fat and fluids by both direct manipulation and the action of the oils as they are absorbed. In fact, having a weekly massage can be an enjoyable weapon in the fight against cellulite. Whether you specifically have a lymphatic drainage massage or a normal aromatherapy massage, the experience will improve your lymphatic drainage and increase blood flow both of which will help to eliminate that ‘cottage cheese.'

Some massage therapists and clinics specialize in cellulite massage. You will need a number of sessions to make a difference; unfortunately, you can't get rid of cellulite with a single massage. As the cellulite breaks up under the pressure of the massage, it can be eliminated through the kidney and bowels. It is very important to drink a lot of water during the following twenty four hours to help your body eliminate toxins, wastes, fat and fluid. If you don't do this, you can end up feeling very ill after your massage.

The only good news about cellulite is that the soft cellulite that is most visible is also the easiest to get rid of. Hard cellulite most commonly forms in very active people (mainly women) heavily involved in activities such as dance, aerobics, and running. This form of cellulite is directly attached to muscle and therefore extremely hard to eliminate. On the other hand, soft cellulite does not tend to attach to muscles and is therefore looser. It can lead to poor muscle tone because it can sag from the body, however this very quality makes it much easier to remove.

Cellulite can adversely affect self esteem and become a frustrating problem. Aromatherapy massage and even soaking in an essential oil bath can help you get some relief and improve elimination in the body. Just remember, you are definitely not alone and more and more people are finding aromatherapy a fantastic therapeutic aid in overcoming this problem.