By Terri Darias, LMT
President Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage Corp.

WHAT IS CELLULITE?

Researchers found that in women, the uppermost layer of skin tissue (subcutaneous) consists of “standing fat cell chambers”, that are separated by vertical walls of connective collagen tissue. At the top of these upright fat cells, arc-shaped domes are formed that are weak and more prone to fold and buckle under the pressures of excess weight, water retention, or a sedentary lifestyle. This, in turn, causes smaller compartments of fall cells “papillac adiposea) to then break up a cluster tightly just under the skin. This combination of standing fat-cell chambers and clusters of palillae adiposea are the very elements that create the change of appearance in the skin’s surface that we know as cellulite.

WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE?

When fluid retention occurs in fatty (adipose) tissue, the connective fibers of the upper layers of skin, swell, and become visibly rippled. This swelling sets up a chain reaction when toxic waste accumulates and further breaks down the elastin and collagen fibers. These fibers are responsible for keeping skin smooth, but are too overloaded with waste, water and excess fats to do their work. Swollen fat cells, poor circulation decrease the level of elastin fiber creating a prime environment for cellulite.

In today’s world another contributor to the engorging of fat cells are the many man made chemicals and additives that are found in our foods. The body, not recognizing these chemicals, stores them in fat cells, contributing to the enlargement of the cell.  Consuming foods high in pesticides, preservatives and dyes should be avoided. You do not have to become an expert chemist to decode ingredient labels. A good rule of thumb is to choose real, whole, unprocessed (not out of box or can) foods, and eat them in moderation.

REDUCING CELLULITE – The four principles!

DETOXIFICATION

A professional treatment at your salon or spa using one of the Amber Silhouette Body Treatments is an important step, but to maintain results the fundamental problem must be addressed. That is, accumulated toxic waste and fluid retention due to poor circulation and improper diet.  These products were researched and developed to help the body increase circulation, invigorate the metabolism, detoxify the body and build up the corium layer of skin to stop the continuing breakdown of weakened cell walls.  All of these processes along with a healthy diet and a good exercise program work together to lower the toxin levels of your body.

CLEANSING

The Body Cleanse Supplements are integral part of the helping the body cleanse itself. They work best if taken an hour before meals with plenty of water.  If possible start your day with a cup of hot water and a half a squeezed lemon to purge mucus, and assist bowel function. As many toxins accumulate in the lower colon, where 95% of all diseases begin, and release debris into the blood stream, (specially during constipation) it is advisable to consume adequate amounts of roughage.

NOURISHING AND EXERCISE

The phrase “you are what you eat” that we all have heard, may make more sense if changed to “you feel what you eat”.  A healthy well balanced diet combined with a sensible exercise routine is critical to overall wellness.  The following is a general guide to help you maintain a stronger focus towards nourishment and exercise in your everyday life.  It is written by Dr. Paula L. Rochelle, C.H.P.D, N.D., a leader in field of nutrition and diet, who consults several major U.S. companies on increasing employee productivity by developing a company wide program for healthy living.