CELLULITE AND LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

What actually causes cellulite? It can show up just about anywhere, but is  typically found on the thighs, buttocks, knees and upper arms.
Cellulite is more than just fat cells.  Located in the subcutaneous (subsurface) layer of our skin, it consists of fat cells and a surrounding network of connective tissue that keeps them in place, known as septa. There is a good reason for this structure: insulation and stored fat for when we might need it.

Cellulite is created when the septa tighten down over the fat cells and when the fat cells come up through the septa.  Thick of pressing a fork down over a soft marshmallow! It’s all about the lymphatic system.

It begins with the lymph system because it plays an integral role in the development of cellulite. Cellulite begins with stiffening septa caused by impaired blood and lymph circulation to and from the subcutaneous layer of skin. If you think of the subcutaneous layer of skin as a sink, the circulatory and lymphatic systems are its pipes. The “sink” needs pipes to deliver clean water and pipes to take away dirty water. When you are in perfect health the lymph carries away all the toxins, however, when things get clogged up and blood circulation decreases, the surround  tissue weakens and retains fluid . Improper  lymph drainage causes the fluids that normally carry away waste to be trapped. Because of stagnation, the septa become harder and clamp down on the underlying fat cells.
Because of the stagnant flow of blood and lymph fluid, the septa become more fibrous and tighten down on underlying fat cells and bingo, you have cellulite.

Keeping all the above in mind, one of the first things we need to address when trying to shift cellulite is strong lymphatic drainage. Here are 3 things you can do do improve drainage:

1. Sip warm water every 15 minutes throughout your day.

2. Vigorously dry skin brush every morning before getting in the shower.

3. Use a herbal & essential oil treatment that will assist with lymphatic drainage. I love Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Oil.

Good lymphatic drainage is not only about getting rid of cellulite, it’s also vital for good overall health, particularly breast health. This is why the owner of the magical Simply Divine Botanicals, created her Keeping Abreast Of It deodorant. This is hand’s down my fave deodorant ever. Not only does it do what its supposed to as a deodorant (zero odor!), it also assists with lymphatic drainage in my arm pits where there are hundreds of lymph nodes. When used in conjunction with the Keeping Abreast of It Cream, you can be sure you are really taking care of your health. I’ve managed to get both these products into my Open Sky store as a bundle – so check it out.