Cellulite occurs when fat cells harden and lymph and blood vessels get caught in the structures formed by the disordered fat cells, says Dr. Bruce Berkowsky, author of "Dr. Berkowsky's Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System." During pregnancy you can employ regular skin-brushing to help reduce cellulite. Skin brushing breaks up cellulite by encouraging the circulation of blood and lymph in the area where the cellulite occurs. Brush with lavender and cedarwood essential oils to boost the effectiveness of skin brushing. Lavender balances all systems of the body and cedarwood relieves circulatory congestion, says "Aromatherapy Guide to Essential Oils." Talk to your doctor before beginning skin brushing, use of essential oils or any other alternative treatments.
Step 1
Pour the hazelnut oil into the bottle. Use the funnel if the bottle has a narrow neck. Add 20 drops each of cedarwood and lavender essential oil to the bottle. Screw on the lid tightly and, holding the bottle tightly to warm the oils, shake gently for one minute.
Step 2
Apply a few drops of your oil blend to areas of cellulite. The area should be covered and moist with only a thin layer of oil.
Step 3
Brush the lymph node areas near the cellulite with firm but gentle strokes. For example, brush the armpits before brushing cellulite on the arms.
Step 4
Brush the areas with cellulite with circular strokes. Brush each surface twice.
Step 5
Rinse off excess oils with tepid or cool water. Cool water will help stimulate circulation even more.
Tips and Warnings
- Repeat skin brushing daily to relieve cellulite and exfoliate skin.
- Use cedarwood, or juniperus virginiana, and not atlas cedar, or cedrus atlantica, which is contraindicated in pregnancy. Avoid spike lavender, lavandula spica, which is contraindicated in pregnancy. Avoid brushing wet, damaged or irritated skin, and stop brushing if irritation develops. Do not brush the breasts and avoid brushing the abdomen while you are pregnant. Use care when brusing the chest area near your breasts. Talk to your doctor before beginning skin brushing, use of essential oils or any other alternative treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Hazelnut oil
- Funnel
- Lavender essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Dark-colored bottle with a screw-on lid
- Stiff skin brush made of a natural material
References
- "The Complete Book of Herbs"; Lesley Bremness; 1988
- Dr. Berkowsky's 21st Century Natural Health Science: Dr. Berkowsky's Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System
- "Aromatherapy Guide to Essential Oils"; Melissa Farris; 2001
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