Most of us struggle with cellulite but have no idea how to handle it. Ayurveda looks to restore optimal functioning to the systems of the body by balancing the mind, emotions, and physical attributes based on a person’s constitutional makeup. This same model informs Ayurveda’s approach to cellulite.
According to Ayurveda, cellulite results from an imbalance in the body’s ability to metabolize fat. The Ayurvedic term for this metabolic function is meda agni (fat digestion). Cellulite occurs when agni weakens and the metabolism becomes sluggish; the resulting digestive residues interact with our body’s tissues and become the toxic material that’s known in Ayurveda as ama.
When ama accumulates in the lymphatic system, the body experiences a drainage problem. The subsequent buildup of toxins and fluids in the tissues leads to the development of fat pockets in areas of the body that are determined by your constitution.
To address cellulite, you must first understand that the process that creates it starts in the gut and then spreads through the subtle channels of the body. The best way to circumvent this process is to strengthen digestion in the gut and improve the lymph circulation in areas that are prone to cellulite.
Since Ayurveda addresses every case differently, it’s best to a consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine which cellulite reduction strategies are best suited to your specific constitution and circumstances. If this is not possible, simply add a few of these general suggestions to your daily routine:
1. Drink plenty of water. Sipping warm water with fresh-squeezed lemon throughout the day helps stimulate digestion and clear the buildup of toxic residues in your body.
2. Rev up your diet with a variety of zesty herbs that help reduce ama and promote circulation. Use generous amounts of herbs such as ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, fenugreek, and cardamom in your cooking.
3. Eat two fresh tulsi leaves in the morning and at night. This herb helps to regulate fat metabolism and has both lightening and drying properties.
4. Eat three meals at the same time every day. Make lunch the largest meal of the day and schedule it no later than 2 p.m. Eat dinner no later than 7:30 p.m. Strict adherence to these practices is by far most the important element of an effective cellulite management program.
5. Have a cup of kapha-reducing tea: Use ¼ teaspoon each of dry ginger, dill seed, and fenugreek seed, plus one clove per 1 cup of water. Boil water, add mixture, and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
6. Avoid a high-fat diet, but take a daily dose of good quality oil, such as Ayurvedic ghee or flaxseed oil in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning.
7. Perform full-body abhyanga (self-massage) with organic almond oil daily. Massage areas where you have cellulite with organic mustard seed oil followed by calamus herb powder. Use rapid long strokes to heat up these congested areas and improve circulation throughout the whole body.
8. Make sure you get enough exercise. Yoga asanas like Dandayamana Dhanurasana (standing bow pose), Ardha Chandrasana (half-moon pose), Utkatasana (chair pose) , Supta-Vajrasana (reclining thunderbolt pose), Dhanurasana (bow pose), and Salabhasana (locust pose) are highly recommended.
9. Take 500 mg of turmeric every morning upon waking and 500 mg of Triphala every night before bed.
10. Try panchakarma. An annual panchakarma program not only detoxifies many of the body’s channels, including the liver, but also helps your body burn fat more efficiently. Best of all, the benefits of panchakarma go far beyond its visible impact on the appearance of your body. This traditional Ayurvedic method of purification and rejuvenation is a time-tested approach to restoring balance and vitality to your entire being.
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Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.