Tips to reduce the appearance of cellulite, part 2

As a follow-up to our last article, we’ve outlined techniques and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite and keep it from becoming more pronounced.

Cupping and Massage Techniques

The basic technique for cupping massage is fairly simple and straight forward.

1. Apply massage products such as gels, lotions, creams or balms
2. Squeeze silicone cups and put the cups on the desired area
3. Gently lift the cups to create a slight tension, while making sure they still adhere to the skin
4. Move the cups across the skin in large, generous motions

For a more targeted anti-cellulite massage, however, it’s possible to integrate a series of other techniques to your routine to enhance the effects of this approach. Stationary cupping, flash cupping and massage rollers can all be useful complements to cupping massage.

Lierre-6- Silicone Cupping Pack and Balm Set

What you’ll need:

Tools: 2 silicone cups, 1 anti-cellulite massage roller

Massage products: Anti-cellulite massage gel and balm

Instructions:

1. Apply a sufficient amount of massage gels or balms on the desired area. The area should be fully covered, but not soaked.
2. Using anti-cellulite massage roller to roll from the far end of the area to the closest to the heart. You should always roll on the same direction, do not roll forward and back. For example, if you have cellulite on your legs, you should roll the massage roller from the ankle towards the thigh. If you have cellulite on your arms, you should roll the massage roller from the wrist to the shoulder. Massage each area for 2-4 minutes.
3. Apply more massage gels or balms.
4. Sanitize your silicone cups, squeeze your cup a little bit and place it on desired area. The suction level should be low at first, until you become used to it. Glide the cup in the same direction as the massage roller. Suction levels can be increased by squeezing more air out of the silicone, for a more intense effect. Repeat this step for 2-4 minutes for each area.
5. Move the cups in the same general direction, but in zigzag motions. This step will smooth out your skin more uniformly, and increase circulation. Repeat this step for 1-2 minutes for each area.
6. Move the cupsin the same general directions, this time in circular motions. Repeat this step for 1-2 minutes for each part of your body with cellulite.
7. The next step is stationary cupping. Squeeze the cups as tight as you can to create a high degree of suction, then place them on the skin. Move them very gently, and only a few centimetres, without relieving any pressure, in the same direction as before. Wait a few seconds, then move it again. While the first steps helped stimulate circulation and drain the skin, this step is closer to a deep tissue massage: this approach is reputed to help break down cellulite tissues, however, the research is mixed on its effectiveness. In any case, it will help drain remaining fluids. Repeat this step 1-2 minutes for each area.
8. Place your cups on the area with medium suction, and remove cups from the skin quickly for a flash cupping treatment. Repeat this step for 1-2 minutes.
9. Almost done! The next step is to slowly unwind from the massage. Using the massage roller, roughly roll over the areas of your body that you treated to release any remaining tension.
10. The last step is optional, but you may want to clean and moisturize your skin at this point to make sure that it is as smooth as it can be!

Here are some pictures on how to massage different parts of your body.

Tips: Reducing suction level if you observe cupping marks after these treatments.

Suggestions for cellulite prevention

1. Eating habits:It’s perhaps unsurprising, but what you eat directly affects your skin.
2. Drink a lots of water – most people don’t! Dehydrated skin appears duller and wrinkly, and a properly hydrated skin will look smoother, younger and more radiant. Try adding a slice of lemon or lime for more Vitamin C.
3. Cut down on the caffeine. While one or two cups of coffee won’t make it any worse, overconsumption of caffeine – whether in energy drinks, sodas, coffee or tea – will also make your skin look less radiant.
4. Double up on fruits and vegetables. Proper fiber consumption is linked to a reduced degree of cellulite.
5. Avoid eatingtoo much greasy, salty food,especially if it high in carbs and poor in fiber, as these are also linked to an increase in cellulite. Overconsumption of salt in particular will make your skin look duller, and increase fluid retention in the skin. Trans-unsaturated fatty acids are also particularly bad.
6. Exercising habits/working out habits:

Building a stronger, more uniform muscle base under the layer of fat in your skin can help make it look smooth, and

1. Combing aerobic exercise with anaerobic exercise to help you build your body shape and tighten your skin.
2. Keep moving!It’s important not to give up: while you won’t see results after one long work out, even adding half an hour’s walk a day will eventually show results.
3. Increase your exercise level gradually, and be careful not to push yourself too much: it’s an easy way to get injured, and consistency rather than intensity is key. As we all know, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

3. Reducing stress habits:

Managing stress is a complicated matter. Though improved eating and exercise habits undoubtedly help, it’s important to manage stress before it becomes chronic. High levels of stress are linked with a vast list of health complications, but also with poorer skin, break outs, and yes – cellulite.

1. Make sure you’re getting enough good quality sleep.
2. Mindfulness and meditation exercises can help you stay calmer.

If you are looking for acupuncturists who could treat reducing the appearance of cellulite, we recommend Clinic d’Acupuncture Laval.

About the acupuncturist:

Xiao Lei Wang is a professional TCM therapist with Quebec registered acupuncturist licence. He focuses on helping patients with Traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping therapies. You can find more about him on his own acupuncture clinic website. You could also book an appointment on the website.

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Rossi, Ana BeatrisR;Vergnanini, Andre Luiz (2000). “Cellulite: A review”. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 14 (4): 251–62. doi:10.1046/j.1468-3083.2000.00016.x. PMID 11204512.

Pinna, K. (2007). Nutrition and diet therapy. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. p. 178.

*results can and will vary from each individual

Tips to reduce the appearance of cellulite-part 1

Cellulite is an extremely common, completely benign skin condition. While for many people, it’s just a fact of life – and why not? – for others it can be a source of embarrassment: many would like nothing better to get rid of it. It’s estimated that 90% of the women will have some degree of cellulite at different ages, regardless of their weight. There’s nothing wrong with having cellulite

Why do people get cellulite, and what are some methods to reduce its appearance? We’ve made a guide to understand it better, and laid out some techniques to lessen its appearance for those who’d rather try to lessen its appearance.

What is cellulite?“Cellulite (also known as adiposisedematosa, dermopanniculosisde for mans, status protrusus cutis, gynoid lipodystrophy, and orange peel syndrome) is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests topographically as skin dimpling and nodularity, often on the pelvic region (specifically the buttocks), lower limbs, and abdomen.” (Rossi, Pinna)

Cellulite, then, is a type of fat formation that’s visible on the skin – and since everyone has fat in their bodies, regardless of their weight, it can then affect people of all sizes. It looks very similar to an orange peel in texture, and it typically appears on thighs, hips and backsides.

Cellulite can further be categorized into three different degrees.

No cellulite: No dimpling visible on skin, even pinched.

Level 1: No cellulite is visible on skin when at rest. If you pinched your thighs or other areas with fat, you will observe the cellulite.

Level 2: Cellulite is visible without pressure when standing,but will disappear when lying down or sitting.

Level 3: Cellulite is visible without pressure all the time at any posture.

Why do people develop cellulite?

Cellulite is so common that it’s medically considered a secondary sex characteristic, though it can of course affect people of all gender identities. It is therefore not perhaps so interesting to ask why people get it, but what can make it more or less pronounced.

Cellulite is tied to genetic factors, hormonal factors, specifically oestrogen and progesterone production, and lifestyle.

Can I get rid of cellulite permanently?

Though many products and approaches claim that it is possible, there have been no proven treatments that can completely rid someone of cellulite. Some treatments, however, do provide a temporary reduction in cellulite’s appearance, even in some cases making it temporarily invisible. Some lifestyles, moreover, can curb cellulite in the sense that they make it less likely to become more pronounced.

A propos Xiao Lei Wang:

Xiao Lei Wang – Acupuncturist in Montreal and Laval

Suite à mes études en Chine,  mon pays d’origine, ainsi que ma pratique du Tuina (Massage Traditionnel Chinois)  en Chine et au Canada;  mon intérêt profond pour la médecine traditionnelle chinoise et plus spécifiquement l’acupuncture s’estconfirmé.

J’ai donc effectué mes études en acupuncture à Montréal, au Québec, afin d’intégrer cette approche et j’ai,par la suite, fait plusieurs stages pour ouvrir et parfaire ma pratique.

Mon éthique est de prodiguer des soins efficaces, dans le plus grand respect de cette tradition millénaire et ses normes actuelles, tout en garantissant une hygiène et une sécurité de traitement exemplaire.

J’ai la preuve constante que cette approche holistique offre des résultats durables pour de nombreux maux, autant en prévention, qu’en guérison.

Étant membre de l’Ordre des Acupuncteurs du Québec et de l’Association des acupuncteurs du Québec depuis 2012,  je me ferai un plaisir de vous informer des bienfaits de l’acupuncture et de vous accueillir pour un rendez-vous à notreClinique Lierre Santé .

Tous droits réservés à Acupuncture-Clinic.ca / All Rights reserved for Acupuncture-Clinic.ca.

Acupuncture et lombalgie

Le mal de dos affecte presque tout le monde! Il est estimé que près de 80% d’entre nous souffriront, un jour ou l’autre, de maux lombaires; une véritable épidémie de mauvaise posture causée par l’abus de téléphones cellulaires et d’autre gadgets électroniques suggère que ce nombre ne fera que croître dans les années à venir. En effet, la douleur lombaire est le problème le plus commun pour lequel les patients consultent un ou une acupuncteur(e). L’acupuncture est d’ailleurs reconnue pour son efficacité dans ce domaine.

La lombalgie bénigne, non-spécifique, représente 90% des cas et survient souvent en adolescence ou entre 45 et 50 ans. Elle peut aussi être classifiée comme aigue, subaigüe ou chronique. L’acupuncture est particulièrement efficace pour les types chroniques et bénignes, et peut être un complément thérapeutique important pour les lombalgies subaigües et aigues. L’acupuncture soulage la douleur chez ces deux derniers types, et elle constitue une intervention plus douce que les drogues analgésiques. Toutes les formes de lombalgie surviennent le plus souvent chez les femmes enceintes, les personnes âgées, les personnes passant de longues heures debout ou soulevant de lourdes charges souvent, et les athlètes.

A propos Xiao Lei Wang:

Xiao Lei Wang – Acupuncturist in Montreal and Laval

Suite à mes études en Chine,  mon pays d’origine, ainsi que ma pratique du Tuina (Massage Traditionnel Chinois)  en Chine et au Canada;  mon intérêt profond pour la médecine traditionnelle chinoise et plus spécifiquement l’acupuncture s’estconfirmé.

J’ai donc effectué mes études en acupuncture à Montréal, au Québec, afin d’intégrer cette approche et j’ai,par la suite, fait plusieurs stages pour ouvrir et parfaire ma pratique.

Mon éthique est de prodiguer des soins efficaces, dans le plus grand respect de cette tradition millénaire et ses normes actuelles, tout en garantissant une hygiène et une sécurité de traitement exemplaire.

J’ai la preuve constante que cette approche holistique offre des résultats durables pour de nombreux maux, autant en prévention, qu’en guérison.

Étant membre de l’Ordre des Acupuncteurs du Québec et de l’Association des acupuncteurs du Québec depuis 2012,  je me ferai un plaisir de vous informer des bienfaits de l’acupuncture et de vous accueillir pour un rendez-vous à notreClinique Lierre Santé .

Tous droits réservés à Acupuncture-Clinic.ca / All Rights reserved for Acupuncture-Clinic.ca.

Science-based moxibustion benefits

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa. Moxa also called dried mugwort. Moxibustion is called 灸 (pinyin: jiu) in Chinese.

Moxibustion plays an important role in the traditional Chinese medicine system. It has the equivalent importance as acupuncture in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other countries who use traditional Chinese medicine.

Mugwort has long been considered a kind of herb that particularly good for women such as regulating the menstrual cycle and easing the transition to menopause.

Mugwort usually are not used directly, they are grinded up and aged for years to evaporate the mugwort oil. In TCM, Moxa is Yang and used mainly to restore deficient Yang conditions.

As we introduced in other blogs, there are 4 types of moxibustion methods: direct moxa, indirect moxa, hanging moxa and portable moxa. You could use loose moxa, moxa rolls or smokeless moxa accompanying with moxa accessories to use moxibustion.

Moxa sticks are developed since Ming Dynasty in China. Moxibustion is a very convenient and efficient method to using moxa’s healing warmth to solve various kinds of problems. It also can be self-administered healing method which is a bit different from acupuncture. You have to find a professional acupuncturist to practice acupuncture.

Moxibustion are usually used at the acupuncture points. It is using the same theory system as acupuncture. The deeper the acupuncture needles usually insert, the closer the moxa to the skin.

Studies have shown that indirect moxa application such as garlic indirect moxa could produce infrared waves that can be absorbed by body. Infrared will have physiological and biochemical effects on body. It would help with pain relief, improve circulation, skin purification, etc.. (Norek)

We also find studies shown that moxa smoke has a positive regulating effect on human autonomic function. (Cui, Yingxue)

It is also observed that moxibustion could effectively help to correct fetal presentation by stimulating the acupoint BL-67. It could help a lot of women who are willing to born their babies natural. (L, Neri)

As there is another experiment shown that moxibustion have significant effects on Crohn’s disease. (Bao, Chunhui)

Among all the studies, it is not hard to find that moxibustion’s healing power is meanly produced by its unique warmth. It could go through under your skin and stimulate the deeper parts of your body. In addition, because of its warmth, it will help with body circulation which is really an important part. Body circulation brings nutriments to whole body and takes away the toxins inside your body. Body circulation makes your body function smoothly every day.

In addition, we recommend you to purchase good quality moxa in order to achieve safe moxibustion and benefit more from moxibustion.

In the end, we would like to conclude the purpose of our blog about moxibustion benefits. We can find more studies and experiments out there to approve the benefits of moxibustion. But our purpose of the blog is not to give you all the evidence and details about the experiments of moxibustion. We would like to encourage you to start your journey on moxibustion to keep healthy or improve your quality-of-life.

Norek, Danna. “Use Infrared Heat for Pain Relief and Other Health Benefits.” NaturalNews. N.p., 18 Mar. 2010. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Cui, Yingxue, Baixiao Zhao, Yuhai Huang, Zhanghuang Chen, Ping Liu, Jian Huang, and Lixing Lao. “Effects of Moxa (Folium Artemisiae Argyi) Smoke Exposure on Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Human Study.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM. Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 23 May 2013. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

L, Neri, Airola G, Contu G, Allais G, Facchinetti F, and Benedetto C. “Acupuncture plus Moxibustion to Resolve Breech Presentation: A Randomized Controlled Study.” NCBI. NCBI, 15 Apr. 2004. Web. 1 Aug. 2016.

Bao, Chun-Hui, Ji-Meng Zhao, Hui-Rong Liu, Yuan Lu, Yi-Fang Zhu, Yin Shi, Zhi-Jun Weng, Hui Feng, Xin Guan, Jing Li, Wei-Feng Chen, Lu-Yi Wu, Xiao-Ming Jin, Chuan-Zi Dou, and Huan-Gan Wu. “Randomized Controlled Trial: Moxibustion and Acupuncture for the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease.” World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 21 Aug. 2014. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Yemen (TE2) acupoint for colds

https://www.lierremedical.com/acupuncture-needles

While colds are not very severe illnesses, they can be a huge pain anyways: the loss of energy, productivity, that stuffy head feeling, congested sinuses, non-stop sneezing… ugh!

In the Chinese medical tradition, the onset of a cold can be attributed to an imbalance – either to too much yin（阴） or too much yang （阳）– which wreaks havoc on the system. Symptoms of these balances should sound familiar: stuffy noses, sore throats, feeling cold, etc. The simplest and best way to help the body regain its balance, then, is with the help of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Acupuncture, in particular, is incredibly helpful.

The very early stage of cold can be treated using acupuncture needles to stimulate the Yemen (TE2) acupoint using a reducing method. You could insert the acupuncture needles on TE2 about 0.5-1.5 cun; it’s important to note, however, that the specific depth of insertion will vary from person to person. For example, it’s considered best to inserting acupuncture needles under the skin at about 0.5 cun for kids, 1.0 cun for adults and 1.5 cun for people with larger hands. Needles should then be left on the hand for about 15-30 minutes, needling every 5-10 minutes. The treatment should start taking effect immediately after the first session. Typically, a patient will feel their back getting hot, and then their legs changing temperature. Symptoms including coughing and stuffy nose will then start to clear up.

Yemen (TE2,液门) is an acupuncture point in the meridian named Shaoyang Sanjiao, Meridian of Hand. It is the Ying-spring and water point of the sanjiao. Yemen is between the ring finger and little finger.

If you have more severe symptoms, you can insert acupuncture needles on both sides.

The last tip I would like to mention is that if you are afraid of needles, you can use moxa to do moxibustion on Yemen. It will achieve very similar effects.

I hope acupuncture needles and acupuncture could help more people achieve greater balance and enjoyer a healthier life.

Lierre offers the best quality acupuncture needles for sale, massage tables, massage accessories, health products and more at great prices.

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Acupuncture point Yong Quan (Kd1)

涌泉穴-Yong Quan Acupuncture Point (Kd1) is one of the most useful points located on the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian of the foot, KI.（足少阴肾经）To be more specific, it is on the sole, near the ball of the foot, between the second toe and third toe. It is mainly for lung problems and excretory system.

Yong Quan roughly translates to outflow of spring water, where Quan means “spring,” or “spring water,” and Yong means “outflow from inside.” Yong Quan, then, figuratively means that Qi will flow out to the surface of this acupuncture point, hence its association with excretion. This acupuncture point is also classified among the Wood Points. Liquids with temperature higher than the normal body temperature will typically flow out from these points. It could also help with radiating and growing Qi.

This point can be used to help solve the following problems:

1. Dizziness, heat stroke, epilepsy, emergency problems in children including convulsions.
2. Headache
3. Sore Throat
4. Difficult urination and constipation
5. Heat plantar
6. Anxiety and night sweats
7. Other problems related to Kidney Meridian.

This acupuncture needles is very often used in the treatments of shock, hypertension, insomnia, hysteria, epilepsy, convulsion, nervous headaches and difficult urination, and other emergency problems. Many acupuncturists and herbalists also put plasters with herbs on this acupuncture point as a form of treatment.

Instructions for typical treatment:

Insert acupuncture needles straight into this acupuncture point from about 0.5 cun to 1 cun.

Location

On sole, in depression with foot in plantar flexion, at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of line connecting base of the 2nd and 3rd toes with the heel.

You can also massage Yong Quan everyday to help with kidney health and boost energy levels; however, if you experience the problems mentioned above, it is better for you to go for a certified therapist, such as acupuncturist. Acupuncturists can useacupuncture needles with precision and expertise to accelerate the healing process – this is a procedure that shouldn’t be attempted on one’s own, especially without training.

Worried about pain? You shouldn’t have to. High quality acupuncture needles are tiny, extremely sharp and very smooth: after all, they’re designed to relieve pain, not cause it. It’s therefore very unlikely that you’ll experience severe discomfort during an acupuncture needle insertion.

If you’re interested in learning more about needles or buying them, Lierre.ca has many different types of acupuncture needles for sale – and they’ll be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions!

About the author: Xiao Lei Wang is a professional TCM therapist with Quebec registered acupuncturist licence. He focuses on helping patients with Traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping therapies. You can find more about him on his own acupuncture clinic website. You could also book an appointment on the website.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ACULIFTING?

Though most Canadians are aware of acupuncture as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, not everyone’s aware of its increasingly prominent role in beauty treatments! While popular across China, Japan and South Korea, acu-lifting has only starting to really take off in North American in the past few years.

Lierre Acupuncture Needles Acu Relaxo 30*1.5″ (0.30*40mm)

It may seem odd – and even scary!- from an outsider’s perspective to insert needles in someone’s face, but rest assured, the treatment is far from being as painful or uncomfortable as it sounds. In fact, the acupuncture needles used in these treatments are even smaller than regular acupuncture needles: that is to say,incrediblysmall, much closer to a hair’s width than a sewing needle’s size. So, in case you were wondering – no, it doesn’t leave any marks.

Treatments can also involve very light electric stimulation and massage. Though this might seem like it strays a bit further from acupuncture, it isn’t the case –the needling part of the treatment, massage and electric stimulation all function to activate and relax facial muscles, and work along the meridians to increase circulation. These forms of stimulation have a very apparent effect on the skin, since the muscles and dermis are intimately connected; additionally, the health of the rest of the body, including the organs, is inevitably reflected in the skin’s appearance. In light of this fact, aculifting specialists will often also insert needles along other points in the body.

An acu-lifting treatment will typically be around an hour and a half, and its effects will last around three weeks: it can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and redness, even out skin tone, and restore the skin’s youthful softness. If you’re lucky enough that none of these problems affect you, acu-lifting might still be useful: as a preventative approach, it’ll keep your face looking youthful and radiant for years longer.

Interested in learning more about what else acupuncture needles can do? Lierre Medical has a large range of acupuncture needles for sale, including plastic handle acupuncture needles and tabless acupuncture needles, which are the most popular models in aculifting treatments. We’ll be happy to answer any and all of your questions! If you’re thinking about trying aculifting, you may also be interested in some of our other beauty products, such as jade rollers, silicone facial brushes and rose essential oil from Lierre, which offers the best quality acupuncture needles, massage tables, massage accessories, health products and more at great prices.

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