Amor Cellulite Starter Pack

Way back in 1999-2000, Bernadette Bekker of The Energy Health Clinic and Herbal Energy and I did some research into the world of cellulite treatments for a thesis, and designed a programme using a range of oils that are safe to use if you are pregnant or have any health issues, including hormonal imbalances.  Our preliminary trials brought in some surprising results, and we have been selling it online since 2005.

Here is an excerpt from our thesis.

The objective of the research was to find out if cellulite treatments worked and to develop a cellulite treatment range, using aromatherapy essential oils that were safe to be used by the general public.  There was also a review of available literature/research of cellulite supplements, including a review of research by Lani Lopez N.D. (unpublished).  Also testing of an over the counter product (soap and cream) and recording its results. There are four stages in cellulite development and you may develop or notice it at any of the four stages. The following definition is from the Cellulite Research Centre web site:

• Normal cellulite (0) – thighs, butts and stomach are smooth when standing or lying down.  It is only when you do the “pinch test” that you notice the folding and unevenness in the skin.

• Early cellulite (1) – skin on the areas is smooth when standing or lying but after the pinch test you will notice the dimples and fat pockets.

• Medium cellulite (2) – skin is still smooth when you are lying down but when you stand up, pitting, bulging and unevenness can be noticed.

• Advanced cellulite (4) – the “mattress phenonomen” is evident if you stand or lie down.

The idea of the range is to stimulate the lymphatic system, to stimulate and improve the circulation, and also to help balance the hormones.  It was also to be:

• Safe to use if you had high or low blood pressure.

• Safe to use if you suffered with epilepsy.

• Safe if you happened to fall pregnant while using the essential oils.  Or already pregnant but not aware.

After studying the common essential oils that have traditionally been used and eliminating such oils as Cypress, Rosemary, Fennel, Juniper Berry, Sage and Thyme, (these were eliminated due to contra-indications for pregnancy, epilepsy, and high blood pressure), essential oils were then sourced that contained similar properties/constituents but were without the risks/contra-indications as previously stated.

The range was to be user friendly and needed to be able to fit into a busy woman’s schedule.  Therefore it had to be quick and easy to use.

Three levels of aromatherapy treatments were trialed.

1. Incorporating light exercise, dietary recommendations.  Massage treatments (incorporating aromatherapy & fascial kinetic pumps), as well as home treatments of using massage oils and brushing skin with either a flannel or loofah
   This way we will hopefully be able to evaluate the impact of diet and exercise.

2. Incorporating massage treatments as well as using essential oil blends (for self-massage) and detoxifying baths using a blend of Essential oils and Epsom salts.  This group would also be given a general list of foods recommended.

3. Incorporating detoxifying baths with a blend of Essential oils and Epsom salts.  This group would be like a control group and will show us how much effort is actually required to reduce cellulite.

Our results showed that the 3rd option reduced cellulite as effectively as the 1st and 2nd, so this is what we are now able to offer you.

This Cellulite Programme Starter Kit includes:

Cellulite Blend #1 gently stimulates the lymphatic system, preparing it for Blend #2.

• Geranium - has the ability to balance sebum production, and helps reduce inflammation as well as being antimicrobial, which is a great for your body when you start to stimulate it with essential oils that are releasing stored toxins from fat cells. And, if you suffer from PMS or are going through perimenopause, geranium will help balance your hormones.
• Lemon - has immune stimulating properties, and is also known as a hepatic (stimulates and aids the function of the liver) which is why we thought it was important to include in this blend.
• Niaouli - is in here because it eases muscular aches and pains (which stimulating toxins can create), as well as being antimicrobial and an adrenal tonic.
• Patchouli - is wonderful for congested skin, and all this stimulation can cause breakouts, so patchouli will help minimise this. It's also anti-inflammatory and relieves stress, both physical and emotional.

This blend needs to be used for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Cellulite Blend #2 gives the lymphatic system a rev up, this oil blend keeps the lymphatics pumping, while assisting the kidneys with the extra output of fluids, as well as assisting the toning of the skin.

• Cedarwood Himalayan - normally Atlas cedarwood is recommended as a lymphatic decongestant, however it was deemed unsafe for our purposes so we chose Himalayan instead as it has similar properties without the risks for pregnancy.
• Grapefruit - is a lymphatic stimulant and is popular in aromatherapy blends for cellulite
• Niaouli - is continued in this blend so it can keep doing what it does best, being a wonderful tonic for the body as it clears out the toxins. 
• Vetiver - helps reduce stretchmarks, strengthens connective tissue and helps to improve skin tone, making it firmer right down to the subcutis level. 

This blend needs to be used for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Cellulite Blend #3 follows on from Blend 2, and by this time excess fat pockets are being broken down, the immune system is kept stimulated (a process that started with Blend 1) and the skin is starting to tighten.

• Benzoin - is lovely and warm and soothes the skin and promotes healing.
• Cedarwood Himalayan - is continuing its work it started in Blend #2.  
• Mandarin - is in this blend for its wonderful actions with congested skin.
• Niaouli -  the final detox flushes are underway during this phase.

This blend needs to be used for a minimum of 2 weeks.

This kit also includes 100g Bath Salts or 100ml Body Wash (in case you don't have a bath) along with a Cellulite Fact Sheet & Data Sheet giving guidelines and dietary recommendations.

Each oil comes in a 100ml amber glass bottle with a tampertel cap, the bath salts are in an amber glass jar and the body wash is in a plastic bottle with a disc cap.