lymph drainage- and musclestimulation - devices
for cosmetic treatments
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C e l l u l i t e t h e r a p y
What is cellulite?
It is important to note that cellulite is neither an illness nor a disease, rather it is an alteration of skin tissue. Cellulite is often referred to as "orange peal skin " since the skin`s surface develops lumps and dimples. Since the cells in female connective tissue has the ability to swell, they absorb fat and redundant tissue fluids like a sponge, causing them to bulge and create an uneven surface.
How does cellulite occur?
The cause of cellulite is still not completely known, nor can its phenomena be fully explained. How- ever, it is hypothesized that due to the structure of female connective tissue, hormonal changes which accompany puberty, pregnancy and menopause may be the cause. Improper eating habits and sedentary lifestyle can also encourage the development of cellulite. As a result, tissue fluids begin binding to fat cells which in turn swell up, thus causing the lymphatic system to back up and develop cellulite. Therefore, cellulite is actually a lymphatic problem.
Human skin acts as a mechanical barrier that protects the human organism against damaging external influences. As a natural defense, the immune system is activated whenever the human body has been penetrated by infections, bacteria, etc. However, if normal lymph activity no longer functions properly, the result is a back up of lymphatic fluid in the skin tissue. Fat cells can swell to 2 cm, exceeding the normal size of 2 mm diameter. These cells would therefore contain metabolic waste fluids, fat, protein, etc.
What is a lymphatic system
This is a system made up of vessels that convey lymph fluid. Lymph is a pale coagulable fluid that baths the tissues, passes into lymphatic channels and ducts, and is discharged into the blood by way of the thoracic duct. Should lymph drainage exceed its functional maximum, leading to an abnormal excess accumulation of fluid, edema will occur (i.e., early phases of inflammation).
Using its own dynamic, lymphatic fluid penetrates lymph vessels then pass to lymph nodes where impurities are filtered out and killed. The lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system and serve as centers to inactivate " enemies ", e.g., bacteria, viruses, infections, etc. After lymphatic fluid has passed through several lymph nodes, it enters the blood system via the left subclavian vein.
Every cell in the human organism requires constant feeding; a main function of the blood system. By way of the heart, nutrient filled blood is pumped through the arteries and veins, then transported to every cell in the body. Before blood cells can be transported to feed other cells, it must first be filled with oxygen from the lungs and nutrients from the organs. These nutrients are processed in the organs where fats and proteins emerge. Fat and protein molecules are larger than the diameter of veins which means they cannot be transported through the blood system; in fact, they would remain stuck, if it were not for the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system runs through out the entire body and is built in such a way that its vessels are able to absorb fats and proteins. The lymphatic system ensures that fats, proteins and waste products are broken down. Lymphatic fluid is transported through canals to the chyle cistern, the main lymph vessel, and further on towards the kidneys where lymphatic wastes are eliminated. The lymph system has no pump station such as the blood system has in the form of a heart. Therefore, lymph flow is dependent on the pulsation of neighboring arteries and muscular contractions.
Passive Movement (lymph drainage):
Breathing is a very important part of the natural lymph drainage process since inhalation and exhala- tion creates a massaging effect on the chyle cistern, an important lymphatic vessel. Inhalation creates low pressure in the thorax which causes a suction effect in the inside walls of the thoracic duct and chyle cistern. The combination of these processes creates a massage-like effect on the chyle cistern.
The lymphatic tone is subject to neuro-vegetative regulation, as well as a general state of well- being, emotionally and psychologically.
The elimination of proteins is the most important and most constant functions of the lymphatic system. 55% of the plasma proteins are a constant content of blood cells and at least 50% of the proteins cir- culating in the blood system pass through the walls of blood vessels during a 24 hour period. Particles other than proteins are also eliminated through lymph flow.
Phosphor lipids, fat-soluable vitamins, enzymes (pancreas) and hormones (thyroid) need to be elimina- ted through the lymphatic system due to their high molecular weight. Another important part of the lymph system are lymphocytes. Three liters of new lymph are produced daily.
Fat Cells
Fat cells are found in the skins connective tissue, close to vessels and nerve fibers. These cells are fil- led with granulate and look swollen, as if ôoverfedô. Certain antigens produced by the human orga- nism can cause a spill out effect which in turn triggers a heightened vessel permeability and edema through toxic proteins. This can, furthermore, cause reactions such as alterations in the skin and cellulite.
Once lymphatic flow has been upset the door to cellulite is open
Stages of Cellulite Development:
1. normal muscular thighs, good circulation, healthy vessel system. Only when skin is pinched together, are minimal granulated cells noticeable.
2. increase of granulated cells, lumpiness of cells, light vessel damage, muscle tone is present but no longer fully developed.
3. misshapen thighs, loose skin, connective tissue of entire body is in many cases weak, development of knots on abdomen and upper arms, as well as poor circulation.
4. deformed body, e.g., edema in legs, deep layers of fat cells, painful to touch.
Treatment:
Cellulite treatment is only then successful when carried out stage-wise. Treatment is always determined by the stage of cellulite development and the client`s lifestyle. Since cellulite is always the result of reduced lymph flow in those affected regions, it is imperative to concentrate firstly on stimulating and restoring the natural lymph function.
In general, it can be said that heat expands and warps things it affects; therefore, cosmetic treatments and products that produce warmth/heat are unfit. Cellulite already causes skin and connective tissue to expand and become deformed; applying additional warm to these areas will only cause more stretching of the skin.
Cellulite Therapy:
The ancient Chinese believed that skin reflects the soul. Furthermore, this belief made them realize the following: never injure the skin as this will lead to injuries of the soul and viceversa. Using this philosophy, we can argue that cellulite treatments which injure the skin (e.g., cosmetic operations) are damaging to the body and soul.
1. Advice:
You should drink at least 2-3 liters of fluids, daily (low-sodium). Try not to make drastic changes in your diet as this could cause you to become weak and resort to old eating habits. Gradual changes in diet are easier to maintain and don`t cause heightened stress.
Stressed or depressed individuals should consider the possibility of including a relaxation therapy to their cellulite treatment. Stress and depression often cause poor eating habits and lack of exercise.
Lymphomed DE 24 or Lymphosan DE 37
Treatment:
As long as the lymphatic system is disturbed, cellulite cannot be reduced through diet, or exercise ( ac- tive or passive ). This fact can be observed even among high performance athletes; many suffer from cellulite even though they workout on a regular basis and are physically top fit. Therefore, cellulite treatment can only be successful, if normal lymphatic flow has been restored. Individuals suffering from light swelling, generally require circa 5-8 lymph drainage treatments with our units DE 24 or DE 37, over a period of 2-3 days.
Sequence driven and low frequency lymph drainage with our electro- therapy unit (please observe contraindications )
Lymphomed/Lymphosan
Lymphatic flow is reactivated by an impulse control lymph drainage unit (electromechanical). In this way fat cells are reduced and homeostatic balance is resumed. Large amounts of lymphatic fluids will be eliminated. Electromechanical lymph drainage differs from manual massage in that it activates the muscle pump to function on its own, normally.
The activation of lymphatic flow using electro-mechanical lymph drainage units is achieved when each muscle group is stimulated from distal to proximal. To do this, 8 pairs of electrodes are necessary; for individuals with removed lymph nodes, 10 pairs are needed.
For cosmetic lymph drainage in the upper body trunk, first the opening of the thoracic duct which empties into the left subclavian vein must be stimulated and then from the elbow to the chyle cistern; this must be continued in a proper rhythm.
The effectiveness of the impulse control lymph drainage has been proven clinically.
Electro-therapy units without the possibility of activating lymphatic flow with a sequence drive are fully ineffective. While it is possible to tighten and build up muscle tone when using all the electrodes at the same time, this is not advisable for lymph drainage treatment. Once the lymphatic flow has been activated, it is recommendable to continue with a combination therapy. Tightening of skin and muscle through active or passive gymnastic and lymph drainage should be carried out once a week. Lymph drainage can be stopped once cellulite has been reduced and you no longer suffer from tired, heavy legs. Acupuncture is an additio- nal method for cellulite treatment. When carrying out passive gymnastic via electro- therapy, please note that the electrodes should be chosen so that the corresponding acupuncture points are stimulated simultaneously; above all, the point called " sea of energy " ( otherwise known as joy of life ) should be stimulated, too. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points have a great influence on the body`s metabolism which is optimal for cellulite reduction.
All cellulite treatment carried out with electro-therapy should begin and end with a frequency of 10 hertz, as this is the pulsation of all life and causes energy to flow in our bodies.
10 hertz = alpha zone = life`s energy
Products
We strongly recommend the application of special cosmetic products. These should be massaged well into the skin, in order to increase their effect.
Natural stimulation of metabolism is a very important method in cellulite treatment. Therefore, the human organism should be not be warmed up above 36.5 C, normal body temperature. Furthermore, it is important to maintain a diet made up of natural elements and to avoid highly processed foods. Since stretched out, loose skin needs to be tightened, only food products made up of whole grain, fibrous in quality should be eaten as they don`t raise body temperature. Foods high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats should be avoided, or at least eaten in moderation.
Heat = Enlarges Cold = Reduces
To optimize the products` effects, you should include a weekly body peeling to your cellulite treatment.
Prophylactic:
In order to avoid a potential recurrence of cellulite, it is advisable that you follow the following therapies on a regular basis. It is easier to prevent cellulite than to reduce it. Pre- and post care of cellulite requires special cosmetic products such as a 4-channel home therapy unit which will cover your needs nicely.
Passive exercise as a prophylactic method in cellulite therapy has the distinct advantage that it can be done at home and at any time of the day. You can carry out your cellulite therapy while watching TV, reading, listening to music, knitting, etc. This will certainly improve your physical well-being in a very comfortable way. Application of special cosmetic products should not only be used regularly, they should become a priority in your life.
To avoid developing cellulite, certain points should be observed:
1. As soon as you notice the first signs of heavy, tired legs and accumulation of water in the feet, begin lymph drainage immediately and continue on a regular basis. Permanent tired, heavy legs is a sign of lymph back up.
2. Regular active or passive exercise should become an important part of your life, even if you notice no changes in your skin indicating cellulite. This is especially important for people whose age predisposes them to developing cellulite.
3. Since the accumulation of cellulite is also dependent on diet (e.g., pork, fatty foods), foods which influence cellulite should be avoided, or eaten moderately.
4. Cosmetic anti-cellulite products should be applied regularly and should be massaged into the skin well.
5. Following the above points regularly will also increase your physical and psychological well-being.
Long-term therapy is the only effective method to reduce cellulite and maintain a cellulite free body; this means regular treatments are of utmost importance. Short-term, extreme treatments followed by long pauses will only defeat the purpose.
Carry out regular, small cellulite treatments (once a week) even if your cellulite infected areas don`t bother you (such as during the winter months).