Cellulite: Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes & Natural Remedies

Cellulite is more a sociological problem than a health problem! Subcutaneous fat that accumulates under the skin and causes little dimples on the skin surface, cellulite is certainly not a disease. People with high cholesterol, who eat fried, fatty food and whose diet is excessively kapha-provoking, appear to be more likely to have it, as do individuals who use a lot of olive oil in their cooking. As cellulite may gradually lead to obesity, this condition can be seen as an early phase of being overweight. In Ayurvedic terms, meda agni (the agni or fiery quality responsible for metabolizing fat) under the skin becomes low. Unprocessed fatty molecules lodge there and create cellulite. The Ayurvedic aim in treatment is to kindle or enliven the meda agni.

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Ayurvedic Perspective on Cellulite

Cellulite is more a sociological problem than a health problem! Subcutaneous fat that accumulates under the skin and causes little dimples on the skin surface, cellulite is certainly not a disease. People with high cholesterol, who eat fried, fatty food and whose diet is excessively kapha-provoking, appear to be more likely to have it, as do individuals who use a lot of olive oil in their cooking. As cellulite may gradually lead to obesity, this condition can be seen as an early phase of being overweight. In Ayurvedic terms, meda agni (the agni or fiery quality responsible for metabolizing fat) under the skin becomes low. Unprocessed fatty molecules lodge there and create cellulite. The Ayurvedic aim in treatment is to kindle or enliven the meda agni.

Dosha Involvement

Kapha Dosha (aggravates)

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Cellulite is more a sociological problem than a health problem! Subcutaneous fat that accumulates under the skin and causes little dimples on the skin surface, cellulite is certainly not a disease. People with high cholesterol, who eat fried, fatty food and whose diet is excessively kapha-provoking, appear to be more likely to have it, as do individuals who use a lot of olive oil in their cooking. As cellulite may gradually lead to obesity, this condition can be seen as an early phase of being overweight. In Ayurvedic terms, meda agni (the agni or fiery quality responsible for metabolizing fat) under the skin becomes low. Unprocessed fatty molecules lodge there and create cellulite. The Ayurvedic aim in treatment is to kindle or enliven the meda agni.

. Regular exercise is the first approach. Walking, swimming, or other aerobic exercise

EXERCISE

is important, and at least some of the exercise should be “local” to the area where the cellulite is forming. In other words, if cellulite is developing on the thighs, don’t restrict your exercise to weight lifting and upper-body development!

. Watch your diet and be sure it isn’t kapha-increasing (see chapter 8).

WATCH OUT FOR KAPHA

Minimize dairy products, sweets, cold food and drinks, and fatty fried food. Strictly avoid olive oil in cooking. . Rub vitamin K cream onto the skin. This cream will remove spider veins and

VITAMIN K

minimize cellulite.

. Massage the affected area with sesame oil and mustard oil, mixed half and

LOCALIZED MASSAGE

half. After the massage, dust with a powder of the herb vacha (calamus), and rub the skin. This will help remove the cellulite.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.