According to statistics, every second woman suffers from cellulite. The science of psychosomatics sees in the “orange peel” a manifestation of our deepest fears and emotions.
“A little cellulite is part of a woman’s nature,” says psychosomatic dermatologist Maria Teresa Lucheroni. “If it intensifies, wrinkles and an “orange peel” effect appear, the body signals emotional problems.” Perhaps in your relationship with the opposite sex there is a feeling of fear and helplessness – there is a need for protection. And now in the pelvic area – the part of the body associated with reproduction and sexuality – a “shell” is formed.
From the point of view of psychosomatics, cellulite – the retention of water by the body – becomes the equivalent of restraining female energy, which is just symbolized by the water element. The famous “orange peel” with its bumps is nothing more than emotions that the self-control network collects into clumps.
Fragility and need for protection
“I have suffered from cellulite since I was a teenager, but I have never linked it to my family situation,” says Angela, 42. – When, on another occasion, I turned to a psychotherapist, I suddenly realized how significant the fact is that only at the age of 35 I decided to live separately from my parents. I made good money, but I didn’t have time to arrange my personal life. I couldn’t leave my mother, always weak, sickly and yet overpowering.”
In cases like this, early cellulitis signals an identification problem with the mother, Lucheroni explains. If, on the contrary, cellulite occurs at a later age, it may indicate the inability of the individual to autonomous growth.
“In contrast to the fat deposits on the legs, which often appear in large overweight women, thin women who appear weak, emphasizes cellulite,” Maria-Teresa emphasizes. “Their weakened and cold tissues express vulnerability and dependence. If the feet feel small compared to the volume of the lower torso, the body’s message is even clearer: I can’t stand on my own feet.”
Fear of judgment
The type of cellulite we suffer from can tell a lot about us as women.
“Cellulite in the riding breeches mainly affects women who are stubborn and rigid,” shares Maurizio Corradin, an acupuncture teacher at the University of L’Aquila, one of the largest Italian experts in the field of Chinese medicine. – Deposits on the hips and buttocks are typical for girls who cannot firmly stand with their feet on the ground and live in the world of their fantasies. In any case, for energetic Chinese medicine, cellulite is associated with the water element, the balance of which upsets the feeling of fear.
Under this hated “blanket” hide thousands of fears. Last but not least is the fear of being the “ugly duckling”. And it does not matter that our “orange peel” does not make any impression on men – for women it is worse than any shame.
“Anna, my girlfriend, is very beautiful,” says Robert, “but she is completely irrational. Spends a lot of time in the gym, comes home completely exhausted. Eats only grilled meat, fish and salad. When we go to dinner together, I cannot share the joy of good food and wine with her. Drinking alone is notoriously sad…”
Studies confirm that this is a very common situation. Cellulite is considered an obstacle to a successful social life, it is confusing in the pool and on the beach, it creates difficulties in intimate life. There is a feeling that you are constantly being evaluated, so it becomes more and more difficult to perceive yourself adequately. There is a need for self-affirmation: girls want to have very thin legs, fifty-year-old ladies defend the size of the hips of twenty-year-olds. This path leads to a negative sense of self, which ultimately makes it difficult to communicate with others.
Gentle treatment that relieves the soul
“The best way to eliminate the negative effect of cellulite is to move your legs more,” advises Maria Teresa Lucheroni. – Elementary, but effective! Walking on the grass, feeling the wet sand on the beach with our feet… At such moments, we feel our body very clearly, gain physical awareness of the function of the legs: support and movement. The body immediately registers this message: “Don’t be afraid, you can stand firmly on your own feet.” Hiking, biking, running and dancing, especially Latin American. “They involve expressive and soothing movements of the hips,” the expert explains.
Good self-massage and herbal medicine also help.
“Phytotherapy can cure the emotional disturbances that underlie cellulite,” explains Giovanna Tolio, founder of Italian herbal medicine. – Anyone who unconsciously accumulates fluid and fat in the body, creating “armor” to protect against fears, will find an excellent ally in the face of black poplar, which will help him believe in himself. Rosemary will support in the fight against weakness and fragility. A few drops of lemon essential oil in an anti-cellulite cream will enhance its effect thanks to the solar energy of citrus fruits, which gives self-confidence.