Symptoms of Modernity: How to Reduce Cellulite, If You Want (Newsletter No. 15)

There are 2 main types of reasons for why people have cellulite.

I. Stuff you can’t really change: genetics
II. Stuff you can, i.e. an unhealthy modern lifestyle: excess fat, too many processed and packaged foods (doesn’t matter if it’s marketed as healthy or not), hormones, poor circulation and lymphatic drainage,. Each of these factors can also be the cause and effect of the other and compound each other in multiple ways.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the visual appearance of cellulite. It is not shameful to have. But, like acne, its increased prevalence in industrialized countries may point to deeper health problems.

In any case, my tips are for the stuff you CAN change.

  1. Drink 1000-1800 mL (filtered) water with fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice. Drink 1 cup of ginger tea also. (For lymphatic drainage)

  2. Exercise to the intensity of at least a 5 km/hr walk for 30 minutes per day. Do a 2 minute plank also. (For lymphatic drainage, circulation, and excess fat)

  3. Rub a body oil—I like rosehip—on the cellulite. Scrape the area with a gua sha—I like my Mama one—in an upward motion for 5-10 minutes per day. (For lymphatic drainage and circulation)

  4. Eat a lot of organic dark leafy green veggies. I like Lacinato kale, arugula, collard greens. I also like Chinese greens like bok choy, pea shoots, gai lan, water spinach. (To replace or counteract the effects of processed and packaged foods, such as a lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals, preservatives, hormones and excess fat storage.)

  5. Consider sources of excess hormones: birth control pills, low quality dairy, plastic containers. (For hormones)

  6. Avoid underwear with tight elastic bands. (For circulation)

  7. Consider your alcohol and smoking habits. I know it’s boring, but seriously… (For lymphatic drainage and circulation).


    Anything that’s left, don’t sweat it.
    disclaimer: I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL DOCTOR

    Sources (ps. do your own due diligence): https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-cellulite-forever/
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6232550/
    http://liondalemedical.com/news/cellulite-illness-modernity
    https://cincinnatiskinandlaser.com/what-causes-cellulite/

cellulite gua sha.jpg
Kristy Lin