Jenni Gilbert Michelle Reeve* reveals an often overlooked weapon in the battle of the bulge.
Stress, exhaustion and lack of sleep are all lifestyle factors that can activate our sympathetic nervous system.
This is our “fight or flight” mechanism which increases cortisol levels while simultaneously depressing the immune system, interrupting digestion and diverting blood flow and oxygen from vital organs.
All of this has the ability, if left unchecked, to contribute to weight gain, a compromised metabolism and a general lack of health and vitality
Through simply inhaling essential oils we can immediately affect our body chemistry by activating our parasympathetic nervous system responsible for boosting immunity along with rejuvenation and repair mechanisms.
Authentic spa therapies incorporating aromatherapy, massage, pelotherapy and thalassotherapy are effective tools in the campaign to fight weight gain, not only because they can effectively combat the effects of stress, but the transdermal nature of pure plant-based nutrients and clinical essential oils penetrate the skin to stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
This is especially powerful when combined with active mineral clay and sea water therapies to eliminate impurities, reduce fluid retention and detoxify the body.
Weekly in-spa treatments that combine powerful botanical concentrates, clay exfoliation, body wrap treatments and massage are best when supported with daily homecare rituals.
Moisturisers, exfoliants and bath soaks effectively delivery methods for botanically-based bodycare enriched with therapeutic doses of essential oils to support weight loss and ensure skin remains toned, hydrated and supple.
Here are some of my favourite oils to support a healthy weight loss regime:
- Geranium is a cooling astringent oil with vaso-constricting properties. This means it is great to enhance skin firmness and tone while gently decongesting the skin. Infused in body exfoliants, geranium helps to stimulate circulation, activate the lymphatics while improving skin tone.
- French cypress is renowned in aromatherapy for its diuretic properties. This oil helps to stimulate and eliminate excess lymph relieving fluid congestion. Look for French cypress in treatment creams to assist in targeting cellulite and uneven skin tone.
- Lemon is an excellent detoxifier for all body systems. It fosters an alkaline environment for digestion and relieves uric acid build up. This oil is great for eliminating toxins which impact on weight loss. It also provides balance and support for all body systems.
- Grapefruit is an effective lymphatic stimulant and an outstanding skin tonic to speed up the body’s natural detoxification processes. The bright citrus note also is known to relieve the appetite while boosting self-confidence and body image.
- Mandarin is fabulous during weight loss to beat the effects of stretch marks, keeping skin supple, elastic and toned. Mandarin is an immune-boosting skin tonic to gently purify, assisting the body to eliminate toxicity which leads to uneven skin tone and cellulite.
Michelle Reeve is founder and managing director of Australian Waterlily Skin Body Spa products and protocols. WATERLILYSKINBODYSPA.COM.AU
