INTRODUCTION Cellulite is defined as, superficial pockets of trapped fat (lumpy, irregular fatty deposits), which cause uneven dimpling or “Orange peel” skin. around women’s hips, buttocks, and thighs

About 85- 95% of women suffer from cellulite. Cellulite is a naturally occurring process that is set off in women by the estrogen hormones

According to TCM cellulite is a form of phlegm turbidity

CAUSES OF Cellulite

It is more common in women, more seen within the same family, Caucasian women are more likely to develop cellulite than Asian or African-American women, subcutaneous fat enhances the appearance of cellulite on the skin surface. After puberty as part of normal anatomical and physiological development. Hormones, specifically estrogens and androgens, Estrogen is known to stimulate lipogenesis and inhibit lipolysis, resulting in adipocyte hypertrophy .As seen cellulite at puberty, pregnancy, nursing, menstruation and estrogen therapy (oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement)

According to TCM it is due to Phlegm or /Dampness obstruction in skin and Qi & blood stagnation

Classification of cellute

Classified as grade 0 to 3

Grade 0: There is no alteration to the skin surface

Grade 1: The skin is smooth in standing or lying position But on pinching or during muscle contraction, it looks like mattress or orange peel

Grade 2: The ‘‘orange peel’’ or ‘‘mattress’’ appearance is evident when standing, without the use of any manipulation (skin pinching or gluteal muscle contraction)

Grade 3: Grade II Plus presence of raised and depressed areas and nodules

MATERIAL & METHOD.

We have treated 1383 patients of cellulite in our clinic since Jan 2008 to December 2017 by using Body Acupuncture. Before the treatment was commenced the following observations were carried out. A complete history and physical examination of patient & anthropometry which includes the Height, Weight, and Skin fold thickness of different parts of body. For cellulite, we examine the patients in standing position with muscle relaxed using the pinch test, in which the skin in the area to be examined is pinched between the thumb and index finger to form a fold by skin fold plicometry. After this measurements we selected the Acupuncture points, generally we use Sp 9, Sp 6, Sp 10, St 40, St 34, Li11, PC 6 to expel phlegm & move Qi & Blood. For the local area we apply Local needling in cellulite area. Needles are inserted in the centre & on the periphery of cellulite, the peripheral needles are going outward at 30 degree. Some other points were added according to the associated problems of patients. Few of these points are stimulated with Electro stimulator.

OBSERVATIONS

We have treated 1383 women patients. Age from 21to 55 years. Out of 1383, 871 have obesity with cellulite while 512 are of cellulite pts. 301 pts have grade 1 , 320 pts have grade 2 and 762 have grade 3 cellulite. Acupuncture gives very good results in grade 1 and 2 cellulite ( 69- 77%) and good result in grade 3 ( 52%). Acupuncture treatment reduces Orange peel, Edema, Pain, Congestion and in some cases varicose veins.

DISCUSSIONS

The treatment of cellulite have included many types of treatments like local application of oil, Massage, Light therapy etc. some way or other is no complete solution for cellulite . But Acupuncture proves itself more reliable as compared to other methods, because it has no side effects and long lasing results are there. During treatment we found that along with reduction of cellulite other problems like Leg cramps, edema, and leg pain are simultaneously cured. We also found collagen formation along with skin tightening in these patients feel.

Treatment of Cellulite by Acupuncture