My contribution:

I had purchased the cups right about the time the challenge was announced and have faithfully cupped everyday since Jan 22. I must say they did improve the cellulite, but unfortunately, the majority of it is still there. I really do think that finding your "kryptonite" is the key to ridding oneself of cellulite for good and what may work for one may not for another.

By process of elimination I have (all of which have helped, but have not completely
eliminated the cellulite):

1. Low carb diet 2. Whole foods/no processed food 3. Fish oil 4. Monosodium Glutamate 5. Adrenal support supplements (food brand) 6. Immune support supplement (food brand) 7. Bikram yoga (I lost
75% of my cellulite doing this exercise and it has made the largest lasting impact to date) 8. Lost 60 LBS 9. Caffeine cream 10. Started juicing as a supplement 1x a day 11. Guam Mud (helps slightly short term 12. Bellabaci cups
used since Jan 22 20+ min a day (slight improvement but returns to previous state when sick or when I get "my monthly").  

Unfortunately, the most unsightly 25% is still here–the biggest and deepest cellulite remains.  I am going to continue to cup and see if over time the last 25% will continue to be reduced. Some things I have noticed over this past few weeks cupping:  When I got sick, or "my monthly" the cellulite appeared twice as bad regardless of cup use, mud use, and yoga classes (where I can sweat out 2-3 Ibs a class). I do not believe water retention is my issue, and I am beginning to suspect hormones.

Why do I suspect hormones?  I am 36, my cellulite is hereditary, and although I do drink a cup of coffee a day, have in the past smoked (smoke free for  7 years now), have been overweight, have eaten poorly–I have always had cellulite, I have curvy figure, my mother also has the same issue as does my daughter, and after everything I tried the cellulite still remains, and becomes SO much worse one a month so–hormones seem a likely suspect. I must add that I have never taken oral contraceptives (as breast cancer runs in our family), I don't drink, and live a clean lifestyle.

So where to go from here? I am a meat eater, and I very aware of the hormones that they pump into these animals, the pharmaceutical drugs in our water (that can not be filtered out), and many other environmental factors that may contribute to immune dysfunction.  It seems like and endless minefield.

Any suggestions for balancing hormones? Or improving immune function?  I think I am going to have to go organic
(expensive and prohibitive in some cases), and find a reliable source of drinking water. Easier said than done!

Thanks for all your hard work,

Shirley

Kiddo said:

shirleyyogi said:

I am beginning to suspect hormones.

 

Hey there Shirley, I am right there with you in suspecting that hormones play a very major role, for some people more than others. Especially with such a notable difference around "that time," that sounds like very valuable evidence! I think one of the first steps is awareness of all the sources various endocrine disruptors can come from (not only in the diet but externally), and then re-evaluating what we can and can't live without.

 

I'd love to be able to help build this conversation. Shall we start a new topic or thread somewhere? I wonder where we should put it?

I suspect hormones as well… Here's one vote for a thread on it. :)

Found you guys online and ordered the Bellabaci set from amazon.com. There is a special promotion, when you buy the "Professional Therapist Kit," then you get a Body Cup set for free. I can't wait to join you all, and get started for the first time with cupping! I first heard of lymphatic detox and dry brushing from the book called the Fat Flush plan. Take care!

Bellabaci just posted this video on their facebook page 

feature=share

there is a woman who has been using the cups for 8 weeks along with drinking nettle tea, exercising & drinking lots of water. She documents her results on video. She is having some success! Check it out (I just watched all of the videos, she al

so shows how to use the cups).

Post edited 12:04 am – April 10, 2012 by gabbymisc

In regards to my post above, I bought the entire therapist kit (amazon.com), just for personal use, and because it was a great deal, with the other free kit and all!
This is my first go at cupping ever! I've dry brushed in the past with good success at getting rid of cellulite, but wanted to give this a try as well because it seems that the results I'm reading about come quicker than with dry brushing.
When you all first started out, did it hurt? Ouch! I lessened my suction to where I can tolerate it. Will I get used to it? Thanks for your help and insight. So glad I found this site!!

Melissa, Lead Cellulite Investigator said:

Yes, my legs were really tender when I first started cupping, especially my calves. Now I use the strongest suction and it feels really nice.  It only took a few weeks to get used to it.

Sadly, I am in the market for a new set of cups.  During my last trip to Florida, my dog chewed up one of my Bellabaci cups.  Must have been the coconut oil residue!  She ate the one with the stronger suction too, which is the one I like the best.  People have been asking about the cheaper cups on Ebay so perhaps this is a good opportunity to test them. 

Hi Melissa, The cup that I use was very inexpensive ($17 incl. shipping) and is really nice.  I found it here: http://www.vaccups.eu/shop/pag…..p_param=  And I received it 6 days after order, so even though they said it could take longer, they were very fast.  Maybe this would be a good replacement for your doggie-chewed cup.  :)

I wanted to ask a question…if you have varicose veins or spider veins, do you find that they are getting worse?  I had hoped mine would improve and I've only been faithfully, daily using my cup for about 10 days, but I feel like my veins are getting worse.  I am hoping I just didn't notice before the ones I am seeing more now, but figured that if you all are doing this, maybe you have an experience to share?  I do notice that whenever I go over the areas where the veins are, it is more uncomfortable. 

Also, do you all focus on your saddlebags or do you cover every inch of your legs?  For lymphatic drainage purposes, I wonder where I should spend more time.  Thanks!