Beauty: Wiggle It, by Kristen Ma

I recently received a wiggle machine. That’s not its technical name.  It’s an “exercise machine” that looks like a giant step and vibrates your entire body when you stand on it.  My mother bought it for me after loving her own and, despite my husband’s hysterical laughter when I unveiled it (he calls it “exercise for lazy people”), I am excited about its benefits. Sure, it’s no 10K run and I certainly wouldn’t call it a workout, but the fact of the matter is that it increases circulation, which is more important than we think.  Circulation is what keeps our skin youthful looking and our bodies conditioned.

Many of us have poor circulation and since the blood system feeds our skin, long-term stagnation leads to an unhealthy complexion.  When blood does not properly oxygenate and transport waste away from our skin it results in a sallow colour, lack of brightness, and decreased moisture. One reason our hands and feet are the first to crack and dry out in winter is because that’s where our bad circulation is most pronounced and in the cold, dehydrating weather, the tissue of our extremities devitalizes.

But it’s not only about skin health (my personal preoccupation). Shaking up our bodies helps to combat cellulite. (I feel like I should insert organ music here because whenever I mention the word “cellulite”, my clients’ eyes widen and they look like the heroine in a silent horror movie). Jumping rope is one of the few exercises proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is due to the full-body increase in circulation. Endermologie is one of the only proven cellulite treatments and, while it looks like a big intimidating machine, it was inspired by massage techniques originally developed to reduce stretch marks. It’s basically a piece of equipment that manipulates the body in a constant and rhythmic way in order to increase circulation. This just shows how blood movement affects our skin repair as well as assisting cellulite reduction and weight loss.

 As I step on this new machine, I imagine mobilizing my fat molecules and stimulating cellular rejuvenation with each vibration. It doesn’t just help because of the movement and stimulation, but also because of lymphatic drainage. It alleviates water retention, and this inspires me to use “the wiggler” upon waking to take away my early morning facial puffiness. As we know, according to Ayurveda, stimulation decreases Kapha and accumulation in our bodies. In effect, this machine, whose job is to get you all shook up, will help with bowel evacuation as the movement will release tension on the abdomen and promote movement in the gastrointestinal tract.  It can also relieve sinus congestion by reducing facial edema.

So, while my husband may be smugly chuckling as he eats his breakfast, by shaking my money maker on my new toy I will be one wobble closer to a more beautiful complexion and healthier body.

Kristen Ma PhotoKristen Ma is the co-owner of Pure + Simple Inc., a group of Holistic Spas with its own line of Natural Skincare and Mineral Make-up.  She is an Ayurvedic Practitioner who has studied in Canada, the United States and India.  She is also a Certified Esthetician with eight years of practical experience, having worked in Canada as well as Australia.  Most recently, Kristen has authored “Beauty: Pure + Simple” which was published by Mc Arthur and Company.  Kristen has written on the subject of Holistic Beauty for Vitality Magazine, Blink and Jasmine.  She is also a regular contributor to B Magazine, Tonic and Sweat Equity Magazine.

For more information on Kristen, please visit www.holisticvanity.ca.