RECLAIMING THE YEARS
Ten years ago I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. However, the
effects of carrying my precious son for nine months and the physical demands of
giving birth and breastfeeding took its toll on my body. The “battle scars” are
still present – loose, saggy skin, stubborn stretch marks and the caterpillar-like
scar of my caesarian operation. Despite the unsightly outcome, I carried these
like a girls scout badge as a proud testament to my role as a mother.
But ten years was a long time to revel in the “excess
baggage” I carried in my tummy, buttocks and thighs. It was time for me to feel
and look a couple of years younger. I decided to try Body Tune’s Cavitation and
RF Thermo Contouring. These are slimming and toning services that eradicate fat
and shape the body.
Taking the Plunge
I visited our branch in Megamall to experience and to learn
more about this growing “fad” which I soon learned is far from being just a
trend. Cavitation and RF Thermo Contouring have been in the market for years,
proof of its efficacy and impressive track record.
Upon entering the premises I was warmly welcomed by the
receptionist. When I told her what services I wanted done, she asked me a
couple of questions to safeguard against the possible negative effects of both
treatments. It turns out that there are certain health restrictions. Those who
are discouraged from undergoing both treatments are women who are pregnant and
have their menstrual period aside from people who had a recent operation (less
than a year), have a metal object lodged in their body and those who have
diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and hypertension.
Cavitation: Zapping
the Fat
I was ushered inside a dimly lit room and the therapist asked
what part of my body I wanted her to treat – is it my belly, back, thighs, arms
or face? I chose belly. It turns out you can only have 2 areas treated at a
time with one week interval per session. Then I was given baggy shorts to wear and
a towel to cover myself since I had to remove my blouse. Then she measured and
marked 3 points in my abdomen as a means of comparison after the treatment. I
was asked to lie down afterwards.
Then the fun started. She brought in a portable machine with
a flat rounded head attached to a long cord. The therapist spread a generous
amount of cold gel on my tummy to make it easier for her to glide the rounded
head of the Cavitation device. As soon as the device touched my skin, I heard a
high-pitched sound (that surprisingly only I can hear) and the therapist
explained that Cavitation uses ultrasonic (sound) waves to vibrate and break up
the fat cells. The broken or liquified lypocites (fat cells) are then
eliminated through the lymphatic drainage and urinary system. This is the
reason why before and after the session, there is a need to drink plenty of
lukewarm water to facilitate the easy removal of the fat remnants. After that
she started massaging my tummy using the device that was soothingly warm.
First, she moved it in a circular fashion to help loosen the fat. After a few
minutes, she pressed a few buttons on the machine, and shifted to “pulsing” by pressing
and allowing the device to linger for a few seconds in certain areas of my
tummy. This process is responsible for eradicating the fat globules. I knew it
was working because I felt a slight stinging as though tiny needles were poking
my loose skin. Then she switched to sliding the device in my body from the side
to the center of the belly in order to concentrate the fat in one area. After 30
minutes, the therapist wiped the gel
off my abdomen and asked me to stand so she can measure me again. Lo and
behold, I lost a few centimeters within a very short amount of time!
RF Thermo Contouring:
Kneading the body into shape
Next in line was the toning phase of the whole process. It
is advisable to follow Cavitation with RF because the former breaks down the
fat thus loosening the skin while the latter helps in firming it. Like Cavitation,
this process relies on heat application and continuous massage using a smaller
rounded device attached to a machine.
I was asked to remove all metal objects from my body like my
earrings, ring and watch. Then she placed a metal plate behind my back while I
was lying down to avoid grounding. She also applied cream on my abdomen for
easy gliding. The therapist gradually increased the heat during the course of
the therapy, depending on my level of tolerance, to hasten the firming process.
The constant kneading using circular action (15 minutes on each side of my
abdomen) is necessary to bind the muscles together to lessen the sagging. After
the session, I was asked to stand so I can be measured. Again, I was surprised
to see that I had lost a few centimeters*.
Self-discipline is key
I was so happy with the instant result of both treatments
but the therapist reminded me that this was only temporary because I had to
make a conscious effort to change my lifestyle. Aside from drinking warm
(effective in breaking down fats) or lukewarm water throughout the treatment
session (which can stretch anywhere from 6-12 sessions), I have to observe my
diet and support my slimming regimen with regular exercise.
There really is no shortcut to slimming. I had waited a
decade to actually do something about my condition. So what is another two to
three months when the result will help me look and feel 10 years younger!
* Results
differ depending on the condition and reaction of the individual’s body to the
treatment. Some see immediate results while others don’t see any change at all
on their first visit. Significant decrease in measurement happens as early as
the second session if other factors are considered (i.e. diet and exercise).
