The Body Junction

20/12/2025

Spinal Nerve Function - Every Cell of Your Body Has a Nerve Component 𖠣🧠

16/12/2025

I thought this picture gave a really good visual on how a side bend can open up the diaphragm, hips and PSOAS which is that long muscle you see going from the ribs to the pelvis. It actually attaches to the lesser trochanter of the head of the femur bone. It's the only muscle that connects the upper body to the lower body! It links the core to the legs and is responsible for movement, stability and posture.

Remember your respiratory diaphragm is connected to the "pelvic diaphragm" or the pelvic floors ability to ascend and descend upon inhalation and exhalation. Without this connection functioning well, we are susceptible to tension in the pelvic floor.

That can lead to many, many things including prolapse, hypertonic pelvic floor, urinary issues and painful in*******se. Just to name a few.

It also affects our nervous system. Shallow breathing stimulates the fight or fight response. We take around 20K breaths a day and that's a lot of stimulus on the nervous system!! To take it even further, that's 7.5 MILLION a year! That's a lot of opportunity to create unwanted patterns.

New students are always directed to take the Breathing classes first to bring more awareness to that before we begin movement that supports the pelvic floor.

15/12/2025

It's the last week of term.
Don't forget to book in your Holiday classes

14/12/2025

Did you know we have a huge variety of Therapists working at The Body Junction.
All of our Therapist take their bookings directly and you'll find their contact details below or via our website under Therapists or Price List.

13/12/2025

January Term Timetable
Have you booked on yet?
Courses available to book now dropins/individual classes available to book from Monday 22nd December.
Scure your place now head to the Gymcatch APP or book online via our website bodyjunction.co.uk

10/12/2025

January Pilates Term Timetable
Now available to book online via Gymcatch or visit our website bodyjunction.co.uk
Courses only, Drop ins/indivudal class booking open Monday 22nd December.

09/12/2025

Our Christmas timetable is up and ready to book on to.

We have classes still running over the Christmas period to keep you warm and active!

Book now via GymCatch to save your space 🎄

07/12/2025

Christmas Gift Vouchers

You can now purchase Gift Vouchers easily via our website head to the Gift Voucher page and there are two options to Buy Now at the click of a button.
If you require different amounts contact us at thebodyjunction@gmail.com or 01424 215300

06/12/2025

Christmas Holiday Classes
Available to book now
Visit Gymcatch or Book via our website
Bodyjunction.co.uk

21/11/2025

This is why we do the soft roller neck release in class.

Occipital Neuralgia: The Hidden Cause of Your Head and Neck Pain 😣✨

Occipital neuralgia is a condition where the nerves at the back of your head become irritated or compressed. These nerves, called the occipital nerves, run from the upper neck to the scalp. When they get irritated, they can trigger sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that can feel like migraines.

Common symptoms include:
👉 Sudden electric like pain at the back of your head
👉 Tenderness in your neck or scalp
👉 Pain that spreads to your forehead or behind your eyes
👉 Light sensitivity or discomfort when you turn your head

What causes it?
It often comes from tight neck muscles, poor posture, long hours on the phone or laptop, stress, or even previous injuries. When the muscles at the base of the skull tighten, they can put pressure on the occipital nerves.

Simple ways to relieve it:
✔ Gentle neck stretches
✔ Heat therapy
✔ Improving posture during work or phone use
✔ Massage around the upper neck and skull base
✔ Short breaks during long sitting hours

Understanding this condition allows you to manage your symptoms early and prevent flare ups. Your neck and nerves will thank you later 🙌💆‍♂️💆‍♀️

14/11/2025

💪🏽 Flex It, Flow It! — Why Your Muscles Matter to Your Lymphatic System 🌿

Ever wondered why movement makes you feel better when you’re puffy, sluggish, or swollen? It’s not just about “getting fit” — it’s about getting your lymph moving. 🌀

Let’s talk about your muscles — not just the ones you flex, but the unsung heroes of lymphatic flow that work behind the scenes to keep your internal rivers draining and detoxing. 🫶🏼

❤️ Why Your Lymph Needs a Muscle Partner

Your blood has a pump — the heart.
Your lymphatic system? No pump. No pressure system. Just YOU and your muscles.

Muscle contractions literally squeeze lymphatic vessels (especially the initial lymphatics and collecting ducts) to push lymph fluid upward and toward the thoracic duct, where it’s returned to circulation.

This is why muscles = movement = lymph flow.

🦵🏼 1. Gastrocnemius + Soleus (Posterior Lower Leg)

Nickname: “The Second Heart”
Location: Back of the calf

Why they matter:
These powerful lower leg muscles pump lymph and venous blood upward from the legs to the torso — working against gravity. They’re crucial in preventing lower limb congestion, swelling, and pooling.

🌀 Think: Calf raises, walking, ankle pumps = lymphatic gold

🧍🏻‍♀️ 2. Quadriceps Femoris (Anterior Thigh)

Location: Front of the thigh

Why they matter:
These are the largest muscle group in the body. When they contract (especially during walking, squatting, or climbing stairs), they help compress the inguinal lymph nodes and deep lymphatic vessels of the legs — pushing lymph back up through the iliac lymph chains.

🌀 Think: Squats, leg lifts, cycling = inguinal flow boost

🍑 3. Gluteus Maximus, Medius & Minimus (Buttocks)

Location: Back and sides of the hip

Why they matter:
These muscles sit directly above deep pelvic lymphatic pathways. Contracting them (through hip extension or lateral movements) helps stimulate pelvic lymph flow, supports detoxification from reproductive organs, and improves sciatic drainage.

🌀 Think: Stair climbing, bridges, lunges = pelvic pump!

💪🏼 4. Biceps Brachii + Triceps Brachii (Upper Arm)

Location: Front and back of the upper arm

Why they matter:
These muscles support axillary lymph drainage, which clears fluid from the arms, chest, and breast area. Muscle activity in this area prevents arm swelling and supports post-surgical recovery (e.g., mastectomy care).

🌀 Think: Arm circles, resistance bands, light weights = axillary activation

🧠 5. Diaphragm (Respiratory Muscle Under the Ribcage)

Location: Underneath the lungs, separating thoracic and abdominal cavities

Why it matters:
The diaphragm is your internal lymph pump. Each deep breath causes pressure changes in the thoracic cavity, drawing lymph upward into the thoracic duct — especially from the liver, gut, and lower body.

🌀 Think: Deep belly breathing, humming, singing = thoracic duct stimulation

🧍🏼‍♀️ 6. Transversus Abdominis + Re**us Abdominis (Core Muscles)

Location: Deep and superficial abdominal wall
Why they matter:
These core stabilizers are near abdominal lymphatic vessels and intestinal lymphatic nodes (Peyer’s patches). Contracting them assists gut lymph movement and visceral detox.

🌀 Think: Gentle core work, pelvic tilts, Pilates = abdominal lymph flow

🎉 Muscles = Movement = Magic

Your muscles are more than just movers — they’re lymph lifters, detox activators, and drainage directors.
When you move them, you literally help your body cleanse, de-puff, and reboot.

So the next time you stretch, lift, squat, or breathe deeply…
Whisper to yourself:
“This one’s for my lymph.” 🌿💗