Simply Holistics

22/12/2025

17/08/2025

Useful info on self massage for lymph drainage

🙌 Self-Massage for Lymphatic Drainage – Do’s & Don’ts

By Bianca Botha, CLT | MLDT | RLD

Self-massage for lymphatic drainage can be a powerful way to support your body between professional treatments. But because the lymphatic system is so delicate, it’s important to know what to do — and what not to do.

✅ DO: Best Practices

✨ Be Gentle
• Use very light pressure (like stroking a cat). Lymph vessels sit just under the skin — pressing too hard actually closes them.

✨ Start at the Neck & Chest
• Always begin by clearing the “exit points” (supraclavicular area at the collarbones, then the sides of the neck). This creates space for fluid from further down.

✨ Work Proximal to Distal
• Open central nodes first (neck, armpits, groin) before moving fluid from arms, legs, or face.

✨ Follow the Direction of Flow
• Always stroke toward the nearest lymph node region (e.g., legs toward groin, arms toward armpits).

✨ Use Rhythm & Repetition
• Gentle, slow, repeated movements are more effective than random rubbing.

✨ Support with Breathwork
• Deep belly breathing stimulates the thoracic duct — your body’s largest lymphatic highway.

❌ DON’T: Common Mistakes

🚫 Don’t Press Hard
• Lymph vessels collapse under pressure. Think “gentle stretch of the skin,” not deep tissue massage.

🚫 Don’t Skip the Exits
• If you only massage your swollen ankles without first clearing the groin/abdominal nodes, fluid has nowhere to go.

🚫 Don’t Work When Very Ill or Infected
• Avoid self-massage if you have a fever, acute infection, or unexplained swelling — always check with your doctor first.

🚫 Don’t Rush
• Quick, aggressive movements stimulate blood circulation, not lymph drainage. Slow is key.

🚫 Don’t Forget Hydration
• Lymph needs fluid to move. Without hydration, massage is less effective.

🌸 Final Tip

Self-massage is best for maintenance and light support. For chronic swelling, lymphedema, or post-surgical care, always seek help from a certified lymphatic therapist for safety and deeper results.

https://youtu.be/6laR5c_y2IA?si=DupZT2lpO7X1N0yl

📌 This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about swelling or lymphatic health.

02/07/2025

By making time for relaxation in your life you can create a sense of calm and wellbeing leading to improved health.
Using Reflexology to generate relaxation not only alleviates the symptoms of stress but also allows the body in this deeply rested and relaxed state to return to balance.

18/05/2025

It's been a busy week, some much needed zen today, chilling in the garden 🌞

08/05/2025

Combination treatments this morning, 90 mins of head to toe relaxation and resoration. Reiki followed by Reflexology. As an extra I use the 528 hz tuning fork in the clients aura after Reiki. The 528 hz frequency has strong stress reducing benefits. 💙

04/05/2025

Elsa ❤️

29/04/2025

My room all ready for clients this morning 🌼

18/04/2025

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter 🌷🐣🐰

25/03/2025

Perfect day today, clients this morning followed by a lovely walk with Elsa. Feeling very chilled out 🌸

Being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies. Just 20 mins can lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone which is released from our adrenal glands and helps regulate our response to stress. Having too high cortisol levels too often can lead to health problems, such as anxiety, heart issues, high blood pressure, weight gain, fatigue and digestive issues.

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25/02/2025

My room all ready for today's clients, a full day of Reiki and Reflexology 💙

09/01/2025

Extra blankets and a warmed up couch are ready for clients on this cold day❄️

03/01/2025

A beautiful, wintery walk with Elsa this morning. A great way to start the day before giving treatments ❄️❄️