HRB Therapies

05/03/2026

Some folk have asked us for a more general post about lymphoedema to share... here you go.

04/03/2026

If you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer don’t miss this invaluable event being provided by Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven. I will be there supporting to help with advice for lymphoedema or scars. Booking needed.

27/02/2026

Exciting things are happening at The Lighter Touch in Malvern (where I also work!)

Throughout March, we’re hosting a series of special events in support of Lymphoedema Awareness Month and we’d love for you to be part of it.

One of our upcoming events is Yoga for Men on 17th March at 10am, Pilates 18th March 11.30am and Yoga for Lymphatic Health on 19th at 3pm.

Whether you’re completely new to yoga or already enjoy it, these sessions are a great opportunity to move, stretch and support an important cause at the same time.

If you have any questions at all, just let me know I’m happy to help!

24/02/2026

Please could you take a moment to read the below and hopefully sign this petition too for brain tumour research.

Thanks.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1490782506386760&id=100063650739055

NEWS // Over the past few months, we've been deeply moved by the courage of one of our Old Malvernians, Pip Harding (6.84-89) - a decorated RAF pilot, only 54 years old, who is continuing to serve his country while undergoing treatment for stage 4 brain cancer.

Despite everything he’s facing, Pip is channelling his energy into something bigger: campaigning for the government to increase life‑saving research and treatment provision for brain cancer. He is part of a team who have launched a national petition that needs 100,000 signatures by 8th March to be considered in Parliament. It’s currently at 84,000 signatures.

We are asking for the power of the Malvernian community to do what it does best - to come together and make a real difference. Pip is a really lovely, inspiring guy.

👉 Please take a moment to sign the petition.
👉 And if you can, please share this post so it reaches as many people as possible.

Every signature matters. Every share matters. Let’s help Pip get this over the line to his 100,000 signatures!

Read his story and sign here: https://www.malverniansociety.org.uk/one-oms-fight-for-brain-cancer-research/

Thank you 💛

19/02/2026

We have a variety of events planned through March at The Lighter Touch in Malvern. Watch this space ! 😃

14/02/2026

At HRB, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is provided by Hilary Bell who is a fully trained MLD practitioner. Treatments are available in Upton upon Severn at HRB Therapies or in Malvern at The Lighter Touch.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is not simply a relaxing lymphatic massage. (Although it is very relaxing!) It is a precise, clinically developed technique that requires specialist training to perform safely and effectively.

About Hilary:
I am fully trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and registered with MLD UK, meaning I have completed recognised professional training in this specific therapy. This ensures I understand the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, appropriate treatment protocols and when treatment may or may not be suitable.

I am also registered with the CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) the UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners. CNHC registration means I meet nationally recognised standards for training, safe practice and professional conduct.

With experience supporting clients with lymphoedema, post surgical swelling, cosmetic surgery recovery, and complex fluid retention issues, treatments are always tailored carefully to individual needs.

Choosing a properly trained MLD practitioner ensures:
• Safe and appropriate pressure
• Correct treatment pathways
• Understanding of contraindications
• Professional standards of care
• A treatment plan suited to medical or post-surgical needs

If you’re considering Manual Lymphatic Drainage for a medical condition or surgical recovery it’s important to ensure you are seeing someone specifically trained in MLD not just general massage techniques.

If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Hilary 😊

14/02/2026

💧 Lymphorrhea

When the Lymphatic System Is Under Too Much Pressure

Lymphorrhea (also spelled lymphorrhoea) refers to the leakage of lymphatic fluid through the skin.

It is most commonly seen in individuals with:

• Chronic lymphoedema
• Long-standing leg swelling
• Venous-lymphatic insufficiency
• Post-surgical lymphatic damage
• Advanced inflammatory tissue congestion

This is not “just fluid.”

It is protein-rich lymph escaping because the lymphatic system is overwhelmed.

🧬 What Is Lymph Fluid?

Lymph is a clear to pale yellow fluid that contains:

• Proteins (albumin and globulins)
• Immune cells (especially lymphocytes)
• Inflammatory mediators
• Waste products and cellular debris
• Excess interstitial fluid

Under normal conditions, this fluid is collected from tissues, transported through lymphatic vessels, filtered through lymph nodes, and returned to the bloodstream.

When lymphatic drainage cannot keep up with fluid demand, pressure builds inside the tissues.

If that pressure becomes too high, fluid can begin to seep through fragile or overstretched skin.

This is lymphorrhea.

🔬 Why Does Lymphorrhea Develop?

Lymphorrhea is the result of sustained physiological overload.

1️⃣ Increased Tissue Pressure

Chronic swelling increases interstitial pressure. The skin stretches, weakens, and eventually cannot contain the fluid.

2️⃣ Protein Accumulation

Stagnant lymph contains high levels of protein. Protein attracts additional fluid into tissues through osmotic forces, worsening swelling and increasing leakage risk.

3️⃣ Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation damages lymphatic vessels and weakens the skin barrier. Over time, the tissue becomes fragile and prone to breakdown.

4️⃣ Fibrosis

Long-term lymph stagnation leads to tissue thickening and hardening. This reduces elasticity and further compromises drainage.

Lymphorrhea is often a sign that the lymphatic load has exceeded the system’s capacity.

⚠️ Why It Must Be Taken Seriously

Because lymph fluid is protein-rich, persistent leakage increases the risk of:

• Skin maceration
• Cellulitis
• Bacterial infection
• Delayed wound healing
• Progressive fibrosis
• Worsening lymphatic dysfunction

If redness, warmth, pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge develops, urgent medical assessment is required.

🌿 How to Support the Body

Management should always involve medical supervision, particularly if open skin or infection is present.

Support focuses on reducing tissue pressure, protecting the skin, and improving lymphatic flow safely.

1️⃣ Appropriate Compression (Professionally Guided)

Graduated compression can:

• Reduce interstitial pressure
• Improve lymphatic return
• Prevent further leakage
• Support vessel function

Compression must be properly fitted and monitored.

2️⃣ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

When performed by a trained lymphatic therapist, MLD can:

• Redirect fluid toward functioning lymphatic pathways
• Reduce inflammatory load
• Decrease tissue pressure
• Improve transport capacity

MLD must remain gentle and structured.

3️⃣ Skin Protection Is Essential

Skin care becomes protective medicine:

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Use non-perfumed barrier creams
• Protect surrounding skin from maceration
• Apply sterile dressings when necessary
• Monitor daily for early infection signs

Healthy skin is the first defense.

4️⃣ Elevation & Gentle Movement

The lymphatic system has no central pump.

• Elevate the affected limb above heart level when possible
• Encourage gentle ankle pumps and calf activation
• Avoid prolonged standing or immobility

Movement supports lymph propulsion.

5️⃣ Reduce Systemic Inflammation

Inflammation increases vascular permeability and fluid shifts.

Support may include:

• Adequate hydration
• Balanced sodium intake
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Supporting gut integrity
• Managing underlying vascular or metabolic conditions

Aggressive detoxification is not appropriate in active lymphorrhea. Structured decongestion is safer.

💚 A Gentle Truth

Lymphorrhea is not the body failing.

It is the body communicating that internal pressure has become too high.

With structured care, pressure can be reduced, skin integrity restored, and lymphatic function improved.

Education removes fear. Compassion removes shame.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

10/02/2026

From Tuesday 10th March we will be welcoming Avril Taylor of Sole Attention to HRB Therapies where she will be offering a range of nurturing and restorative holistic treatments.

Avril is an experienced and dedicated therapist with a strong passion for holistic wellbeing. She has developed her skills over years of practice and is known for her calm and caring approach. Her treatments are tailored to each individual, ensuring a supportive and relaxing experience for every client. It will be great to have her in the team at Upton Upon Severn.

About the Treatments:

Reflexology (1 hour)
A deeply relaxing complementary therapy using specific pressure points on the feet to encourage balance within the body. This treatment can help to:
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote better sleep
• Support pain management
• Improve circulation and reduce fluid build-up
• Boost mood and overall wellbeing

Colour Reflexology (1 hour)
A gentler alternative approach to traditional reflexology, combining light touch with coloured crystal filters placed on key reflex points on the feet and hands. This helps to balance the body’s energy fields, chakras and meridians, encouraging relaxation and natural healing.

Reiki (45 minutes)
A non-invasive, full body energy therapy that supports the body’s natural healing process. Avril also incorporates chakra crystals into her sessions to enhance the experience. Reiki can help to:
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote deep relaxation
• Improve emotional wellbeing
• Support better sleep and mental clarity

Appointments are now open for booking from Tuesday 10th March.

Prices (these are current promotional rates):

• Reflexology 1 hour first appointment and assessment £45

• Reflexology 1 hour follow up - £40

• Colour Reflexology 1 hour – £45 (first session incl. assessment)

• Colour Reflexology 1 hour follow up - £40

• Reiki (45 mins) –£35

(After introductory promotion the above prices will increase each by £5)

Gift vouchers and loyalty scheme available.

If you would like to make an appointment or find out more please get in touch with Avril on 07765 953552 or send a message to HRB Therapies for Avril.

04/02/2026

Today is World Cancer Day. A day to remember those we’ve lost, celebrate those who are fighting, and support everyone affected by cancer in any way.

If you’re going through it, caring for someone, or carrying grief you’re not alone.

27/01/2026

🌿 Understanding Cellulite

When circulation and the lymphatic system become overwhelmed

Cellulite is one of the most misunderstood changes in the body.
It is often blamed on fat, weight, or lack of exercise — yet this explanation is incomplete.

💡 Cellulite is not just cosmetic.
It is a circulatory, lymphatic, fascial, and inflammatory condition occurring beneath the skin.

🔵🟡 What You’re Seeing in the Image

🟠 LEFT: What We See on the Surface

The dimpled, uneven “orange-peel” texture appears because:
• 🟡 Fat cells enlarge and push upward
• ⚪ Fibrous connective tissue pulls downward
• 🔵 Fluid and waste become trapped

➡️ This tug-of-war creates visible dimpling.

🟢 RIGHT: What’s Happening Beneath the Skin

Under the surface we see:
• 🟡 Enlarged fat lobules
• 🟢 Congested lymph vessels
• 🔴 Compressed blood vessels
• 🔵 Reduced oxygen & nutrient delivery

➡️ This is where cellulite actually begins — in the microcirculation and lymphatic system.

💚 The Lymphatic System’s Role in Cellulite

The lymphatic system is your body’s clean-up crew 🧹
It:
• 🟢 Drains excess fluid
• 🟢 Removes metabolic waste
• 🟢 Clears inflammation
• 🟢 Supports immune balance

⚠️ Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump.

It relies on:
• 🟦 Movement
• 🟦 Deep breathing
• 🟦 Fascia mobility
• 🟦 Hydration
• 🟦 Nervous system calm

When lymph flow slows:
• 🔵 Fluid pools
• 🟡 Fat cells swell
• 🟠 Inflammation rises
• ⚪ Fibrosis develops

➡️ Cellulite is often visible lymphatic stagnation.

🟣 Why Cellulite Loves the Thighs & Hips

These areas are vulnerable because:
• ⬇️ Gravity slows drainage
• 🪑 Sitting reduces flow
• 🟡 Fat density is higher
• 🌸 Estrogen receptors are abundant
• 🟢 Lymph pathways are longer

✨ This is why thin, fit, active women can still have cellulite.

🚫 Cellulite Is NOT a Weight Issue

You can:
• ⚖️ Lose weight → still have cellulite
• 🏋️‍♀️ Exercise daily → still have cellulite
• 🥗 Eat clean → still have cellulite

Because cellulite is about:
• 🔵 Fluid pressure
• ⚪ Fascia tension
• 🟢 Lymph congestion
• 🔴 Micro-circulation
• 🟠 Inflammatory load

Not just fat.

🧠 Hormones, Stress & Inflammation (The Hidden Colours)

🟠 Chronic inflammation:
• Thickens connective tissue
• Narrows lymph vessels
• Traps fluid

🌸 Hormonal imbalance (estrogen & cortisol):
• Encourages fat storage in thighs
• Increases capillary leakage
• Slows lymph clearance

➡️ Cellulite is a hormonal-lymphatic conversation, not a flaw.

🧴 Why Creams Only Help Temporarily

Creams may:
• ✨ Improve skin feel
• 🔥 Increase surface circulation
• 💧 Reduce surface fluid

But they don’t reach:
• ❌ Deep lymph congestion
• ❌ Fascia restriction
• ❌ Liver & detox pathways
• ❌ Systemic inflammation

True change happens from the inside out.

🌿 A Lymph-First Approach to Cellulite

Real improvement comes from supporting:
• 🟢 Lymphatic drainage
• 🟢 Fascia release
• 🟢 Breath & diaphragm movement
• 🟢 Liver detox pathways
• 🟢 Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• 🟢 Nervous system regulation

When lymph flows:
• 💧 Fluid pressure drops
• 🟡 Fat softens
• ⚪ Fibrosis eases
• ✨ Skin texture improves

🤍 Reframing Cellulite

Cellulite is not your body betraying you.
It’s your body asking for support.

💬 A message — not a mistake.
💚 A system overloaded — not broken.

When we listen instead of fight, the body responds.