Kay McDonnell Massage Therapy & Reflexologist

16/02/2026

Symptoms of Menopause can or are identical to Hypothyroid

You're wondering if hypothyroid is a high thyroid reading? Nope, it's actually the opposite - it's when your thyroid's underactive, producing too little hormone. Hyperthyroid is the high one 👍.

Hypothyroid symptoms can be a bit of a drag. Common ones include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Feeling cold
- Depression or low mood

Want more info or specific symptoms? 😄
It is very important to rule out all the causes of those horrid symptoms be it related to menopause or hypothyroidism or anything else & then have appropriate treatment plan to eliminate those symptoms so you can function normally.

A good doctor or gynecologist will listen to your concerns and run appropriate blood work to determine the cause of the symptoms.

11/02/2026

Pregnancy brings significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, and it’s common for the body to feel under increased demand as it adapts. Supporting overall wellbeing during this time is not about fixing symptoms, but about creating the conditions that allow the body to function as comfortably and efficiently as possible.

Reflexology is a gentle complementary therapy that can support pregnancy wellbeing by encouraging calm within the nervous system and promoting a sense of physical and emotional ease. By supporting the body’s natural relaxation responses, reflexology may help improve rest, support fluid movement, and enhance overall comfort as pregnancy progresses.

Many people also find that reflexology provides valuable time to pause, reconnect with their body, and feel supported through the changes of pregnancy. When delivered by a suitably trained practitioner, reflexology can be a safe and nurturing way to support wellbeing throughout pregnancy, alongside routine maternity care.



💜 The Irish Reflexologists’ Institute (IRI) is the professional body for reflexology in Ireland, supporting reflexologists through education, professional standards, continued learning, and a connected practitioner community. 💜

08/02/2026

"The world is full of magic, just add wonder." 💡😘

07/02/2026

The world of modern living . Medications and vitamins !

Maybe of interest to you guys 🤞

Timing is everything 😊. The best time to take vitamins depends on the type:
- Multivitamins: With breakfast to boost energy and absorption
- Omega-3s (like Eskimo oil): With a fatty meal to enhance absorption
- Probiotics: On an empty stomach or before bed for gut health
- Vitamin D: Morning or with a meal containing fat
- B Vitamins: Morning to boost energy

- Magnesium. ⏰ Yeah, timing's key:
( best on an empty stomach)
- Magnesium Glycinate: bedtime for sleep@ and relaxation
- Magnesium Citrate: with meals for digestion
- Magnesium Oxide: morning or before exercise for energy
- Magnesium L-Threonate: morning for cognitive boost

Mix it up based on your needs! What's your magnesium schedule like?

Vitamins and meds can be a tricky mix 😊. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with medications, either reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

- Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin): Avoid vitamin K-rich foods/supplements (like leafy greens or vitamin K supplements)
- Antibiotics: Don't take with calcium, iron, or magnesium supplements (wait 2-3 hours)
- Diabetes meds: Monitor blood sugar if taking chromium, ginseng, or fiber supplements

Check and mention with your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions, especially if on prescription meds 😊.

Definitely a wise approach to be proactive about what you're putting in your body.
Always good to do your research and consult a pharmacist or GP if unsure 👍.

Mixing meds and vitamins can be a minefield 😊. Some combos can be beneficial, but others can cause issues. It's all about being informed and cautious.
Self Responsibility is key. 😁

05/02/2026

CRP measures the level of inflammation in your body 🔥. It's a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, so high levels can indicate conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or even cardiovascular risk 😊.
A doc can definitely order a CRP blood test to check for inflammation or infection. Gotta check those levels 💉!

04/02/2026

Pre-diabetes doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, but your body is sending you signals. Early signs like darkened skin around the neck, sudden hunger, frequent infections, and feeling fatigued even after rest could be indicators that your blood sugar levels are off balance. These subtle signs are your body's way of warning you that things may be heading toward pre-diabetes.

High blood sugar can affect various parts of the body, from your immune system’s ability to fight infections to your energy levels throughout the day. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can escalate into full-blown diabetes, making it essential to pay attention to the signals your body gives you.

If you’re noticing these signs, it might be time to make some lifestyle changes. Start by improving your diet and exercise routine to balance your blood sugar. Have you noticed any of these early warning signsL🍎⚖️

Discuss with your GP if you have concerns

04/02/2026

😊 Ain't that the truth! We're all just a bunch of softies at heart, aren't we? 😊 Life might get tough sometimes, but there's still plenty of kindness, love, and squishy pillows to go around 🌸
Being gentle with our bodies can be super beneficial, whether it's through soft fabrics, gentle exercise, or just being kind to ourselves 🤗.
💆 "A healthy outside starts from the inside." 😊

Be like a tree 🌳 – roots strong, branches flexible. Stand firm but yield to the wind 💆.
💡It's all about finding that sweet spot between giving and taking, being strong and being flexible 😊

Plus ➕️ 💯 Remaining soft and adaptable can definitely help manage stress, rather than resistin' and gettin' all wound up 😅.

Reflexologylistowel relaxlistowel
maternityreflexologylistowel

30/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GFJcgYzzE/

Did you know that Reflexology is recognised by these major health insurance providers in Ireland?

Check your plan and start your Reflexology journey today! 💜

29/01/2026

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1647152/full

There has been a great deal of interest in the association of combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the image-based detection of breast cancer, a...

22/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/14TisoGzSQz/

Pain is a complex experience influenced not only by physical factors, but also by the nervous system, stress levels, and emotional wellbeing. When the body is under prolonged stress, the nervous system can remain in a heightened state, which may increase muscle tension and amplify the perception of pain.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works by encouraging deep relaxation and supporting the nervous system. By helping the body shift out of a stress response, reflexology may assist in easing muscle tension and supporting the body’s natural pain-modulation processes. This relaxation response can influence how pain signals are perceived and processed.

Reflexology may also support circulation, helping to improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues while assisting with the removal of metabolic waste products. This can be particularly beneficial for areas of ongoing tension or discomfort.

While reflexology does not diagnose or treat medical conditions, it may be used alongside conventional care as part of a holistic approach to pain management. By supporting relaxation, circulation, and nervous system balance, reflexology can help improve comfort levels, body awareness, and overall wellbeing over time.



💜 The Irish Reflexologists’ Institute (IRI) is the professional body for reflexology in Ireland, supporting reflexologists through education, professional standards, continued learning, and a connected practitioner community. 💜

21/12/2025

😊 Posture is SO much more than just muscles – it's like your body's autopilot 🧘‍♀️. That nervous system training shapes how you move, sit, and feel 🤯.

🤯 The nervous system (NS) is like the body's conductor 🧑‍🎤. It sends signals to muscles, tellin' 'em when to contract, relax, or tweak tension 💪. This shapes muscle tone, posture, and movement patterns 😬.

Example: Stress → NS → tense muscles → posture changes 🧘‍♀️.

REFLEXOLOGY listowel & MASSAGE therapy
Listowel ! 🔥

Massage and reflexology can be game-changers for calm'in' the nervous system 🧘‍♀️. By targetin' specific points, they help reduce stress signals to muscles, soothe tension, and promote chill vibes 😌.

The ultimate NERVOUS SYSTEM reset.

20/12/2025

Always remember you are in control of what you accept. If it doesn't validate your worth , then stop giving it access to your life . Break free of the things that don't bring it peace. 💖

It's the tiny moments, like a quiet morning coffee ☕, a good chat with a mate 🍻, or just chillin' 🌿 – they add up and make life feel more chill 🧘‍♀️. Prioritizin' those little things can be a game-changer for mental health 💪.

What's bringin' you peace lately? 😊