Vicki Wilson Scott

18/11/2025

The Lymphatic System of a Griever 🌿

Post 5/30: The Body Remembers What the Mind Tries to Forget

There are wounds the world cannot see.
The ones you never speak about.
The ones you try to bury under strength, responsibility and routine.

You tell yourself you’re fine.
You tell yourself you’ve moved on.
You tell yourself that “time heals.”

But your body knows the truth.
💚
Because your body remembers everything your mind tries so hard to forget.

Grief doesn’t disappear just because you silence it.
Trauma doesn’t dissolve simply because you refuse to look at it.
Pain doesn’t leave the body because you decided to “be strong.”

The body stores what the heart cannot carry.
💔
It hides in the fascia, the deepest connective tissue holding your life stories.
It sits in the tightness of your shoulders, the lump in your throat, the heaviness behind your sternum.
It wraps itself around the diaphragm, stealing the breath you need to heal.
It settles in the abdomen, slowing digestion and filling the lymphatic system with inflammation.

This is not weakness.
This is physiology.
This is a nervous system that has had to protect you for too long.

When grief goes unspoken, the lymphatic system becomes overloaded.
Stress hormones thicken lymph.
The fascia tightens and restricts drainage.
The vagus nerve retreats.
The body shifts into a long-term protective state.

And then you start to feel it.
🌿
The swelling that won’t leave.
The bloating out of nowhere.
The sudden weight around the belly.
The fatigue that rest can’t touch.
The random pains held in places where memories once broke you.

Your body is not betraying you.
It is communicating.
It is whispering, “There is something here that needs your compassion.”

Healing begins when you allow your body to exhale.
When you soften the areas that have been holding the hardest.
When you release the lymphatic pathways that froze in moments of fear, loss or shock.
When you finally give yourself permission to feel what you avoided just to survive.

You do not heal by pretending the pain isn’t there.
You heal by creating safety for your body to let go.

Because here is the truth:
Your body has always remembered you.
It held the parts of you your mind could not face.
And it is ready to release — the moment you are ready to listen.

🌿✨

12/11/2025

💪✨ Muscles & The Lymphatic System – How Movement Heals

The human body is a living pump system. While the heart moves blood, the muscles are the engine that keeps your lymphatic system flowing — flushing away toxins, inflammatory waste, and excess fluid.

Each contraction, stretch, or deep breath you take becomes a message to your body: “flow, heal, release.”

Let’s explore how different muscle groups help your lymphatic system work optimally:

🫀 Neck & Shoulder Muscles (Trapezius, SCM, Scalenes)

Lymphatic Role:
These muscles surround the thoracic inlet — where lymph drains into the bloodstream. Tension here can restrict flow, leading to puffiness, headaches, and sinus congestion.

Support:
Gentle neck rolls, deep breathing, and chest opening stretches help “open the gates” for full-body drainage.

💨 Diaphragm (Respiratory Muscle)

Lymphatic Role:
The diaphragm is the primary pump for lymph. Each deep breath changes internal pressure, propelling lymph upward through the thoracic duct — the body’s largest lymph vessel.

Support:
Practice 10 slow, deep belly breaths daily. Deep breathing can increase lymph flow up to 10× more than shallow breathing.

🫁 Intercostal Muscles (Between the Ribs)

Lymphatic Role:
These expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing, supporting lymph drainage from the chest wall, breast tissue, and lungs.

Support:
Side stretches and rib-expansion breathing enhance upper-body detox.

🦵 Calf Muscles (Gastrocnemius & Soleus – “The Peripheral Heart”)

Lymphatic Role:
The calves push lymph and venous blood upward, countering gravity. Weak or inactive calf muscles cause pooling and swelling in the legs.

Support:
Daily walking, heel raises, or ankle pumps reawaken your natural lymph pumps.

🫶 Pectoral & Axillary Muscles (Chest & Underarms)

Lymphatic Role:
These muscles surround the axillary nodes, which drain the arms, chest, and breasts. Tension here can block lymph flow through the armpits.

Support:
Gentle doorway stretches, arm circles, and axillary drainage strokes help open the upper lymph pathways.

🧍‍♀️ Core & Abdominal Muscles (Transverse Abdominis, Obliques, Re**us Abdominis)

Lymphatic Role:
These muscles support detox through the liver, intestines, and gut lymphatics. A sluggish core often means sluggish lymph.

Support:
Light twisting movements, deep core breathing, or rebounding activate intestinal lymph flow.

🍑 Gluteal Muscles (Glute Max, Medius, Minimus)

Lymphatic Role:
The glutes influence pelvic and lower limb circulation. When weak, they contribute to pelvic congestion and leg swelling.

Support:
Bridges, squats, and hip stretches promote healthy lymph flow from the legs upward.

🦵 Thigh Muscles (Quadriceps & Hamstrings)

Lymphatic Role:
These large muscles pump lymph through the inguinal nodes in the groin — key gateways for lower-body detox.

Support:
Walking, leg lifts, and lymphatic drainage massage near the groin area improve flow.

✋ Arm & Forearm Muscles (Biceps, Triceps, Flexors, Extensors)

Lymphatic Role:
Arm movement assists lymph drainage toward the armpits and collarbones.

Support:
Arm swings, wall push-ups, and gentle self-massage from wrist to shoulder are simple yet powerful.

🧘‍♀️ Pelvic Floor Muscles

Lymphatic Role:
These muscles work with the diaphragm to move lymph through the pelvis, supporting reproductive and urinary detox.

Support:
Pelvic tilts, bridges, and breathing exercises enhance rhythmic motion between the diaphragm and pelvis.

⚡ Why Movement Heals
• Neck & Shoulders: Open the main drainage pathways → do gentle stretches and deep breathing.
• Diaphragm: Acts as the main lymph pump → practice slow, deep belly breathing daily.
• Calves: Work as the “peripheral heart” → walk, do heel raises or ankle pumps.
• Core & Abdomen: Support detox and digestion → try twisting movements or light rebounding.
• Thighs & Glutes: Drive pelvic lymph drainage → add squats and bridges.
• Arms: Support upper-body lymph flow → swing your arms or do gentle self-massage.

🌿 Final Thought

Your muscles don’t just move you — they cleanse you.
Every step, stretch, and deep breath becomes part of your body’s divine rhythm of flow, renewal, and healing.

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.

09/11/2025

💚 Vibrate Your Way to Drainage:

The Science and Power of Vibration Plates for Lymphatic Health

The lymphatic system is your body’s unsung detox hero. But unlike your heart, it has no central pump. It relies on muscle movement, breath, gravity, and compression to keep its rivers of fluid flowing.

This is where vibration therapy comes in — particularly whole-body vibration platforms — a tool that’s gaining serious attention in the world of lymphatic drainage.

Let’s dive into what vibration platforms actually do, how they support your lymph, and how to use them safely and effectively.

🌿 What Is a Vibration Platform?

A vibration plate (also called a WBV device — Whole Body Vibration) is a machine that vibrates at specific frequencies and amplitudes to stimulate your muscles, tissues, and lymphatic vessels. When you stand, squat, or lie on the plate, your body responds with rapid muscle contractions — up to 30–50 times per second.

These micro-contractions act like an internal pump, compressing and decompressing your tissues, which helps move stagnant lymph, enhance venous return, and stimulate detoxification.

🔬 How Vibration Supports the Lymphatic System
1. Mimics Muscle Movement
The up-down and side-to-side motions simulate the effect of walking, jumping, or rebounding, which helps move lymph upward toward the chest and heart.
2. Enhances Lymphangion Activity
Lymphangions are mini “pumps” inside lymph vessels. Vibration stimulates them mechanically, boosting their rhythm and transport speed.
3. Improves Lymphatic Valve Function
Like veins, lymph vessels have one-way valves. Mechanical vibration helps valves open and close rhythmically, improving directional flow and preventing backflow.
4. Reduces Tissue Stagnation
Vibration plates encourage fluid shift and microcirculation, which is beneficial for cellulite, fibrosis, and interstitial inflammation.
5. Increases Nitric Oxide & Lymphocyte Activation
Some studies suggest vibration therapy can increase nitric oxide levels and enhance immune cell activity — further enhancing lymphatic cleansing.

💡 Ideal Frequencies for Lymphatic Drainage
• Low Frequency (5–15 Hz) = Best for lymphatic drainage
These settings stimulate muscle and tissue without excessive force. They’re gentle, rhythmic, and perfect for fluid movement.
• Medium Frequency (15–30 Hz) = Light muscle activation, still safe for most people
Used for rehabilitation and toning
• High Frequency (30–50+ Hz) = Best reserved for strength training or sports performance
Too intense for most lymphatic protocols and may cause fluid retention if overused

✅ Tips for Using a Vibration Plate for Lymphatic Drainage
1. Start Slow
Begin with 5–10 minutes at low frequency (around 8–12 Hz). Work up to 15–20 minutes max.
2. Posture Matters
• Stand with knees slightly bent (never locked)
• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Keep core engaged for stability
• Avoid leaning or placing excess pressure on joints
3. Add Movement
• Gentle squats or calf raises while on the plate = better lymph mobilization
• Try light bouncing or shifting weight side to side
4. Breathe Deeply
Diaphragmatic breathing while vibrating enhances thoracic duct drainage
5. Hydrate Before & After
Lymph is 96% water. If you’re dehydrated, vibration can feel draining or nauseating.
6. Follow With Manual Stimulation
A quick neck-opening massage or brushing toward the collarbone after vibration enhances drainage
7. Use It in the Morning
To reduce puffiness, inflammation, or sluggishness from overnight lymph stagnation

❌ When to Avoid Vibration Plates

While generally safe, vibration therapy is not for everyone. Avoid or consult a practitioner if:
• You’re pregnant
• You have acute inflammation or infection
• You’ve had a recent surgery or wound
• You have uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions (e.g. arrhythmia, thrombosis)
• You suffer from severe vertigo or inner ear imbalance
• You have joint replacements not fully healed
• You have active cancer or tumors
• You’ve recently had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or embolism

💥 Who Benefits Most From Vibration Lymph Drainage?

✔️ People with lipoedema or early lymphedema
✔️ Individuals with Hashimoto’s, RA, or autoimmune fluid retention
✔️ Post-operative patients (once cleared by a doctor)
✔️ People with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or desk-bound lifestyles
✔️ Anyone seeking daily lymph activation or a rebounder alternative

🌸 Therapist’s Note:

“If you can’t jump, walk, or rebound — a vibration plate can offer a low-impact alternative that gently moves your internal rivers. But it must be used with care, respect, and hydration. Combine it with breathing, stretching, and drainage techniques for the most profound results.”
— Bianca Botha, CLT

🛠 Bonus Tricks & Lymphie Hacks

🔄 Use castor oil packs before stepping on the plate — soften tissue for better drainage
🧘 Combine with yoga twists or floor stretches afterward
🛁 Take an Epsom salt bath post-session to reduce detox symptoms
📆 Use consistently — 3x per week is ideal for gentle lymphatic care
⏳ Do not exceed 20 minutes per session — longer ≠ better

🧬 Final Thought: Vibration Is a Tool, Not a Cure

A vibration platform is a powerful ally, not a magic wand. For best results, pair it with:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Stress regulation & sleep support
• Castor oil, movement, and rebounding
• Hydration + mineral balance

04/11/2025

How does lipoedema affect YOU, personally? We want to know how lipoedema makes you feel physically AND emotionally.

Let's talk about lipoedema.

03/11/2025

This is an interesting read 🤔

As a physician specializing in lipedema, I often hear patients ask: "What is the difference between lipedema fat and normal fat?"

I wrote this article to explain exactly how lipedema fat differs from normal fat. From the way it’s distributed in the body, to its microscopic structure; there are reasons why those differences matter.

To read the article, follow through on the link below:
https://lipedemaclinic.org/article/lipedema-fat-vs-normal-fat/

27/10/2025

I have had a couple of cancellations for this coming Friday.
DM me if you would like an appointment ☺️

14/10/2025

🦠 H. pylori: The Stomach Bacteria That Can Wound More Than Just Your Gut

We often hear about Helicobacter pylori as the “ulcer bug” — but the impact of this spiral-shaped bacteria runs far deeper than just heartburn or bloating.

It’s been called a stealth pathogen, capable of hiding, adapting, and influencing everything from your immune system to your nervous system and even your mood.

Let’s unpack what H. pylori is, what damage it can do, and how to support your body through it — naturally and intelligently.

🔍 What Is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the mucosal lining of the stomach. It’s highly adaptive and can survive in acidic environments by secreting an enzyme called urease, which neutralizes stomach acid around it.

It’s estimated that over 50% of the global population may carry H. pylori, though not everyone shows symptoms.

🚨 Signs & Symptoms of H. pylori Infection

While some people remain asymptomatic, H. pylori can cause a wide range of issues:
• Chronic bloating and burping
• Abdominal pain, especially when the stomach is empty
• Heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux
• Nausea or early satiety
• Peptic ulcers or gastritis
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bad breath or coated tongue
• Iron deficiency anemia (due to poor absorption or internal bleeding)
• Histamine intolerance or flushing

And less commonly:
• Low B12 levels
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and mood issues

🧬 How Does H. pylori Affect the Body Systemically?

1. Disrupts Stomach Acid & Digestion

H. pylori suppresses stomach acid to protect itself. This leads to:
• Poor protein breakdown
• Mineral and B12 malabsorption
• Weakened immune defenses

2. Triggers Chronic Inflammation

H. pylori causes gastric mucosal inflammation, increasing cytokine release and oxidative stress — creating a systemic pro-inflammatory state.

3. Alters the Gut Microbiome

It disrupts microbial balance, allowing dysbiosis and candida overgrowth to thrive — especially if antibiotics are used.

4. Affects the Liver and Lymph

Chronic infection increases toxic load, affecting the gut-liver-lymphatic axis. This can result in:
• Puffy lymph nodes
• Brain fog
• Histamine reactions
• Skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea)

5. Increases Risk for Gastric Disease

Long-term infection is a known risk factor for:
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastric cancer
• MALT lymphoma

🔬 How Is It Diagnosed?
• Urea breath test (non-invasive)
• Stool antigen test
• Blood antibody test (may reflect past exposure)
• Gastroscopy with biopsy (in severe cases)

🌿 Healing from H. pylori: A Holistic Approach

Conventional treatment usually includes a triple therapy:
• 2 antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin + clarithromycin)
• 1 proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

However, natural and integrative approaches aim to disrupt the bacteria, heal the gut, and restore balance without over-reliance on antibiotics.

✅ Natural Antimicrobials
• Mastic gum – tree resin that targets H. pylori
• Zinc carnosine – soothes gastric mucosa
• DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) – protects the stomach lining
• Berberine – broad-spectrum antimicrobial
• Black cumin seed oil, oregano oil, broccoli sprouts (sulforaphane)

✅ Support Gut Healing
• L-glutamine, marshmallow root, slippery elm for mucosal repair
• Probiotics (especially Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii)
• Bitters and digestive enzymes (if low stomach acid is present)

✅ Drain and Detox
• Liver support: milk thistle, NAC
• Lymphatic drainage: MLD, rebounding, castor oil packs
• Adequate hydration with electrolytes

🧠 Don’t Overlook the Emotional Side

Long-term H. pylori infection is often linked to chronic stress, vagus nerve dysregulation, and emotional trauma.

The vagus nerve connects the brain to the stomach, meaning emotional tension can suppress stomach acid — and make you more vulnerable to infection.

Incorporating:
• Breathwork
• Vagal toning
• Somatic therapy
can help regulate this gut-brain connection.

✨ Final Thought

H. pylori isn’t just a stomach bug.
It’s a messenger — revealing imbalances in your gut, immunity, stress response, and terrain.

True healing is about more than killing the bacteria.
It’s about restoring the terrain so that your body becomes a place where health can flourish — not infection.

📚 Research Links:
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4451393
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6590363
• www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00640
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271654

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 beginning any new health protocol.

10/10/2025

Nice

Sleeves for every mood, style & personality.

🪴 Boho
🦋 Butterfly
🌸 Floral
🌀 Bold Prints

Which one’s your favorite? Drop the emoji that matches your vibe in the comments!

AND...

Stay tuned for fresh new patterns launching Spring 2026! ✨

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

The Healing Touch Beneath Your Feet:

Reflexology Lymph Drainage and the Legacy of Sally Kay👣💚

When we think of the lymphatic system, we often picture gentle hands moving across the body in rhythmic motion—stimulating detox, relieving swelling, and supporting immunity. But what if some of the most powerful lymphatic stimulation could begin… at your feet?

That’s the beauty and brilliance of Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)—a specialised reflexology technique developed by British therapist Sally Kay, whose work has changed the landscape of lymphatic care. 🌍✨

Who is Sally Kay? 🧠🌱

Sally Kay, a reflexologist based in Wales, developed RLD while working with cancer patients suffering from secondary lymphoedema (especially post-mastectomy). Her goal was simple yet revolutionary: to support lymph drainage using reflexology, a modality that stimulates points on the feet corresponding to organs and systems in the body.

What she discovered was extraordinary:
Not only did RLD reduce swelling, but it also improved pain, movement, and wellbeing—without needing to physically touch the affected limb. 🙌

Her work has since gained recognition across clinical, complementary, and international health sectors.

What is Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)? 💆‍♀️💧

RLD is a gentle, structured sequence of movements performed on the feet (or sometimes hands) that directly target the reflex points of the lymphatic system. These movements are inspired by manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) but translated through reflexology zones.

The technique follows the lymphatic map of the body, focusing on:
• Thoracic duct
• Lymph node clusters (cervical, axillary, inguinal)
• Spleen & liver
• Diaphragmatic flow

All without needing to physically touch these organs. 🌿

Clinical Benefits of RLD: 🩺🌸

Research and clinical case studies have demonstrated RLD’s effectiveness in:
• Reducing lymphoedema volume, especially post-surgical or post-cancer
• Improving limb mobility and range of motion
• Decreasing pain, tension, and heaviness
• Supporting detoxification and immune response
• Promoting deep relaxation and emotional release

Because it’s non-invasive and deeply calming, RLD is especially helpful for clients:
• Who have undergone surgery 🏥
• With fragile tissues or nerve damage 🧬
• With emotional trauma stored in the body 💔
• Who are unable to receive full-body MLD

How It Works: A Gentle Path to Flow 🌊✨

The feet house a microscopic map of the body, and when reflex points are stimulated, they trigger a neurological and energetic response in the corresponding organ or system. In RLD, practitioners use specific, repeatable techniques to mimic the pumping and sweeping of lymphatic fluid.

What makes RLD unique is its ability to:
• Influence lymph flow without direct limb manipulation
• Activate parasympathetic nervous system (rest and repair mode)
• Address both physical and emotional stagnation in the system

RLD and Emotional Healing 🕊️🫶

The lymphatic system is often called the “emotional river” of the body—carrying not just toxins, but also the residue of trauma, grief, and stress. RLD, like MLD, offers clients a safe space for emotional release as well as physical detox.

Many clients report:
• Feeling lighter (emotionally and physically)
• Reduced anxiety 🧘‍♀️
• Clearer thinking
• Improved sleep 😴
• Restored connection with their bodies 🩷

Why Choose Reflexology Lymph Drainage? 🌿💫
• Gentle yet effective
• Ideal for those who are sensitive, post-operative, or recovering from illness
• Can be offered alongside MLD, oncology care, or holistic protocols
• Backed by ongoing research and clinical support 📚

And most of all—it’s a treatment that honours the whole person, not just the symptoms. 🌈

The Legacy of Care: Sally Kay’s Ongoing Impact 👏📖

Sally Kay’s vision has led to thousands of practitioners worldwide being trained in RLD. Her work bridges the gap between clinical precision and compassionate touch, reminding us that even the smallest contact can spark big healing.

Reflexology Lymph Drainage is not just a therapy. It’s a quiet revolution in the way we support the lymphatic system—with presence, precision, and peace. 💗

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or certified therapist before starting any treatment protocol.

©️