Reflexology by Jenny

23/01/2026

Lymphatic drainage is so important. There are so many things you can do for yourself. Reflexology can help to kickstart and maintain your Lymphatic System with RLD. (Reflexology lymphatic drainage).

🌿✨ The Power of Dry Brushing: A Scientific Look at an Ancient Self-Care Practice

🪥🩷🌿🧠🫀

Dry brushing, also known as cutaneous brushing or skin brushing, is an ancient wellness ritual that uses a firm, natural-bristle brush on dry skin in specific, rhythmic strokes — always directed toward the heart.

Though simple in practice, the physiological benefits are far-reaching. This mindful technique stimulates the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, and integumentary (skin) systems — supporting detoxification, energy, and renewal from the surface inward.

Let’s explore what science and experience reveal about this beautiful ritual.

1. Stimulating the Lymphatic System

💧🌀💚

At the heart of dry brushing lies its ability to activate lymph flow — the body’s internal “clean-up” network that:
• Drains excess interstitial fluid
• Removes cellular waste and toxins
• Transports immune cells
• Supports detoxification through lymph nodes

Gentle traction on the skin opens the superficial lymphatic capillaries, encouraging stagnant lymph to move and helping to reduce puffiness, congestion, and inflammation.

Fun Fact: The lymphatic system has no pump like the heart — it relies on muscle movement, breathing, and mechanical stimulation (like dry brushing!) to keep fluid flowing.

2. Enhancing Circulation & Skin Vitality

🩸✨🧴

Each stroke of the brush improves microcirculation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin while supporting cellular turnover. Expect:
• Improved blood flow
• Brighter, more even tone
• A natural, youthful glow

Consistent brushing refines texture and helps maintain skin elasticity over time.

3. Supporting Detoxification Pathways

♻️🧽🫧

Your skin is one of your body’s largest detox organs. Through gentle exfoliation, dry brushing:
• Removes dead skin cells
• Unclogs pores
• Activates sweat and sebaceous glands

This process clears the way for your skin to “breathe” and enhances your body’s ability to eliminate waste naturally.

4. Activating the Nervous System

⚡🧠🧘‍♀️

The skin is rich with sensory nerve endings. Brushing stimulates these receptors, which communicate with the brain to:
• Promote mental clarity and alertness
• Encourage endorphin release
• Boost energy and focus

It’s a natural, uplifting start to your morning routine.

5. Strengthening Skin Immunity

🛡️🧬🌸

Regular dry brushing helps reinforce the skin’s barrier and microbiome by supporting:
• A balanced acid mantle (the skin’s protective film)
• Reduced transepidermal water loss
• Lower risk of irritation or infection

Healthy skin equals stronger immunity and resilience.

Organs That Indirectly Benefit from Dry Brushing

🫁 🫀 🧠 🦴 🌿

Because the lymphatic system interacts with nearly every organ, improved lymph flow also benefits:
1. Liver – Reduced toxic load = enhanced detox efficiency
2. Kidneys – Easier filtration and metabolic balance
3. Gut – Supports fat absorption and immune modulation
4. Lungs – Less congestion, freer breathing
5. Skin – Improved tone, texture, and glow

How to Dry Brush Properly

🪥🧴🧖‍♀️

Proper sequence matters — and this is where many get it wrong.
1. Start by clearing main drainage points:
Neck → Clavicles → Underarms → Abdomen → Groin
This “opens the gates” for lymph flow.
2. Then brush the limbs:
Begin at the feet and hands, working upward in long, sweeping motions toward the heart.
3. Use a natural bristle brush (avoid synthetic).
4. Avoid areas that are broken, inflamed, or sensitive.
5. Best done before showering, followed by a hydrating oil or lotion to nourish the skin barrier.

Conclusion

Dry brushing isn’t just a skincare ritual — it’s a cellular stimulant, immune ally, and lymph-moving powerhouse. This mindful act connects body and breath, circulation and serenity, outer glow and inner flow.

So grab your brush, take a deep breath, and give your body the love and movement it deserves. 🌿💫

🩷✨🫶🌿💪🌸💧

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 health regimen.

© Bianca Botha CLT, RLD, MLDT & CDS
Certified Lymphoedema Therapist | Lymphatica – Lymphatic Therapy & Body Detox Facility

23/01/2026

My plans for a few days away changed due to the weather so I have opened up some appointments on Saturday 24th 10.00, 11.30, 1.00 and 2.30.
Next week I have available 11.30 on mon 26th. Tues 27th 1.30pm. Thurs 29TH 10.00 or 11.30 am. Friday 30th 10.00 or 11.30 am. Text me on 021746330 to book your next reflexology appointment. Relax Release Restore

11/01/2026

Reflexology Appointments available this coming week.
11.00 am Monday 12th.
11.30, 1.00 or 2.30 on Tuesday 13th. Thursday 14th 10.00 or 11.15.
Saturday 15th 11.30 or 1.00. Text me on 021 746 330 to book your appointment.

30/12/2025

Appointments available Friday 2nd 10.00,11.30 or 1.30.

27/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all my lovely friends and clients. 🙏 thankyou for your support this year and allowing me to have an extended time in Australia with family. Just letting you know that im only off on the stat days. So there are appointments available if you feel the need for a reflexology appointment or buying a voucher for someone special. Just text me on 021746330 to arrange. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Jenny

14/12/2025

Some more reminders of Lymphatics.

🌿 10 Non-Overwhelming Ways to Fix YOUR Lymph!

Because healing shouldn’t feel like homework — it should feel like hope.

Your lymphatic system is your body’s quiet superhero.
It cleans you.
It protects you.
It resets you.
And it LOVES small, gentle, consistent things.

Here are 10 fun, simple, joy-filled ways to support your lymph — without stress, pressure, or overwhelm.

1️⃣ Drink warm water first thing in the morning 💧✨

Cold water shocks the system.
Warm water wakes up the lymph like sunshine on a sleepy garden.

Why it works: Warmth thins lymph fluid → better drainage.

2️⃣ Breathe into your belly for 1 minute 🌬️🫶

Deep belly breathing pumps your biggest lymphatic engine:
the diaphragm.

Why it works: Each deep breath moves 60% more lymph!

3️⃣ Do 10 shoulder rolls backwards 🌀

Tension in the neck + shoulders = stuck drainage.
Roll it out gently.

Why it works: Opens the pathways around the thoracic duct — the MAIN lymph highway.

4️⃣ Swap one cold meal for a warm one today 🍲🌿

Warm = gentle
Cold = constricting

Why it works: The lymph loves warmth and hates digestive stress.

5️⃣ Bounce on your toes (even if you can’t jump!) 🦶✨

No trampoline needed.
Just gently rise onto your toes and lower back down.

Why it works: The calves are your “second heart” — they pump lymph upward.

6️⃣ Add greens to one meal today 🥬💚

Spinach, green beans, lettuce, zucchini — ANYTHING green.

Why it works: Greens contain structured water → thins lymph → reduces swelling.

7️⃣ Laugh. Yes… LAUGH. 😂🩶

Laughing moves the diaphragm, the ribs, and the intercostal fascia.

Why it works: Laughter is an emotional + physical lymph mover.

8️⃣ Put your legs up the wall for 2–3 minutes 🕊️

Not for 20 minutes.
Just 2–3.

Why it works: It reverses gravitational pressure + boosts lymph return.

9️⃣ Dry brush for 30 seconds only 🪮🌸

No 10-minute ritual needed.
Just a quick sweep toward the heart.

Why it works: Light stimulation wakes up surface lymphatics instantly.

🔟 Replace ONE inflammatory food today 🌾❌

You don’t need to change your whole diet — just one swap.

Ideas:
• Dairy → coconut milk
• Gluten → rice
• Sugar → fruit

Why it works: Less inflammation = more lymph flow.

🌙 A little reminder…

Your lymph doesn’t need perfection.
It needs consistency, kindness, and tiny moments of care.
The small things you do for your body today become the big changes you feel tomorrow.
Your healing doesn’t have to be loud.
It can be gentle.
It can be joyful.
It can be YOU. 🩷🌿

08/12/2025

Where Does the Lymph Go After Drainage?

From Puff to Flush—Your Body’s Hidden Detox Highway!

Hey Lymphies!
Ever wondered what actually happens to the lymph after your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) or dry brushing session? Where does all that puffiness and extra fluid go? Let’s take a journey through your body’s magical drainage map—because the flow doesn’t stop at your skin!

First Things First—What IS Lymph?

Lymph is a clear-ish fluid filled with:
• Water
• Proteins
• Cellular waste
• Immune cells
• Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

It’s like your body’s wastewater, and your lymphatic system is the plumbing network designed to collect it from your tissues and send it packing!

The Drainage Route (The Fun Part!)

After you stimulate your lymphatic system (through MLD, exercise, rebounding, or infrared saunas), here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Tissues → Lymph Capillaries
Lymph fluid is collected from between your cells (where waste builds up). Think of this as your body picking up trash from every neighborhood.

2. Lymph Capillaries → Collecting Vessels
These vessels have valves to push lymph forward (like a one-way street!). They move it toward central lymph nodes.

3. Nodes → Filter Party!
Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it gets filtered. Immune cells here attack bacteria, viruses, and debris.
It’s like your lymph goes through a security checkpoint!

4. Cleaned Lymph → Ducts
Filtered lymph travels to the thoracic duct (left side of your neck) or right lymphatic duct—the final stop before exiting!

5. Ducts → Subclavian Vein
Here’s the magic moment!
The ducts drain the lymph directly into your bloodstream, at the base of your neck, where the subclavian vein lives.

6. Bloodstream → Kidneys + Liver
Now the filtered lymph becomes part of your circulating blood. From here:
• Kidneys filter out water-soluble waste → p*e it out!
• Liver handles fat-soluble toxins and waste → p**p it out!

And voilà!
Your lymph just became waste… and left your body.
Flush complete!

That’s Why You Might Notice…
• More p*eing after a session
• Increased bowel movements
• Feeling thirsty
• Fatigue (your body is processing the detox!)
• Reduced swelling or puffiness

So YES—you’re not imagining it. The flush is real.

Fun Lymphie Facts:
• You have 500–700 lymph nodes in your body!
• The thoracic duct drains around 75% of your lymph!
• Your lymphatic system can move 1.5–3 liters of lymph per day with the right support!
• No heart? No pump! The lymph system depends on movement, breath, and pressure (that’s why you NEED to move!).

Support the Flush:
• Hydrate (lymph is mostly water!)
• Move daily (walking, rebounding, stretching)
• Breathe deep (diaphragmatic breathing helps move lymph!)
• Massage & MLD
• Eat clean (to reduce toxin load)

So, Where Does It Go?

In simple terms:
Lymph → Blood → Kidneys/Liver → Toilet!
Your body is brilliant. And your lymphatic system? Even more so.

So the next time you finish your session and head to the loo—give a little thanks to the silent flow keeping you well.






References / Research Links:
• Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic System Overview
• NCBI – Physiology of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal

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 health routine.

©️

22/11/2025

I love all this information on the lymphatic system. Make sure you are doing something everyday to support lymphatic flow.

🌿 80% of Your Lymph Sits Around Your Gut — Here’s Why It Matters!

Most people think the lymphatic system is mainly in the neck, armpits, or legs…
But the largest lymphatic concentration in your entire body sits quietly inside your abdomen.

Scientifically, this region is known as the GALT —
👉 Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
And it contains 70–80% of all your lymphoid and immune tissue.

That means the majority of your inflammation, detoxification and immune activity starts right in your gut lymphatics.

Let’s break down the science — and make it fun.

🔬 Why So Much Lymph Is Found in Your Gut

1. Your Gut Is Your Immune Headquarters

Around 75% of your immune cells live inside the gut wall.
Where immune cells live, lymph must surround them — because lymph transports:
• immune cells
• antibodies
• inflammatory proteins
• toxins
• bacterial fragments
• nutrients

Your gut is your body’s immune command centre, and lymph is the “communication network” that keeps it running.

2. The Cisterna Chyli: The Body’s Largest Lymph Collector

Deep in your abdomen sits a structure shaped like a soft balloon:
👉 The cisterna chyli.

It collects lymph from:
• the gut
• liver
• kidneys
• stomach
• spleen
• pancreas
• and both legs

When the gut is inflamed or sluggish, this reservoir becomes congested —
which shows up as:
• abdominal bloating
• a tight waistline
• fluid retention
• heaviness in the legs
• fatigue
• “pressure” under the ribs

This is one of the biggest reasons why gut health = lymph health.

3. The Lymphatic System Absorbs Fats From the Gut

Inside the small intestine are specialised lymph vessels called lacteals.
Their job:
👉 Absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

When these lacteals become congested:
• digestion slows
• bloating increases
• your belly feels “inflamed”
• toxins cycle back into the lymph
• fat metabolism becomes sluggish

This is why many people mistake lymphatic swelling for weight gain.

4. The Liver and Lymph Are Married

Your liver drains directly into the lymphatic system.
When the liver is overloaded, your gut lymph becomes thick, slow, and sticky.

Liver congestion causes:
• hormone recycling
• fluid retention
• inflammation
• abdominal swelling
• fatigue
• brain fog
• slower metabolism

Healing the gut means honouring the liver — and vice versa.

5. Stress Thickens Lymph Fluid

High cortisol levels directly decrease:
• lymphatic contractility
• gut motility
• abdominal drainage
• digestive enzyme production

This results in:
• a bigger belly
• puffiness
• bloating
• water retention
• constipation

Your emotions have a direct impact on your lymph.

🌿 Quick Lymph Facts (Fun + Science)

✨ Your lymph is 96% water. Even mild dehydration slows flow.
✨ Your intestines have more lymph vessels than your legs.
✨ Your lymphatic system moves up to 3 litres of fluid a day from your gut.
✨ Most “stubborn belly bloating” is lymph congestion, not fat.
✨ Deep breathing increases gut lymph flow by 10–15×.

🌿 Ways to Improve Gut Lymph Flow

✔️ Deep Belly Breathing

Your diaphragm is the pump for the cisterna chyli.

✔️ Bitter Foods

Support liver flow → supports lymph flow.

✔️ Gentle Movement After Meals

Even 5 minutes of walking improves lymph clearance.

✔️ Abdominal Lymphatic Massage

Stimulates lacteals + mesenteric nodes + cisterna chyli.

✔️ Hydration + Electrolytes

Your lymph fluid must stay thin to move.

🌿 By Bianca Botha, CLT | RLD | MLDT & CDS

🌿 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, supplements, or health regimen.

09/11/2025

Lymphatic drainage for menopause and as we age is very important. As a reflexologist we can help with reflexology lymphatic drainage on your feet to support your whole Lymphatic System.

🌿 Menopause & Your Lymphatic System: How You Can Support Both

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life — but it can bring along challenges like hot flashes, brain fog, fatigue, joint stiffness, and unwanted swelling. What many don’t realize is that the lymphatic system plays a vital role during this stage of life. Supporting it can help reduce symptoms, ease inflammation, and restore balance as your body adapts to hormonal changes.

🔄 Hormones & Lymph Flow

Estrogen and progesterone normally help maintain vascular flexibility, collagen integrity, and fluid balance. When these hormones decline in menopause:
• Lymph flow slows due to reduced elasticity in vessels.
• Fluid retention becomes more common, causing puffiness in the face, legs, and hands.
• Collagen breakdown weakens connective tissues, making lymph vessels less effective in transporting waste.
• Many women report heaviness or aching in the legs, often tied to lymph stagnation.

👉 Supporting collagen through diet (bone broth, vitamin C, and silica-rich foods like cucumbers) can help restore tissue resilience.

🌡️ Inflammation & Immune Shifts

The drop in estrogen also alters immune function. Estrogen is naturally anti-inflammatory, so its decline may trigger a state of “inflammaging” — chronic, low-grade inflammation. If lymphatic drainage is sluggish, the body struggles to:
• Clear metabolic waste and toxins,
• Maintain efficient immune surveillance,
• Prevent joint stiffness, muscle aches, and skin changes (like dryness and itching).

👉 Lymphatic drainage therapies and anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, ginger, omega-3s) can ease this burden.

🧠 Brain Fog & The Glymphatic System

Menopause often disrupts sleep cycles — whether through hot flashes, anxiety, or insomnia. Poor sleep slows the glymphatic system (the brain’s lymphatic drainage), leading to:
• Morning brain fog,
• Memory lapses,
• Daytime fatigue and irritability.

👉 Practicing sleep hygiene, deep breathing, and magnesium supplementation may help restore the brain’s cleansing rhythms.

💙 How You Can Support Both

Here’s how lifestyle meets lymphatic care during menopause:

✨ 1. Movement & Exercise – Walking, yoga, Pilates, rebounding, and swimming activate lymphatic pumping and reduce leg swelling.

✨ 2. Deep Breathing – Diaphragmatic breathing calms stress hormones (cortisol) while moving lymph through the thoracic duct.

✨ 3. Hydration – Adequate water keeps lymph fluid from becoming sticky and sluggish. Herbal teas (sage, nettle, red clover) may also support hormone balance.

✨ 4. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – Gentle therapy that stimulates lymph nodes, reduces puffiness, and improves circulation.

✨ 5. Nutrition for Hormones & Lymph –
• Omega-3s 🐟 to combat inflammation.
• Flaxseeds 🌱 and soy (phytoestrogens) to ease hormone fluctuations.
• Leafy greens & cruciferous veggies 🥦 to support liver detoxification and estrogen metabolism.
• Protein-rich foods to preserve muscle mass and metabolic function.

✨ 6. Reflexology – Reflexology lymph drainage and hormone-related points on the feet can help balance energy, improve lymph circulation, and reduce hot flashes. 🌸👣

✨ 7. Compression Garments – Professionally fitted garments can support leg circulation and prevent swelling, especially if you sit or stand for long periods.

✨ 8. Skin & Breast Care – Estrogen decline thins skin and tissues, making gentle lymphatic massage for breast health and skin brushing especially helpful.

✨ 9. Stress Management – Chronic stress worsens both hormonal imbalance and lymphatic stagnation. Try meditation, prayer, or journaling to regulate your nervous system.

✨ 10. Sleep Support – A cool room, magnesium, chamomile tea, and consistent bedtime routines restore glymphatic drainage and hormone balance.

🌸 The Takeaway

Menopause is not only a hormonal shift — it is also a lymphatic shift. By supporting your lymphatic system, you can reduce swelling, ease inflammation, clear brain fog, and improve overall resilience during this season of life.

With gentle daily steps — from nutrition to movement, lymph drainage, and self-care — you can help your body thrive through menopause with greater energy, clarity, and balance.

📌 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.

07/11/2025

Reflexology Appointments this coming week. Sunday 2.30, Monday 10th 11.30, 1.30 or 3.00pm. Wednesday 12th 3.30 pm, Thursday 13th 3.00 pm, Friday 14th 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. Saturday 15th 10.00, 11.30,1.00 or 2.30 pm. Text on 021746330 to secure your appointment time.

30/10/2025

My beautiful sister in law has returned from her long journey overseas and is offering. Reiki, access barrs, channeled readings, spiritual house clearings, forest emersion, drumming. You can contact her on 0272232656. Or connect on freya pauline Cartwright page. .

30/10/2025

A reminder to do lymphatic drainage every day.