Mirasol Therapies

20/10/2025

🌐 The Fascinating World of Fascia & Lymph Flow

Fascia is one of the most underrated yet extraordinary systems in the human body — a continuous, three-dimensional web of connective tissue that wraps around every organ, muscle, nerve, and vessel. It’s the fabric that literally holds you together.

When fascia is hydrated, elastic, and mobile, it allows seamless communication and movement between tissues. When it’s tight, inflamed, or dehydrated, it becomes sticky — restricting lymphatic flow, compressing vessels, and slowing detoxification.

💧 Fascia: The Hidden Highway of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system depends on fascia to move fluid efficiently. Your superficial lymphatic capillaries sit just beneath the skin — embedded in the fascial layers. When the fascia glides freely, lymph can flow easily toward deeper collectors and nodes.

But when fascia is bound by inflammation, trauma, poor posture, or lack of movement, it creates stagnation zones — areas where lymph fluid can’t drain properly. These stagnant areas are often where we see:
🌀 Puffiness or swelling
🔥 Local inflammation
⚡ Pain or hypersensitivity
🌫️ Heaviness or fatigue

In essence, tight fascia equals sluggish lymph.

🧠 The Organ Connection

Fascia isn’t just structural — it’s neurologically alive. It contains sensory nerves, mechanoreceptors, and immune cells that constantly communicate with your brain and organs.

When fascial restrictions occur around the liver, gut, or diaphragm, they can affect detoxification, digestion, and even breathing. The visceral fascia (that surrounding internal organs) connects directly to the lymphatic network, influencing:
• Hepatic lymph drainage (liver detox)
• Intestinal lymph (gut immunity and fat absorption)
• Thoracic duct flow (major lymph outflow into venous circulation)

This means that your lymph flow mirrors your fascial health.

🧍‍♀️ How to Support Healthy Fascia & Lymph

Fascia thrives on movement, hydration, and manual stimulation.
Here’s how to keep both systems thriving:
💦 Hydrate deeply – water and minerals keep fascial fibers supple.
🌬️ Breathe fully – diaphragmatic breathing pumps the thoracic duct.
🖐️ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – gently lifts and glides fascia, restoring flow.
🏃‍♀️ Movement & stretching – walking, yoga, or rebounding mobilize the fascial matrix.
🛁 Heat & hydration therapies – like Epsom baths and castor oil packs help release fascial tension and aid lymph movement.

Fascia is not just a tissue — it’s a communication network, a hydraulic system, and a reflection of how freely energy and emotion move through your body.

✨ When fascia flows, lymph flows — and when lymph flows, healing follows. 🌿

Written by:
Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT, CDS
Founder – Lymphatica: Lymphatic Therapy & Body Detox Facility



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.

19/10/2025

HOW REFLEXOLOGY CAN HELP YOU 👣👣👣🌻🌻🌻

As reflexologists we are very restricted by the Advertising Standards Authority on how we are allowed to advertise its benefits.

This is what we are allowed to say:

1. ‘Reflexology helps with Relaxation’ - however there is more to it:
a) the relaxation response is the body’s ability to release chemicals and brain signals to relax muscles and organs and increase blood flow to the brain
b) the relaxation response lowers the production of stress hormones, e.g. adrenaline
c) this lowers the blood pressure which leads to increased energy, decreased fatigue, increased motivation, concentration, productivity and better decision making.

2. ‘Reflexology helps with Sleep’:
Poor sleep causes irritability, anxiety and stress. Poor sleep also leads to reduced immune function and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

3. ‘Reflexology helps release Tension’:
a) tension causes mechanical restrictions and fluid movement and circulation is slowed or blocked by muscle tension
b) people who are stressed have elevated muscle tension, so in releasing the tension you are also aiding in the release of stress.

4. ‘Reflexology helps Improve your Mood’:
a) Mood improvement helps you build mental resilience and the ability to adapt to adversity and stress
b) Mood improvement affects your relationships with others - if you feel happier, you become happier.

5. ‘Reflexology increases your feelings of Wellbeing’:
Wellbeing is not simply an absence of illness it is much more, including a positive physical, mental and social state. Reflexology and reflexologists are ‘well-being improvers’.

6. ‘Reflexology improves your Perception of Health’:
Having a course of reflexology sessions may make lead to problems appearing less significant, leading to a more positive attitude and to your feeling better overall.

Looked at from this perspective, reflexology can make a tremendous difference in your life. 👣👣🌻🌻😀😀

I have gift vouchers available all year round for those special occasions like birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s as well as special Christmas vouchers for the upcoming festive season. To find out more about how to obtain vouchers from me or to book a reflexology session, call, text or email me.

Contact details are on my Mirasol Therapies page or my website: https:www.lizflynn.com.

Looking forward to hearing from you! 🌻🌻👣👣🌻🌻👣👣

18/10/2025

💫 WHEN INFLAMMATION BECOMES STUCK — AND YOUR LYMPH CAN’T FLOW 🌿

We’ve all felt it: that deep puffiness, the ache in the joints, the heavy fatigue that no amount of coffee or naps can fix ☕😴
That’s your body whispering — or sometimes shouting — that inflammation has gone from temporary healing to chronic stagnation.

Let’s dive into what’s really happening inside your body 👇

🔥 INFLAMMATION — THE BODY’S FIRST RESPONDER

Inflammation isn’t the villain we think it is. It’s your body’s emergency team. 🚑
When you get injured or exposed to toxins, immune cells rush to the site to repair and defend.
For a short time, swelling and heat are actually signs that your body is working perfectly.

But when that inflammation doesn’t drain out — that’s where the trouble begins.

💧 THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM’S ROLE

Think of your lymphatic system as the clean-up crew after the storm. 🌦️
It drains the excess fluid, carries away the inflammatory waste, and brings the body back to balance.

But if your lymph is sluggish — due to stress, dehydration, tight fascia, poor gut health, or lack of movement —
those inflammatory molecules can get stuck in your tissues.

The result?
🌿 Chronic pain
🌿 Fatigue
🌿 Puffiness
🌿 Brain fog
🌿 Autoimmune flares

⚖️ THE ROOT CAUSE APPROACH

When inflammation becomes “stuck,” we need to restore flow, not just fight the fire. 🔥➡️💧

Here’s how to gently reset that balance:

🌸 1. Support lymphatic flow: daily movement, MLD, dry brushing, gentle rebounding.
💧 2. Hydrate deeply: electrolytes and trace minerals keep your lymph fluid thin.
🥦 3. Calm your gut: 70% of your immune system sits there — support it with anti-inflammatory foods.
🌙 4. Rest + regulate: deep breathing and sleep activate lymph drainage through the glymphatic system in your brain.
🫖 5. Support your liver: it’s the final stop for lymphatic waste — think milk thistle, dandelion, and bitter greens.

🌿 REMEMBER

Inflammation isn’t your enemy.
It’s a messenger — reminding you to pause, release, and restore your flow. 💚

Your body isn’t broken — it’s communicating.
When we listen with compassion, healing begins. ✨

👩‍⚕️ Written by Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT & CDS
Founder of Lymphatica – Lymphatic Therapy & Body Detox Facility

📚 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.

09/10/2025

Bianca’s knowledge about the lymphatic system is second to none. If you are having trouble with your immune system, have fibromyalgia, sinusitis or anything else normally treated with Manual lymphatic drainage, then RLD is a great alternative as it works with the body at a distance from the site of the issues.
Contact me if you think I can help.
🌻👣👣👣🌻🌻🌻

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.

©️

05/10/2025

SEASONAL CHANGES: AUTUMN 🍁🍁🍁

Whenever the seasons change it can affect your mood and your sleep. The change from summer to autumn seems to be a particularly challenging time for some, with cooler temperatures, less sunshine, darker mornings and evenings (less light) more rainy weather and these often occur in conjunction with more aches and pains……

SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a well known phenomenon and is usually worse in the autumn and winter months. Two things we can definitely make claims for with reflexology treatments is improved sleep and improved mood. It also relieves tension and stress and increases your general well-being. In fact any therapy which aims to rebance your whole system would be good including my unique Energy Balance Healing treatment.

If you feel out of balance, down in the dumps, tired, achey or just simply bleh then give me a call, send me a text or an email and give yourself a boost and rebalance. You won’t regret it. Don’t forget if you belong to a cashback healthcare plan you will most likely be able to claim money back for reflexology if you book with me as I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists and they accept treatments from AoR members.

🌻🌻🌻👣👣👣💆🏼‍♀️💆🏻💆‍♂️ Mirasol Therapies
https:www.lizflynn.com

04/10/2025

Yes indeed….

Most people think productivity comes from grinding harder, but your brain isn’t a machine—it’s biology. 🧠 When you move, you pump oxygen and nutrients that wake up your neurons.

That’s why a short walk often gives you the “aha!” moment hours at your desk never will. Next time you feel stuck, don’t push through—step out, reset, and let movement do the work.

01/10/2025

UPDATE:
Only one appointment left:
Thursday 30th Oct, 10am 🌻🌻

I am now taking bookings for October. Appointments available are:

Tues 7th 2.30pm
Wed 8th 11.15am and 2.30pm
Tues14th 2.30pm
Thurs 16th 10am and 2.15pm
Friday 17th 11am and 2.30pm
Tues 21st 2.30pm
Wed 29th 11.15am and 2.30pm
Thursday 30th 10am

Just call, text or email me to book your session. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

29/09/2025

OCTOBER IS MENOPAUSE AWARENESS MONTH

Transitioning through the menopause is a tough time for most women especially those supporting children and parents as well. It may seem difficult to take time for self -care but if you don’t you might experience burnout. It is a challenging time.

Reflexology or Energy Balance Healing (my own unique treatment) could help you through. It is really worth making time for yourself as you will find that you can cope more easily. I can also give you tips and techniques to do in between your treatments, which means if you can only see me once a month then you will have tools at hand to do something for yourself.
Why not give me a call and go on your journey to feeling more in charge of your life rather than feeling you are bouncing around between work, family and other commitments.

22/09/2025

WORLD REFLEXOLOGY WEEK 2025 IS HERE!

All around the world every September Reflexologists celebrate their fantastic therapy - fast becoming one of the most used complementary therapies available. Whilst we are not allowed to make any more claims for it than those shown below, experience and research tells us that it can help with far more.

Even by improvements in the things shown below can have knock on effects for things like acute and chronic pain and fatigue, for example, as well as supporting menopausal symptoms and lymphatic conditions (particularly with the use of Reflexology Lymph Drainage also known as RLD, which was developed following the protocols of manual lymph drainage). See the website for further information:
https://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk

As a full member of the Association of Reflexologists for 13 years, you can be sure of a professional treatment from me with the reassurance that I am fully qualified and insured, and improve my skills all the time through required continuing professional development by the AoR. Most cash-back healthcare plans include Reflexology if provided by a member of the AoR or another professional organisation.

If you have never tried reflexology before, but want to give it a try, or if you had it years ago but feel it’s time for more just get in touch…
Call, text or email me for your reflexology journey.
https://www.lizflynn.com
Mirasol Therapies

18/09/2025

Another fantastic article by Bianca. She has such in depth knowledge of the Lymphatic System and its importance in the human body. With no internal pump (as compared to the cardiovascular system which has the ❤️ to pump blood around the body) it needs movement and exercise to move it around and help clear out the waste matter from the body. If your ability to exercise is compromised in some way then lymph drainage massage or Reflexology Lymph Drainage, which I practise, can be of help.
https://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk

🌿 10 Fascinating & Little-Known Facts About the Lymphatic System

Because what you don’t know about your lymph can change everything.

The lymphatic system is often the forgotten sibling of the circulatory and immune systems. It’s silent, invisible, and yet absolutely vital to life. It moves three liters of lymph daily, clears cellular waste, helps regulate immunity, and even plays a role in emotions and cognition. But beyond the basics, the lymphatic system holds some remarkable secrets.

Here are 10 lesser-known, research-backed facts about this incredible system:

1️⃣ You Have Two Circulatory Systems—Not One

The blood vascular system and the lymphatic system are both networks of vessels, but while the heart pumps blood, lymph has no central pump. It relies on:
• Muscle movement
• Breath
• Gravity
• Pulsation from arteries

🧠 Without this flow, toxins, waste, and immune cells accumulate—leading to fatigue, swelling, and systemic inflammation.

2️⃣ The Brain Has a Lymphatic System (Glymphatic)

Until 2015, scientists believed the brain had no lymphatic drainage. We now know that the glymphatic system (glial + lymphatic) is a cerebral waste clearance pathway that:
• Cleans toxins like beta-amyloid (linked to Alzheimer’s)
• Operates best during deep sleep
• Uses cerebrospinal fluid to “wash” the brain

🧬 Nedergaard et al., 2015 – Glymphatic flow increases 60% during non-REM sleep.
Reference: Science Translational Medicine

3️⃣ Lymph Is Part of Your Fat Absorption System

The lacteals (tiny lymphatic vessels in your small intestine) absorb fats from your food and transport them into your bloodstream. Without a healthy lymphatic system, fat metabolism and nutrient transport are impaired.

🍳 This is why gut healing and lymphatic drainage often go hand-in-hand.

4️⃣ 80% of Your Immune System Lives in Lymph

Your lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, Peyer’s patches, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are rich with immune cells. This is where:
• T cells mature
• B cells activate
• Pathogens are captured

Your lymphatic system is not just drainage—it’s defense.

5️⃣ Emotions Can Stagnate Your Lymph

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which constricts lymph vessels. Trauma, fear, and unresolved emotional patterns may:
• Restrict diaphragmatic breathing
• Freeze fascia and fluid mobility
• Reduce parasympathetic (rest/digest) activity

🌀 Fascial therapists and trauma-informed bodyworkers frequently observe emotional releases during lymphatic stimulation.

6️⃣ Lymphatic Flow Affects Skin Health

Stagnant lymph can manifest as:
• Puffy face and eyes
• Acne or skin congestion
• Slow wound healing
• Dull or uneven skin tone

When the lymph flows freely, it clears waste and inflammatory molecules—leaving your skin radiant.

7️⃣ The Thoracic Duct Handles 75% of Lymph Drainage

Your entire left side, both legs, and abdominal lymph all drain through one duct—the thoracic duct—into the left subclavian vein. Blockage or stagnation here causes:
• Bloating
• Left-sided swelling
• Hormonal imbalance
• Toxic backup

8️⃣ The Lymph System Talks to Hormones

Lymph nodes and vessels are sensitive to hormonal changes, especially:
• Estrogen
• Cortisol
• Thyroid hormones

This is why premenstrual fluid retention, cortisol belly, or post-thyroidectomy swelling may all have a lymphatic component.

9️⃣ The Lymph System Has Its Own Microbiome

Recent research has identified that lymphatic tissues house microbial colonies that may influence:
• Immune function
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune risk

🦠 Lymphatic microbiome studies are in early stages, but could reshape our understanding of chronic immune dysregulation.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology, 2022

🔟 Lymph Stimulation Can Improve Mental Health

Supporting lymph flow with MLD, dry brushing, or movement has been shown to:
• Reduce brain fog
• Alleviate anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Enhance clarity

This is partly due to the glymphatic system, but also the impact of detox and reduced inflammation on neurotransmitter balance.

🌟 Final Thoughts: The Silent River of Life

The lymphatic system may be silent, but it’s never still. It’s the body’s internal purification river, its immune messenger highway, and its emotional drainage canal.

The more we understand it, the more we see that many health struggles—chronic illness, fatigue, hormone imbalance, even trauma—are rooted in lymphatic stagnation.

When the lymph flows, you glow. 🌿

📚 Selected References:
• Nedergaard M. et al. (2015). Glymphatic System and the Brain. Science Translational Medicine.
• Aspelund A. et al. (2015). A dural lymphatic vascular system in the brain. Nature.
• Oliver G. et al. (2021). Lymphatic Vasculature in Health and Disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation.
• Wang Y. et al. (2022). Lymphatic Microbiome and Immunomodulation. Frontiers in Immunology.

🩺 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 regimen.

©️

15/09/2025

UPDATE: Friday 26th no longer available.

APPOINTMENTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 🌻🌻👣👣🌻🌻

Thursday 18th 10am
Friday 19th 2.15pm
Thursday 25th 11am
Friday 26th 2.15pm
Tuesday 30th 3pm

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

It’s World Reflexology Week from 22nd to 28th September - a great time to have some Reflexology if you have never had it before, or to take some time for self care if you are thinking of returning for some treatments.

Don’t forget if you have a healthcare cashback policy you may be able to claim some money back on your Reflexology treatments with me.
Full list of companies offering thiMirasol Therapiespost on my page, Mirasol Therapies.

Call or text me on 07792 742283 or mail me at lizf@mirasol.co.uk

👣👣🌻🌻