Zen Den massage therapy

26/06/2025

26/06/2025

As an Aquacise instructor, I always sing about the healing properties of water. Walking in warm water is great as the hydrostatic pressure causes the calves to squeeze up fluid to be dispersed.

17/06/2025

With the hot weather most women over 35 struggle with excess water especially in the lower limbs. This is normal and resting legs or walking in the pool with the hydrostatic squeeze will help alleviate this, if it’s painful or you fancy a relaxing treat then a lymphatic relaxing massage will do the job. Here I have added some photos of me. As you can see I have mild edema with my ankles and lower limbs becoming very heavy throughout the day.

For others there is the ongoing issue where Swelling happens when interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells) accumulates in the tissues. This can occur due to:
• Poor lymphatic drainage (aka lymphatic congestion)
• Increased capillary permeability during inflammation
• Venous insufficiency
• Post-surgical or post-trauma tissue response
• Protein-rich fluid build-up in lymphedema

The lymphatic system’s job is to collect and transport this fluid — called lymph — back into the bloodstream. When it slows down or gets blocked, fluid stays behind and swelling happens.

Types of Swelling You Might See
1. Pitting oedema: Press a finger into the swollen area and a dent stays. Common in fluid retention and heart or kidney issues.
2. Non-pitting oedema: The tissue feels firm or rubbery. Often seen in lymphoedema, where lymphatic damage or overload occurs.
3. Inflammatory swelling: Accompanied by heat, redness, and tenderness due to immune response (think sprains or infections).

How the Lymphatic System Responds

The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs like the spleen and thymus. Its primary functions are:
• Maintaining fluid balance in tissues
• Transporting immune cells
• Filtering pathogens and debris
• Absorbing fats from the digestive system (via lacteals in the small intestine)

When fluid builds up, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can help stimulate lymphangiomotoricity (the contraction of lymph vessels), pushing fluid toward larger ducts like the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct, which return it to the venous system.

Why Is It Important to Treat Chronic Swelling?

Leaving chronic swelling untreated can lead to:
• Tissue fibrosis (thickened, hardened tissues)
• Immune dysfunction
• Pain and mobility issues
• Secondary infections like cellulitis

What You Can Do to Support Your Lymph Flow:
• Hydrate adequately
• Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing
• Dry brushing and rebounding
• Receive regular lymphatic drainage therapy
• Reduce inflammatory foods and manage gut health

31/05/2025

A relaxing massage with Aromatherapy oils. can be seated or laid on the massage couch. Starting in the upper back, shoulders, neck, head, ears, finishing off with a facial massage using Rose oil.

24/05/2025

Saturday spotlight on reflexology.
Relaxing on the warm massage couch, listening to relaxing music.

Reflexology offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction, pain relief, and improved circulation. It can also promote relaxation, enhance overall well-being, and potentially boost the immune system. ❤️your 👣

21/05/2025

I have sponsored a class at a local dog show. The loveliest lady, very apt!
Pop along and enter your dogs.

14/05/2025

“The Lymphatic System vs. Swelling:
Swelling (also called oedema) is more than just an aesthetic concern — it’s your body crying out for help. Whether it’s puffiness in your legs, arms, face or abdomen, the root cause often lies within your lymphatic system.

Swelling happens when interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells) accumulates in the tissues. This can occur due to:
• Poor lymphatic drainage (aka lymphatic congestion)
• Increased capillary permeability during inflammation
• Venous insufficiency
• Post-surgical or post-trauma tissue response
• Protein-rich fluid build-up in lymphedema

The lymphatic system’s job is to collect and transport this fluid — called lymph — back into the bloodstream. When it slows down or gets blocked, fluid stays behind and swelling happens.

Types of Swelling You Might See
1. Pitting oedema: Press a finger into the swollen area and a dent stays. Common in fluid retention and heart or kidney issues.
2. Non-pitting oedema: The tissue feels firm or rubbery. Often seen in lymphoedema, where lymphatic damage or overload occurs.
3. Inflammatory swelling: Accompanied by heat, redness, and tenderness due to immune response (think sprains or infections).

How the Lymphatic System Responds

The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs like the spleen and thymus. Its primary functions are:
• Maintaining fluid balance in tissues
• Transporting immune cells
• Filtering pathogens and debris
• Absorbing fats from the digestive system (via lacteals in the small intestine)

When fluid builds up, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can help stimulate lymphangiomotoricity (the contraction of lymph vessels), pushing fluid toward larger ducts like the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct, which return it to the venous system.

Why Is It Important to Treat Chronic Swelling?

Leaving chronic swelling untreated can lead to:
• Tissue fibrosis (thickened, hardened tissues)
• Immune dysfunction
• Pain and mobility issues
• Secondary infections like cellulitis

What You Can Do to Support Your Lymph Flow:
• Hydrate adequately
• Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing
• Dry brushing and rebounding
• Receive regular lymphatic drainage therapy
• Reduce inflammatory foods and manage gut health

Swelling is not a surface issue — it’s your lymphatic system asking for help.

09/05/2025

With the warm weather coming, this is a lovely and relaxing massage to encourage all the excess fluid in our limbs. The health benefits are enormous to reduce swelling and boost healing and if like myself you struggle with with fluid around the ankles it’s such a relief to get it moving. A blend of oils to suit you will be made up and your time to relax.

Hello, i’m Karen and I am a trained and insured massage therapist. I am ladies only. My little therapy room is in the conservatory at the back of my house.
I am dog friendly so if you can bring your dog if needed and There is parking on the drive.

06/05/2025

Have you got a stressed teenage daughter preparing for exams?
Treat her to an Indian head massage with oils to calm, relax and help her sleep.
We start with upper back, neck, head, shoulders then finishing the face with rose 🌹 oils. Available for 14 year olds upwards with parental consent.

Hello, i’m Karen and I am a trained and insured massage therapist. I am ladies only. My little therapy room is in the conservatory at the back of my house.
I am dog friendly so if you can bring your dog if needed and There is parking on the drive.

02/05/2025

This warm weather has been perfect for an aromatherapy massage. A warm couch, door open and voile panels blowing gently in the breeze, the sound of the birds and the trees to soothe your soul. With oils specially mixed for you. You can even purchase a roller ball with your favourite oils to take home and apply to your pulse points.

26/04/2025

When you have a massage with oils it helps you relax, rest, encourages sleep, ease pathways for blood and fluids to pass around the body and give that overall feeling of wellness.
Take time just for yourself x