JCG Reflexology

11/08/2025

⚖️ Did You Know Your Left Side Drains Differently to Your Right Side?
When it comes to the lymphatic system, your body isn’t symmetrical. In fact, your left side does most of the heavy lifting — and drains very differently than your right.
Let’s break it down simply, because this small detail reveals BIG things about how your body heals, detoxes, and stays balanced.
💧 The Lymph Drainage Divide
Your lymphatic system has two main drainage highways:
• 🟢 Right Lymphatic Duct (smaller)
• 🟢 Thoracic Duct (larger)
Here’s how they work:
➤ Right Side:
The right lymphatic duct drains:
• Right arm
• Right chest
• Right side of the head and neck
➡️ It empties into the right subclavian vein, which carries lymph back into your bloodstream.
➤ Left Side:
The thoracic duct (on the left) drains:
• Left arm
• Left side of the head and neck
• ENTIRE lower body (yes, both legs!)
• All abdominal and pelvic organs
➡️ It empties into the left subclavian vein and returns the bulk of lymph to circulation.
So essentially:
✔️ Your right side drains only the upper right quadrant
✔️ Your left side handles everything else
🧬 Why Does This Matter?
1. More Fluid = More Traffic on the Left
The thoracic duct drains up to 75% of your total lymphatic fluid.
This includes lymph from your liver, gut, reproductive organs, and legs.
So if your left side feels puffier, heavier, or more tender — that’s no coincidence.
2. Left-Sided Congestion Can Affect Full-Body Detox
Because the left side is responsible for draining your major organs (especially the gut and liver), blockage or sluggishness here can show up as:
• Brain fog
• Bloating
• Hormonal imbalances
• Fatigue
• Swollen ankles
• Pelvic or left shoulder tension
3. Therapeutic Lymph Drainage Follows the Flow
Trained lymphatic therapists always work toward the drainage points—the left and right subclavian veins.
💆‍♀️ This is why in manual lymph drainage:
• The left collarbone area is opened first to create space in the thoracic duct
• Movements guide fluid across the body’s midline if needed
🛠️ How to Support Left-Side Drainage at Home
Even at home, you can help your left side do its job:
• Start your dry brushing or body tapping near the left collarbone
• Do deep diaphragmatic breathing — this massages the thoracic duct internally
• Stretch your left side (side bends, twists, shoulder rolls)
• Use castor oil packs over the liver or abdomen to reduce pressure on lymph nodes
• Lie on your left side during rest to encourage gravitational flow
🌟 The Takeaway
Your lymphatic system isn’t just a fluid network — it’s a beautifully asymmetrical, intelligent design.
By understanding the unique drainage paths of your left and right sides, you can work with your body — not against it.
And remember:
🩵 When in doubt, open the left collarbone. It’s your body’s biggest lymph gateway.
🌿 The image is for illustration purposes

14/05/2025

I did my RLD (reflexology lymphatic drainage) training with Sally Kay 10 years ago. It’s still clients favourite treatment 👣💚

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.

©️

12/05/2025

Reflexology works on the lymphatic system and can help with those problems

“The Lymphatic System vs. Swelling: What’s Really Happening?”

Understanding Oedema, Inflammation, and Lymphatic Drainage

Written by Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT.

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.

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.

Let’s break down what’s really going on underneath the skin…

What Causes Swelling?

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 (yes, more water = better lymph!)
• 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 a lymphatic cry for help!

Understanding the physiology behind puffiness empowers you to support your body’s drainage system and move toward healing.

Let your lymph flow free — your health depends on it!

Let’s drain it right, Lymphies!
Stay hydrated, stay moving, and stay informed!
Your lymph is your life force!
🫀💧🌿✨

©️

11/05/2025

“Hormones & the Lymphatic System: The Hidden Link That Balances Your Body”
By Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT

(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.)

When we think about hormones, we often focus on glands like the thyroid, ovaries, adrenal glands, or pancreas. And when we think about the lymphatic system, we picture swelling, detox, and immune function.

But what if I told you these two systems are more connected than you think—and that a sluggish lymph system can deeply affect your hormone balance?

Let’s explore how your hormonal health is supported, regulated, and sometimes disrupted by your lymphatic flow.
💧🧬🌿

The Endocrine System in a Nutshell 🧠💡

Your endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These chemical messengers regulate:

• Metabolism 🔥
• Stress response ⚡
• Reproduction 🧡
• Sleep cycles 🌙
• Mood ☀️
• Blood sugar 🍬
• Growth and development 🌱

Every hormone must reach its target, be used effectively, and then be broken down and excreted. And that’s where the lymphatic system comes in.

How the Lymphatic System Influences Hormones 🔄💧

1. Hormone Transportation & Waste Clearance

Hormones travel via blood and interstitial fluid, which drains into the lymphatic system. After use, byproducts and excess hormones must be cleared via lymph vessels, the liver, and kidneys.

When lymph flow is congested, hormone metabolites can accumulate, causing:
• Estrogen dominance ♀️
• PMS symptoms
• Thyroid sluggishness 🦋
• Adrenal fatigue

2. Estrogen & Lymphatic Congestion

Estrogen is fat-soluble and must be detoxified via the liver and excreted through lymphatic elimination. A blocked lymph system = estrogen recirculation = hormonal chaos.

Common signs include:
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Heavy/irregular periods
• Weight gain around hips & thighs ⚖️

3. Thyroid and Lymph Flow

Your thyroid gland is surrounded by cervical lymph nodes. Chronic inflammation like Hashimoto’s may slow lymph drainage in the neck and chest, impairing thyroid hormone conversion.

Look out for:
• Puffy face
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Cold sensitivity ❄️
• Fatigue & brain fog

4. Adrenal Stress & Lymphatic Overload

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which suppresses immunity and slows lymph flow. Over time, lymphatic stagnation worsens due to poor circulation and adrenal fatigue.

Possible signs:
• Morning stiffness
• Water retention 💧
• Frequent illness
• Anxiety or irritability

Lymphatic Organs with Hormonal Roles ⚙️🧬

• Thymus gland: Supports T-cell development and early hormonal balance.
• Spleen: Assists in hormone breakdown and recycling.
• Peyer’s patches: In the gut, involved in immune–hormone signaling.
• Adipose tissue: Produces leptin, estrogen, and others—must be drained properly by the lymphatic system to avoid imbalances.

How Hormones Affect Lymph Flow (Two-Way Street!) ⬅️➡️

• Estrogen increases blood vessel permeability → more lymphatic load.
• Progesterone has anti-inflammatory effects → improves lymph flow.
• Thyroid hormones stimulate lymphatic pumping.
• Insulin resistance causes inflammation → slows lymph flow.

How to Support Hormonal & Lymphatic Harmony

Here’s how you can nourish both systems together:
1. Move your body daily – walking, stretching, rebounding 🚶‍♀️🕺
2. Support liver detox – especially for estrogen metabolism 🌿
3. Stay hydrated – lymph is 95% water 💦
4. Lymphatic therapies – dry brushing, MLD, infrared sauna
5. Eat fiber-rich foods – to eliminate hormone waste
6. Balance your blood sugar – stable glucose = stable hormones
7. Support your gut – healthy gut = estrogen clearance & balance

Fascinating Facts 🧠✨

• Your lymphatic system drains every hormone-producing gland!
• Monthly bloating or breast pain? Could be lymph stagnation.
• Estrogen can influence lymphatic vessel contractility.
• Hormone imbalances often correlate with axillary & inguinal node congestion.

Final Thoughts

If your hormones feel “off,” your lymphatic system might be whispering for help. These two systems are intricately connected—when one struggles, the other compensates.

By supporting your lymph gently, daily, and consistently—you invite balance, vitality, and inner harmony. Because hormonal health isn’t just about glands…
It’s about the flow that holds it all together.
🩷🌿💧

©️

15/12/2024

It is official. I am now a Cranial Reflexology Practitioner 😀💆🏼‍♀️💆🏻

30/10/2024

The vagus nerve runs from the base of your brain and every organ in the body.

It organises the parasympathetic nervous system plays a role in heart rate, immune response, digestion, and overall mood.

Low vagal tone is associated with inability to emotionally regulate and low stress tolerance.

High vagal tone is associated with flexibility, feelings of connectedness, and ability bounce back or find solutions to stress.

13/05/2024

In reflexology, each point on your feet relates to a corresponding point in the body - be it a muscle, an organ, a gland or nerve (in this photo, I am working the pituitary gland reflex point). By holding, manipulating, stimulating or sedating a reflex point, we reflexologists aim to affect a positive change in that area of the body and to support the body to function more efficiently and effectively. Each person who comes gets a different treatment and each treatment you receive will be different too, depending on your needs that day.

It is so much more than a foot rub!!!

To book yourself in for an appointment, call, text or message me 💚👣💚👣

07759273768
www.jcgreflexology.com

14/02/2024

Did you know that you shouldn’t use certain essential oils when having cancer treatment or are in remission? I have special aromatherapy training that I use during massage and reflexology treatments

11/02/2024

***Exciting news***

New treatment coming soon
Auricular (ear) reflexology and ear seeds

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68028447?fbclid=IwAR3jCweu9PFF7jc4VMNF2WntmPVEWcrS2HeY1wFhpxjXB1WnzbtUdIDWwaA_aem_AfAK2XEMdRDG5fr5LMbKOeBWaPvCuX4mSEqOtAeko7EtwelMMk1jr1yEXvFBu50hLaw

Giselle Boxer, from Sheffield, becomes the first contestant to receive an offer from every Dragon.

19/01/2024

Winterproof your immune system with reflexology and allow yourself to be gently put in perfect balance 🙏 👣💚