Moonstone Healing Therapies

22/09/2025

🙌 Self-Massage for Lymphatic Drainage – Do’s & Don’ts

Self-massage for lymphatic drainage can be a powerful way to support your body between professional treatments. But because the lymphatic system is so delicate, it’s important to know what to do — and what not to do.

✅ DO: Best Practices

✨ Be Gentle
• Use very light pressure (like stroking a cat). Lymph vessels sit just under the skin — pressing too hard actually closes them.

✨ Start at the Neck & Chest
• Always begin by clearing the “exit points” (supraclavicular area at the collarbones, then the sides of the neck). This creates space for fluid from further down.

✨ Work Proximal to Distal
• Open central nodes first (neck, armpits, groin) before moving fluid from arms, legs, or face.

✨ Follow the Direction of Flow
• Always stroke toward the nearest lymph node region (e.g., legs toward groin, arms toward armpits).

✨ Use Rhythm & Repetition
• Gentle, slow, repeated movements are more effective than random rubbing.

✨ Support with Breathwork
• Deep belly breathing stimulates the thoracic duct — your body’s largest lymphatic highway.

❌ DON’T: Common Mistakes

🚫 Don’t Press Hard
• Lymph vessels collapse under pressure. Think “gentle stretch of the skin,” not deep tissue massage.

🚫 Don’t Skip the Exits
• If you only massage your swollen ankles without first clearing the groin/abdominal nodes, fluid has nowhere to go.

🚫 Don’t Work When Very Ill or Infected
• Avoid self-massage if you have a fever, acute infection, or unexplained swelling — always check with your doctor first.

🚫 Don’t Rush
• Quick, aggressive movements stimulate blood circulation, not lymph drainage. Slow is key.

🚫 Don’t Forget Hydration
• Lymph needs fluid to move. Without hydration, massage is less effective.

🌸 Final Tip

Self-massage is best for maintenance and light support. For chronic swelling, lymphedema, or post-surgical care, always seek help from a certified lymphatic therapist for safety and deeper results.

21/09/2025

🌾 Gluten & Your Lymphatic System: What’s the Connection?

We all know gluten is a hot topic — some people handle it just fine, while others bloat up like a balloon 🎈 after a single slice of bread. But have you ever thought about what it’s doing to your lymphatic system?

Let’s break it down in a fun, but factual way 👇

1. Gluten = Gut Gatekeeper Trouble 🚪
• Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye.
• In sensitive people (think celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, autoimmune issues, or leaky gut), gluten can make the gut lining more permeable.
• This means undigested particles slip through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
• Guess who has to clean up that mess? Your lymphatic system, especially the gut lymph (lacteals and Peyer’s patches).

2. Lymphatic Overload = Swelling & Fatigue 🌊
• The lymph system is like the body’s waste-management crew.
• When gluten causes gut inflammation, the lymph nodes in your abdomen (mesenteric nodes) light up like alarm bells. 🔔
• This can trigger:
• Puffy face / hands
• Swelling in ankles/feet
• “Food hangovers” (fatigue after eating bread/pasta)

3. Immune Activation 🛡️
• Gluten exposure in sensitive people = immune cells rushing in.
• Lymph nodes act as immune command centers.
• Chronic stimulation → enlarged nodes, sluggish drainage, systemic inflammation.
• That’s why some notice brain fog, joint pain, or water retention after gluten meals.

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4. Why Some People Don’t Notice 🍕
• Not everyone has gluten sensitivity.
• But for those with autoimmune conditions (like thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), the lymphatic system is already inflamed. Gluten can pour fuel on the fire. 🔥

🌿 Takeaway
• Gluten isn’t the enemy for everyone.
• But if you notice bloating, swelling, sinus issues, or fatigue after eating it, your lymphatic system might be waving a red flag. 🚩
• Supporting your lymph = hydration, movement, dry brushing, and sometimes, yes, reducing gluten can make a huge difference.

✨ Fun fact: Your lymphatic system carries fat molecules from gluten-containing foods via the lacteals. If those fats are tied up with inflammation, it’s like delivering a greasy package with a side of toxins — not fun for your lymph!

20/09/2025

🌿✨ Why Does One Armpit Smell More Than the Other? ✨🌿

If you’ve ever noticed that one armpit smells stronger than the other — you’re not alone! And no, your body isn’t broken. There are actually some fascinating reasons for this:

1️⃣ Lymphatic Flow
Your armpits are packed with lymph nodes. If one side is more congested, it can affect how waste and toxins move out, leading to stronger odor.

2️⃣ Sweat Gland Activity
We all have apocrine glands in our underarms (the ones linked to odor). Sometimes one side simply has more active glands.

3️⃣ Dominant Side
Are you right- or left-handed? The arm you use most often (carrying bags, writing, lifting) works harder → more sweat → more odor.

4️⃣ Bacteria Balance
Sweat itself doesn’t smell — bacteria breaking it down does. The skin microbiome can differ from one armpit to the other, giving you a “smelly side.”

💡 What can help?
• Stay hydrated to thin out lymph flow 💧
• Gentle dry brushing or self-massage around the armpits
• Natural deodorant that balances bacteria 🌸
• Support your lymph daily with movement & breathing 🌬️

So next time you notice one armpit stronger than the other — remember, it’s your body sending signals. A little lymph love can go a long way 💚

In fact since changing my diet and making my own deodorant, I don’t smell anymore. Bonus!!!

19/09/2025

🎈 Bra’s & Your Lymphatic System 🎈

We wear them. We fight with them. We secretly fling them across the room the second we get home. Yes—bras. But have you ever thought about what your bra is doing to your lymphatic system? 👀

Your lymphatic system is your body’s quiet cleaning crew—working 24/7 to clear out waste, keep your immune system sharp, and make sure your fluids are flowing smoothly. So what happens when your bra joins the party? Let’s break it down with some science… and a little humor.

🎈 1. Restriction of Lymphatic Flow

That tight underwire bra? Think of it like putting a traffic jam on your body’s natural “highway of healing.” 🚦
When lymph nodes under your arms or around your chest get squished, the lymph fluid can’t drain properly. This can leave your body feeling a little “clogged up”—like forgetting to take the trash out for a week.

🎈 2. Lymphatic Drainage Areas

Your axillary lymph nodes (those little bean-shaped nodes in your armpits) are responsible for draining fluid from your chest, breasts, and arms. If your bra is too tight here, it’s like closing the exit ramps on a busy freeway. No one likes a road closure—especially your lymph! 🚧

🎈 3. Breast Health

Healthy lymph flow = happy breasts. 🌸
Some researchers suggest that when lymph flow is restricted, it might contribute to breast tenderness or swelling. While the science is still evolving, one thing’s for sure: your breasts will thank you for letting them breathe.

🎈 4. Fitting and Material

Bras aren’t the enemy—it’s the wrong bra that causes drama. 🕵️‍♀️
Opt for well-fitted bras made from breathable fabric. If your bra leaves red marks like it’s trying to brand you, that’s your sign to size up or switch styles.

🎈 5. Movement = Lymphatic Flow

Here’s the fun part: your lymph LOVES movement. Jumping, dancing, stretching, laughing—yes, even laughing—helps keep lymph fluid flowing. 😂
So if your bra is so tight that you can’t bust out a dance move or reach for the top shelf, it’s time for a rethink.

Fun Fact 🎉

Did you know? Some women call that magical moment of unclipping their bra the “second coming of oxygen.” And guess what? Your lymphatic system probably agrees.

✨ Takeaway: Bras should support, not strangle. Choose comfort, let your lymph flow, and remember—it’s not you, it’s the bra.

19/09/2025

💚 10 Reasons Why Your Lymphatic System Should Be Part of Your Self-Care Routine

1. It’s Your Body’s Natural Detox System
No need for trendy cleanses — your lymphatic system is designed to sweep out toxins, cellular waste, and unwanted materials every day!

2. It Keeps Your Immune System in Fighting Shape 🦠

Lymph nodes are like security guards, scanning and filtering invaders. A sluggish lymph system means your immune army might miss the threat!

3. It Reduces Puffiness & Water Retention 💧
Swollen face, bloated belly, or heavy legs? That’s lymphatic fluid saying “help me out!” Gentle drainage = visible results.

4. It Doesn’t Have a Pump — So You Have to Move It!

Unlike your heart, your lymph needs YOU to get it flowing. Think movement, breathwork, dry brushing, or lymphatic massage.

5. Healthy Lymph = Healthy Skin ✨
Breakouts, dullness, and rashes often start with internal stagnation. A clean lymph = a clear glow.

6. It Helps You Recover Faster 🏃‍♀️
Post-workout soreness or inflammation? Your lymph clears lactic acid and sp*eds up muscle repair.

7. It Balances Your Fluid Levels ⚖️
Lymph constantly works to drain excess fluid from tissues — preventing swelling and heaviness.

8. It Supports Mental Clarity 🧠
Brain fog? Your lymph (and glymphatic system in the brain) helps clear waste while you sleep. A backed-up system = sluggish thoughts.

9. It’s Tied to Hormone Balance
The lymph helps transport and clear hormones — especially estrogen. If it’s congested, you might feel bloated, moody, or off-cycle.

10. It’s the Hidden Key to Long-Term Vitality 🌿
Most people don’t even think about their lymph until it’s overloaded. But a flowing lymph system = energized, vibrant, and light living.

18/09/2025

As many of you know I am currently on holiday in Tenerife. (Until tomorrow ☹️)
And as many of you know, I love trees.

I saw this tree growing by the sea and had to get a picture of it.

Isn’t she just beautiful?! 😍

When you sit still and look at the beauty that’s all around us, you really do start to appreciate the small things in life.

18/09/2025

As from Monday my lovely clients will receive a loyalty card.

On the 6th Stamp you will get 15 minutes free at the end of your treatment, maybe a chance to try something new?!

This is a big thank you to all my lovely regulars, you really are the backbone of Moonstone Healing Therapies. 🥰

18/09/2025

💥 Busted! 10 Lymphatic Drainage Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Lymphatic drainage therapy has taken the wellness world by storm — and while that’s a great thing, it’s also opened the floodgates to some wild misconceptions. From “you’ll p*e out toxins immediately” to “it’s just a fancy massage,” it’s time to set the record straight.

Let’s bust the biggest myths with science-backed facts — because your lymph deserves the truth! 💚

1️⃣ MYTH: Lymphatic drainage is just a relaxing massage

🧠 TRUTH: It’s a precise, rhythmic medical therapy that stimulates lymphatic vessels — not muscles.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) follows anatomical pathways, uses feather-light pressure, and is designed to decongest lymph fluid, not knead out knots. It’s used post-surgery, in lymphedema care, and in chronic inflammation conditions.

2️⃣ MYTH: You need to feel pressure for it to work

🚫 TRUTH: Too much pressure collapses lymphatic capillaries!

The initial lymphatic vessels lie just beneath the skin. Gentle, skin-stretching movements activate flow. If it feels like a deep tissue massage — it’s not lymph drainage.

3️⃣ MYTH: Your lymphatic system doesn’t really affect your immune system

🦠 TRUTH: Lymph IS your immune highway!

Your lymph nodes filter pathogens, produce immune cells (T cells, B cells, macrophages), and alert your body to invaders. Without good lymph flow, immune surveillance slows dramatically.

4️⃣ MYTH: You only need lymph drainage if you have swelling or lymphedema

💧 TRUTH: Anyone can benefit — especially in today’s toxic, high-stress world.

Poor lymph flow contributes to:
• Brain fog
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin breakouts
• Headaches
• Hormonal imbalance
It’s a foundational detox system — not just for visible swelling.

5️⃣ MYTH: You’ll instantly p*e out toxins after a session

🚽 TRUTH: While urination may increase, detox happens gradually via the kidneys, liver, and skin.

The lymphatic system delivers waste to detox organs, which then do the excretion work. There’s no magical “flush moment” — but yes, your body will start working more efficiently!

6️⃣ MYTH: Lymph only drains toward the heart

⬆️ TRUTH: Not always!

Most lymph drains toward the venous angles near the collarbones, not directly to the heart. Also, anastomotic pathways allow redirection (e.g., from an arm to the groin if nodes are missing).

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7️⃣ MYTH: You can do proper lymphatic drainage at home with any tool

🛑 TRUTH: Tools can support flow, but they don’t replace skilled therapy.

Dry brushing, gua sha, and vibration plates help stimulate superficial flow. But treating conditions like lymphedema, post-op fibrosis, or systemic inflammation requires clinical expertise and anatomical precision.

8️⃣ MYTH: Lymph nodes produce lymph

🧬 TRUTH: Lymph fluid is formed from interstitial fluid — filtered plasma that leaks from capillaries.

Lymph nodes filter lymph and help activate immune responses — but they don’t create the fluid. Your circulatory and interstitial systems do that job.

9️⃣ MYTH: You can’t “feel” when your lymph is congested

⚠️ TRUTH: Oh, you can.

Signs of lymph stagnation include:
• Puffy face or eyes
• Brain fog
• Sluggish digestion
• Swollen ankles or bloating
• Cellulite or skin flare-ups

You just have to know what to look for.

🔟 MYTH: Lymphatic drainage has no real science behind it

📚 TRUTH: Lymphatic therapy is evidence-based and medically recognized — especially in cancer care, post-operative recovery, and chronic inflammation.

Studies support MLD for:
• Reducing edema and fibrosis
• Improving immune regulation
• Enhancing tissue healing post-surgery
• Managing migraines, sinusitis, and fibromyalgia

💡 Final Word: Your Lymph Isn’t Trendy — It’s Foundational.

It’s time we move beyond buzzwords and beauty claims. Your lymphatic system is a vital network of fluid regulation, immune defense, and waste clearance. Lymphatic drainage is so much more than a wellness trend — it’s body maintenance at the deepest level.

So next time someone tells you it’s just hype, smile… and educate them with the facts 😉.

©️

17/09/2025

🐟 Clean the Tank, Don’t Just Medicate the Fish

By Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT, CDS

When you see a fish struggling in a dirty tank, the obvious solution isn’t to keep pumping medicine into the poor creature—it’s to clean the tank. Yet, when it comes to our own health, society often flips this logic on its head. We medicate symptoms, cover up discomforts, and patch problems temporarily, instead of asking the deeper question:

👉 What’s the state of my “tank”?

🌊 Your Body as the Fish Tank

Think of your body as a fish tank. The fish inside represent your organs, cells, and overall vitality. The water is your internal environment—the bloodstream, lymphatic fluid, and tissues that bathe and nourish every cell.
• If the water is clean and oxygen-rich, the fish thrive.
• If the water is stagnant and polluted, the fish struggle—no matter how much medicine you add.

💊 Theory 1: Medicate the Fish

Modern medicine is brilliant at crisis management. Broken bones, infections, and emergencies need quick fixes, and medication saves lives. But when it comes to chronic illness, the “medicate the fish” approach has limits.
• Constantly treating symptoms without changing the environment is like pouring antibiotics into a filthy tank.
• Relief may come, but the underlying toxicity, stagnation, and inflammation remain.

🧽 Theory 2: Clean the Tank

Here lies the power of a root-cause approach. Instead of only focusing on the sick fish (the symptoms), we look at the environment (your whole-body system).

How do we “clean the tank”?
• Support drainage pathways – Keep lymphatic fluid moving through gentle movement, deep breathing, and manual drainage therapies.
• Feed the system well – Anti-inflammatory, whole foods fuel healing instead of adding to the toxic load.
• Detoxify wisely – Remove environmental toxins, balance the gut, and support the liver and kidneys.
• Hydrate and oxygenate – Clean water, good sleep, and deep breaths oxygenate your “tank.”

When the tank is clean, the fish naturally heal, flourish, and thrive.

🌱 A Mindset Shift

This isn’t about rejecting medicine—it’s about changing perspective. Instead of asking, “What pill do I need to silence this symptom?” ask:

✨ “What in my environment needs cleansing, balancing, or nurturing so my body can heal itself?”

💡 The Takeaway

Your body is worth more than quick fixes. If you truly want wellness, look beyond symptom suppression. Clean the tank, care for the fish, and watch your health transform from the inside out.

15/09/2025

👶🌿 “The Lymphatic System Starts Developing in the First Trimester… But It Never Finishes.”

Your lymph doesn’t stop growing with you—it keeps adapting, healing, and rewiring.

💡 Did you know?

Your lymphatic system begins forming as early as week 5–6 of pregnancy, right alongside your cardiovascular system. But unlike many systems in the body, it never truly finishes developing.

Why? Because the lymphatic system isn’t just structural—it’s adaptive. It changes based on:
• Your immune challenges
• Your injuries, traumas, and surgeries
• Your movement, breath, and emotional state

🔬 Lymphatic Development Facts:

🟢 By week 9 of gestation, early lymph sacs and vessels begin to form
🟢 By week 12–16, primitive lymph nodes start appearing
🟢 But even after birth, the lymphatic map continues evolving based on how you move, heal, and grow
🟢 Studies show lymphangiogenesis (new lymph vessel formation) can occur in adults during healing, inflammation, or chronic stagnation

That means: your lymph system is never “set”—it’s shaped by your life.

🧠 What Makes This So Powerful?

🔹 Scar tissue can redirect or block lymph flow
🔹 Trauma can lead to functional shutdown of pathways that must later be reopened
🔹 Surgery, pregnancy, cancer treatment, or long-standing inflammation can cause lymph rerouting or overcompensation
🔹 On the flip side—manual lymphatic drainage, movement, breathwork, and healing the nervous system can rewire and reawaken lymph pathways

🌿 Why This Matters:

Most people think: “If I’ve always been swollen here, it must just be my body.”
But here’s the truth: your lymph can change. It wants to change.

💧 You can reprogram congested areas.
💧 You can reawaken pathways that have gone silent.
💧 You can support your body in building a healthier lymph map—even years after trauma or surgery.

🩺 Fun Science Fact:

The PROX1 gene (key for lymph development) stays active in certain tissues into adulthood—allowing for lymph regeneration when supported properly.
➡️ Translation: your body remembers how to build lymph vessels.

🌈 Final Thought:

Your lymph system is not just a drainage network—it’s a living, responsive healing system.
It began forming in the womb… but it never stops evolving with you.

Support it. Move it. Talk to it. Heal through it.

14/09/2025

🌿 Wake Up Your Lymph: From the Moment You Step Out of Bed

Written by Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD & MLDT

Your lymphatic system is your body’s silent guardian — working 24/7 to remove waste, carry immune cells, balance fluids, and keep inflammation in check. Unlike your blood, which has the heart as a pump, lymph has no central pump. It relies on your movement, breathing, and the contraction of surrounding muscles to flow.

That means the choices you make in the first few minutes after waking can set the tone for your lymph flow all day long.

1️⃣ Stretch Before Your Feet Hit the Floor

When you wake up, your lymph has been moving more slowly during sleep.
• Gentle stretching activates skeletal muscle pumps, helping lymph vessels (lymphangions) contract and push fluid forward.
• Focus on stretching arms overhead, rolling shoulders, and pointing and flexing your feet to stimulate drainage from the extremities toward the torso.

2️⃣ Deep Belly Breathing

Your thoracic duct — the main lymphatic vessel that drains most of your body — passes through your diaphragm via a specific passage called the aortic hiatus. This is different from the esophageal hiatus, the opening your esophagus uses.

Why does this matter?
• In deep belly breathing, your diaphragm moves up and down, gently compressing and releasing the thoracic duct through the aortic hiatus.
• This pumping action helps move lymph from the lower body back into the bloodstream.
• Try the 4-4-4 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4 — repeat 5–10 times.

(If you have a hiatal hernia, it affects the esophageal hiatus, not the aortic hiatus, so the thoracic duct itself is not directly in that opening — but nearby structures can still influence comfort and flow.)

3️⃣ Hydrate Immediately

Lymph is about 96% water. Even mild dehydration thickens lymph fluid, making it harder to move.
• Start with a glass of room-temperature water to rehydrate after sleep.
• For an extra boost, add a pinch of unrefined mineral salt or a squeeze of lemon to support electrolyte balance.

4️⃣ Gentle Movement Within 10 Minutes of Waking

Lymph depends on physical activity to circulate.
• Walking to the kitchen, doing light yoga, or bouncing gently on your toes activates calf muscles and larger muscle groups, stimulating lymph transport.
• If mobility is limited, even seated marching or ankle rotations help.

5️⃣ Open the Main Drainage Pathways

Before your day gets busy, spend 1–2 minutes on self-lymphatic stimulation:
• Gently massage the area just above your collarbones (supraclavicular nodes).
• Lightly pump under your arms (axillary nodes) and behind your knees (popliteal nodes).
This “opens the gates” so the fluid from the rest of your body has somewhere to flow.

🌟 The Takeaway
Your lymph doesn’t need hours to get going — it just needs you. With a few mindful actions right after waking, you can:
• Boost immune readiness
• Support detox
• Reduce puffiness and fluid retention
• Improve overall energy

It’s not just a morning routine — it’s your morning lymph ritual.

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.

13/09/2025