Relax The Soul Therapies

16/08/2025

Appointment available Tuesday 19 August at 7pm. Dm to book.

01/08/2025

Book your Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage appointment today! Relaxthesoul.setmore.com

💫 Fibromyalgia & Lymph Drainage:

What If Your Pain Has a Pathway Out?

For those living with fibromyalgia, the pain is more than just physical—it’s deep, widespread, and often invisible to the outside world. Muscles ache, fatigue is relentless, sleep feels unrefreshing, and even gentle touch can feel like pressure. And yet… bloodwork looks “normal.” Scans come back “clear.” The phrase “we don’t know why” echoes far too often.

But what if part of the answer lies in a system that no one is looking at?

👉 The lymphatic system.

🧠 What’s Really Going On in Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia isn’t “just in your head.” Research has linked it to:
• Central sensitization (your brain’s pain switch stuck on “high”)
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
• Poor detoxification and mitochondrial dysfunction
• Fascial restriction and fluid stagnation

In other words: the body isn’t draining, calming, or clearing like it should.
And that’s exactly where the lymphatic system comes in.

🌿 The Lymphatic Link

Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that removes waste, calms inflammation, regulates fluid balance, and supports immunity.

But in fibromyalgia:
• Lymph flow may be sluggish, leading to toxic build-up in tissues
• Fascia (which holds lymph vessels) may be tight and inflamed
• Muscles may feel heavy, sore, or swollen, not just from pain—but from fluid that isn’t moving
• Brain fog and fatigue may be tied to poor drainage in the neck and glymphatic system

When this system slows down, pain can increase, tissues become stiff, and the body feels stuck.

✨ How Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Can Help

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) isn’t just for swelling or surgery—it can be profoundly supportive for those with fibro.
It helps to:

✅ Stimulate lymph flow and reduce fluid stagnation
✅ Calm the nervous system (shifting from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest)
✅ Soften fascia and reduce pressure in painful areas
✅ Promote detox and improve energy
✅ Support sleep by easing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord
✅ Reduce hypersensitivity in the skin and muscles

Even just a few sessions can create shifts in how the body feels, processes stress, and manages pain.

🧘‍♀️ What Fibro Warriors Say After Lymph Therapy:

“It feels like my body can finally exhale.”
“The pressure in my legs and back isn’t crushing anymore.”
“For the first time in months, I actually slept.”
“It’s like a fog lifted from my head.”

🌺 Gentle Is Powerful

MLD is not invasive. It’s not painful. It doesn’t push your body—it invites it to flow again. For fibro clients, it’s one of the few therapies that gives without taking energy away.

It’s not a cure. But for many, it’s a crucial part of their healing journey.

💚 In a World That Overstimulates — Lymphatic Therapy Regulates.

If you live with fibromyalgia, don’t give up hope.
Your body isn’t failing you. It’s fighting every single day.
And sometimes, all it needs is for someone to help it drain, release, and reset.

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.

01/08/2025

🛑 What Happens When Your Lymphatic System Is Throwing Warning Signs

Your lymphatic system is your body’s silent guardian — a complex highway of vessels, nodes, and organs that quietly works to detoxify, defend, and maintain balance. But what happens when it starts whispering—or even shouting—for help?

When your lymphatic system throws warning signs, it’s your body’s way of saying: “I’m overloaded. I need support.”

Let’s unpack what this really means.

🧠 First, What Does the Lymphatic System Do?

Before we talk symptoms, here’s what your lymphatic system is responsible for:
• Removing waste from cells and tissues
• Transporting immune cells to fight infection
• Regulating fluid balance in the body
• Supporting fat absorption in the gut
• Detoxifying metabolic byproducts, pathogens, and toxins
• Draining inflammation from tissues

It works closely with the circulatory, immune, and digestive systems — so when it’s not functioning optimally, the ripple effects are widespread.

🚨 Warning Signs Your Lymphatic System May Be in Trouble

Here are the red flags your lymphatic system may be throwing:

1. Persistent Swelling or Puffiness
• Especially in the face, neck, armpits, abdomen, groin, or limbs
• Often worse in the mornings or after long periods of sitting
• Can be linked to lymph stagnation, trauma, or underlying inflammation

2. Recurring Infections
• Frequent colds, sinus infections, bladder infections, or slow wound healing
• A sluggish lymph system can delay immune response

3. Skin Issues
• Dryness, eczema, rashes, or acne can all be signs of poor lymph drainage
• Look for skin sensitivity or “congested-looking” skin

4. Chronic Fatigue or Brain Fog
• When cellular waste and toxins build up, your energy and clarity take a hit
• Your brain’s detox pathway (the glymphatic system) is part of this equation

5. Digestive Imbalances
• Bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, or a heavy feeling after eating
• The gut and lymph are deeply intertwined (think Peyer’s patches, mesenteric lymph, and lacteals)

6. Tender or Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Especially in the neck, underarms, and groin
• Can be normal during infection, but ongoing tenderness may need investigation

7. Cellulite, Heaviness, or Tight Fascia
• Lymph stagnation can cause fluid and fat deposits under the skin
• This can make fascia feel sticky, tight, or painful

8. Histamine Sensitivity
• Flushing, hives, allergies, or mast cell activation
• When the lymph system is overburdened, histamine isn’t cleared properly

🧬 What Causes Lymphatic Dysfunction?
• Dehydration – Lymph is 96% water
• Sedentary lifestyle – No pump means movement is essential
• Chronic stress – Cortisol can reduce lymphatic flow
• Inflammation & infections – Overloads the system with cellular debris
• Toxin exposure – From food, chemicals, mold, and heavy metals
• Surgical trauma – Especially if lymph nodes are removed
• Poor gut health – 70% of lymph surrounds the intestines

💡 How to Support Your Lymphatic System
• Hydrate like it’s your job – Aim for filtered water, electrolytes, and warm herbal teas
• Move every day – Rebounding, walking, fascia release, and stretching stimulate lymph flow
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – A powerful tool for lymph congestion and detox
• Dry brushing & castor oil packs – Gentle but effective home techniques
• Anti-inflammatory diet – Think greens, omega-3s, fermented foods, and antioxidants
• Breathe deeply – Your diaphragm is a natural lymph pump
• Reduce toxin exposure – Especially endocrine disruptors and mold

🔄 Don’t Ignore the Whispers

Your lymphatic system rarely breaks down overnight. It whispers, it nudges, and if we ignore it — it screams. Those subtle warning signs are your invitation to care for the system that cares for you every moment of the day.

Because when your lymph flows freely, your entire body functions better — from immunity and digestion to clarity and calm.

📚 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.

31/07/2025

😔 The Sad Reality of High Cortisol: When Your Stress Hormone Becomes Your Silent Saboteur 🔥💧

Cortisol — your built-in alarm system, your “get up and go,” your life-saving stress hormone.
But what happens when this short-term hero becomes a long-term villain?

Let’s uncover the hidden toll of chronically high cortisol — and why it may be silently sabotaging your lymphatic flow, immune resilience, and overall health.

⚠️ Cortisol: A Blessing in Balance, a Curse in Chaos

Cortisol is released by your adrenal glands during stress. It’s designed to:
• Increase alertness
• Raise blood sugar for energy
• Suppress non-essential functions (like digestion & detox)
• Help you survive a crisis

But here’s the reality most don’t talk about…

In today’s world, most people aren’t fighting lions.
They’re fighting inboxes, deadlines, trauma, grief, financial strain, chronic illness… every day.

And that means cortisol never switches off.

😞 The Hidden Damage of High Cortisol

When cortisol remains elevated for weeks, months, or years, it becomes toxic to your system.

Here’s what it does:

🧠 Brain Fog & Mood Swings

Cortisol shrinks the hippocampus (memory center) and disrupts serotonin and dopamine production.
Result: depression, anxiety, emotional numbness.

🛏️ Sleep Disruption

High nighttime cortisol means you feel “tired but wired.”
You fall asleep late, wake up early, and never feel restored.

🍽️ Weight Gain & Belly Fat

Cortisol tells your body to store fat, especially around your abdomen — to “survive” the perceived stress.
It also causes insulin resistance, bloating, and inflammation.

💧 Lymphatic Stagnation

This is where it gets scary:
• Cortisol stiffens fascia, compressing lymph vessels.
• It raises fluid retention by triggering aldosterone imbalances.
• It shuts down detox priorities — because survival doesn’t care about drainage.

Result? Puffy face, swollen limbs, brain fog, sluggish detox, recurring infections, and autoimmune flare-ups.

💔 Heart & Hormone Havoc

Chronically high cortisol:
• Increases blood pressure
• Throws off progesterone and estrogen
• Suppresses thyroid function
• Elevates inflammatory cytokines

This leaves you tired, inflamed, irritable, and disconnected — often without knowing why.

🧬 Is This You? Common Signs of Cortisol Overload:
• Wired but tired
• Puffiness that won’t go away
• Frequent colds or infections
• Midsection weight gain
• Poor sleep and vivid dreams
• Low libido
• Anxiety or “shut down” feelings
• Brain fog and memory lapses
• Sluggish digestion and bloating

🌿 How to Lower Cortisol & Reclaim Balance:
1. Nasal Breathing + Grounding – activates the parasympathetic (healing) state.
2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – gently resets the nervous system and reduces inflammation.
3. Adaptogenic Herbs – ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil can support adrenal recovery.
4. Gentle Movement – like walking, yoga, or rebounding to move lymph without spiking stress.
5. Left Side Sleeping – improves drainage from the heart and calms vagal tone.
6. Screen & Noise Detox – especially before bed.
7. Safe Emotional Release – breathwork, therapy, journaling, crying — your body needs to let go.

💔 Final Thought:

Cortisol was never meant to be your constant companion.
It was meant to protect you — not imprison you.

If you feel like your body is breaking down, your mind is tired, and your soul is flat…
You may not need “more willpower.”
You may need less cortisol.

Let’s not normalize burnout.
Let’s normalize nervous system safety, lymphatic flow, and emotional healing.

Your peace isn’t a luxury — it’s a biological necessity.

📚 References:
• McEwen BS. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews.
• Tsigos C, Chrousos GP. (2002). Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score.
• Fasano A. (2012). Intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation.

©️

31/07/2025

WHY CHOOSE A LEVEL 5 CLINICAL REFLEXOLOGIST?

Choosing a Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist means you're opting for a highly trained professional with advanced skills and knowledge in reflexology, often focused on clinical or therapeutic outcomes rather than just relaxation or spa-style treatments.

Here’s why you might choose a Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist:

✅ 1. Advanced Training and Education

Level 5 is one of the highest qualifications in reflexology in many countries (e.g., UK). It indicates:

Over 300 hours of classroom learning

Significant clinical practice

In-depth anatomy, physiology, and pathology

Case study work with real clients

✅ 2. Clinical Focus

They are trained to work alongside or within healthcare settings. Their work may complement treatment plans for:

Chronic pain

Stress and anxiety

Hormonal imbalances

Digestive issues

Sleep disorders

Autoimmune conditions

✅ 3. Tailored, Evidence-Based Treatments

A Level 5 reflexologist uses clinical reasoning, not a one-size-fits-all approach. They:

Carry out detailed consultations

Adapt techniques based on client history

Monitor outcomes over multiple sessions

✅ 4. Professional Standards

They are more likely to be members of accredited reflexology associations, ensuring:

Adherence to ethical codes

Ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Insurance and regulation compliance

✅ 5. Collaborative Healthcare Approach

They often work collaboratively with doctors, physiotherapists, midwives, or other health professionals. Some may specialize in areas like:

Fertility and maternity reflexology

Oncology and palliative care

Neurological conditions

Summary

Choosing a Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist means you're selecting someone with deeper training, who can offer individualized, outcome-focused treatments backed by an understanding of complex health issues.

Book you appointment today at relaxthesoul.setmore.com

19/07/2025

Due to cancellation I now have appointments available on Tuesday 22nd July at 6pm and 7.30pm. Both would suit a 1hr appointment.

18/07/2025

Thank you 😊

01/07/2025

😊😊😊

01/07/2025

❤️ Thank you 😊

25/06/2025

Many of us still rely on coping strategies that were formed when we were young. Could yours use an update? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki PhD explains why you need to check and how to change them for …

17/06/2025

Due to moving some appointments around, I now have very limited availability in June/ July.

Tuesday 24th June at 6pm (would suit a 1 hr treatment) ***GONE ***

Thursday 26th June at 7.30pm (would suit a 1 hr treatment) ***GONE ***

Thursday 24th July at 7.15pm (would suit a 1 hr treatment) ***GONE***

Tuesday 29th July at 6pm (would suit a 1 hr treatment) ***GONE***

Please DM if any suit you and you would like booked in 😀

15/06/2025