Lisamarie Maguire - Harmony Health

28/09/2025

Did you know every area of your body is mirrored on your feet? 🤯

Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet, known as reflex areas, correspond to different organs, glands and body systems. By applying gentle, targeted pressure to these points, a reflexologist works to encourage improved circulation, support the body’s natural processes and help restore balance between systems.

The foot map you see here shows the location of these reflex areas. For example, the tips of the toes relate to the head and sinuses, the arch corresponds to digestive organs, and the heel reflects the lower back and pelvic area.

During World Reflexology Week, we’re highlighting the science behind this centuries-old practice and the benefits it can offer in modern life.

📅 Book your session and experience how reflexology supports your whole body from the ground up.

28/09/2025

19/09/2025

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

By Bianca Botha, CLT | MLDT | RLD

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.

https://youtu.be/6laR5c_y2IA?si=DupZT2lpO7X1N0yl

📌 This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about swelling or lymphatic health.

22/08/2025

New Moon, new adventures! 🚀🌙 This New Moon marks the opening of the Eclipse Gateway. Virgo’s got us on a precision-powered journey! Time to level up with some cosmic finesse! 🌌💥 TYPE 444 if you are ready to rock this!

11/08/2025

Castor Oil Packs: Ancient Remedy, Modern Wonder

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.

What is a Castor Oil Pack? 🛁🌿
A Castor Oil Pack is a therapeutic cloth soaked in cold-pressed castor oil (from the seeds of Ricinus communis) placed on the skin—typically over the liver, abdomen, or lymph nodes. Covered with a barrier (like plastic or wool) and warmed with a hot water bottle or heat pack, this ancient remedy has stood the test of time—from Cleopatra’s beauty rituals to 21st-century detox protocols ✨.

Let’s Talk Science 🔬🧠
Why is castor oil more than just an old wives’ tale? Science is catching up:

1. Ricinoleic Acid – The Star Ingredient ⭐
About 90% of castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid, a rare unsaturated fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects 💥.

Research Highlight:
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ricinoleic acid activates EP3 prostanoid receptors—which are involved in immune function modulation, pain regulation, and smooth muscle contraction. That means castor oil can calm inflammation, ease pain, and stimulate flow—especially in the lymphatic and digestive systems 🌿💪.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Here’s what the research and clinical practice suggest these gooey little wonders can do:

1. Lymphatic Drainage Booster 🌀💧
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart—it relies on movement and flow. Castor oil packs may stimulate lymphocyte production (white blood cells), encouraging better lymph drainage and detoxification 🚿.

Clinical Insight:
A study from The Townsend Letter for Doctors reported increased lymphocyte counts within hours of castor oil pack application—suggesting improved immune and lymphatic activity 🧬.

2. Liver Love & Detox Support 🌿🫀
Placed over the liver, castor oil packs may improve liver enzyme function and bile flow—essential for detoxification, hormone balance, and digestion 🌱.

3. Gut Health & Constipation Relief 🚽💨
One of the oldest uses of castor oil is for constipation relief. Packs applied to the abdomen may support peristalsis (bowel movement) and reduce bloating and cramping 🫃.

Bonus: A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2011) showed that elderly participants with constipation experienced significant improvement using abdominal castor oil packs ✅.

4. Hormone Harmony & Menstrual Relief 🌸🕊️
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory nature may help relieve menstrual cramps, support ovarian and uterine health, and even help with fibroids and cysts (when used consistently with professional guidance) 💗.

How To Use a Castor Oil Pack
It’s as simple as 1-2-3: ✨

You’ll Need:
• Cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil 🧴
• A piece of flannel or wool (about the size of your hand) 🧵
• A protective cloth or plastic sheet 🧼
• Hot water bottle or heating pad ♨️
• Old clothes or towels (because it will get messy!) 🧺

Step-by-Step:
1. Soak the flannel with castor oil until it’s saturated but not dripping 🌊.
2. Place it over your target area (liver, abdomen, joints, lymph nodes) 🎯.
3. Cover with your protective layer 🧻.
4. Add heat and relax for 30–60 minutes ⏳.
5. Repeat 3–5x per week for best results 📆.

Pro Tip: Do not use during menstruation or pregnancy unless cleared by a professional 🚫🤰.

Who Should Avoid Castor Oil Packs?
• Pregnant women (castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions) ⚠️
• Active infections or open wounds at application site 🛑
• Allergy to castor oil (always patch test!) 🧪

In a Nutshell… 🥥💚
Castor oil packs are like nature’s version of a warm hug: soothing, detoxifying, and deeply nurturing to your organs and lymphatic flow 🫶. With modern research backing what ancient cultures knew, they’re a safe, accessible tool for anyone on a healing or wellness journey 🌍✨.

So grab your oil, wrap yourself up, and let the healing begin 🌙.
Because sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most profound 🌿💫.

©️

08/08/2025

LIONS GATE PORTAL is now open! 🦁✨💵This is literally the luckiest day of the year.🍀 Every 8 minutes of the day say affirmations. Say the affirmations as if they’re happening now or on their way to you. Speak about prosperity, money, and abundance. This is a very important portal for those of you in business, stock market, real estate, seeking careers, entrepreneurs, looking for promotions or raises, looking for work, scholarships, paying debt off, lottery wins, and miracles of money. Visualize the color gold, the word prosperity, and the number is 888. Focus on them intently, visualizing them in your mind. Crystals are citrine and pyrite. Herbs are patchouli and bayberry. Money Candles are green and engrave your name, and the words wealth, prosperity, money on them. Get a bay leaf out of the spice cupboard and write the word prosperity, money or whatever you would like on it. Hold the stem and burn the bay leaf in your money candle while saying a repeated money affirmation.
BUY A LOTTERY TICKET!
I am aligned with 888 energy!🦁💰🦁
Love MC 🦁888 ✨💵

05/08/2025

Do you know the difference between Deep Tissue massage and Lymphatic Drainage massage?

Here's a great article outlining the reason why you may choose one over the other.

Feel you need one? Contact me to book in 🙂

05/08/2025

🌿 Your Armpit Lymph Nodes: The Unsung Heroes of Upper Body Detox 🌿
💚 A Medical & Lymphatic Breakdown of the Axillary Region

Tucked quietly in your underarms are 20–40 powerful lymph nodes — clinically referred to as the axillary lymph nodes — forming one of the body’s most critical immune surveillance and drainage hubs.

They filter up to 75% of lymphatic fluid from the breast, the entire arm, and portions of the thoracic wall, shoulder, neck, and upper back — making them central to immune function, hormonal regulation, and detoxification.

🔬 Anatomy & Classification: The 5 Axillary Lymph Node Groups
1. Pectoral (Anterior) Nodes
• Location: Along the lateral edge of the pectoralis minor muscle
• Drains: The anterior thoracic wall, upper abdomen, and a significant portion of the breast
• Clinical Relevance: Often the first site of spread in breast cancer metastasis
2. Subscapular (Posterior) Nodes
• Location: Posterior axillary fold near the subscapular vessels
• Drains: Posterior thoracic wall, scapular region
• Key Role: Supports drainage from the back and shoulder girdle
3. Humeral (Lateral) Nodes
• Location: Medial aspect of the humerus (near the axillary vein)
• Drains: Most of the upper limb (excluding lymph from hand and fingers, which may also partially drain into supratrochlear nodes)
• Commonly affected in: Infections of the hand or cellulitis
4. Central Nodes
• Location: Embedded in axillary fat, centrally located
• Receive input from: Pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups
• Important in: Detecting generalized upper body inflammation or fluid backup
5. Apical Nodes
• Location: Apex of the axilla near the first rib and clavicle
• Drain into: The subclavian lymphatic trunk, then the right lymphatic duct (right side) or thoracic duct (left side), before lymph enters systemic circulation via the venous angle (junction of subclavian and internal jugular veins)

🩺 What Happens When These Nodes Are Overwhelmed?
When axillary lymph nodes become congested or inflamed, they may swell (lymphadenopathy) or fail to efficiently clear lymph. This can result in:

• Regional Lymphatic Edema – Puffiness of the breast, chest wall, or arms
• Axillary Nerve Compression – Causing tingling, weakness, or discomfort in the arm
• Toxin Accumulation – Due to impaired filtering of bacteria, viruses, metabolic waste, and xenobiotics
• Increased Risk for Infection – Lymph stagnation = immune dysfunction
• Poor Wound Healing – Especially in post-surgical recovery or trauma

📍 Where the Lymph Flows: Axillary Drainage Pathways
• From Upper Limb → Humeral Nodes → Central → Apical
• From Breast & Chest → Pectoral Nodes → Central → Apical
• From Back & Shoulder → Subscapular Nodes → Central → Apical
• From All Axillary Groups → Apical Nodes → Subclavian Trunk → Venous Circulation

Remember: 90% of lymphatic fluid from the left upper body drains via the thoracic duct, while the right side drains via the right lymphatic duct. These ducts empty into your bloodstream at the venous angles of the neck.

⚠️ Clinical Signs of Axillary Node Dysfunction or Swelling:
• Palpable, tender lump in the armpit (may feel rubbery or firm)
• Aching or dragging sensation down the arm or breast
• Heaviness, burning, or altered sensation in the upper limb
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
• Skin dimpling or tightness over the breast or chest wall
• Unilateral swelling or puffiness of the hands or arms
• Increased sweat gland activity due to detox congestion

🌸 Therapist’s Tip: How to Support Your Axillary Nodes Gently
✔️ Manual Lymphatic Drainage — focus on proximal to distal drainage
✔️ Axillary pumping (arm above head + deep breathing)
✔️ Castor oil wraps over pectoral region (never during active infection)
✔️ FIR sauna to stimulate lymphatic soft tissue detox
✔️ Movement! Walking, shoulder rolls, and wall angels activate natural drainage
✔️ Hydration + electrolytes = optimal lymph viscosity

💚 Your axilla is not just a fold — it’s a filter, a gatekeeper, and a lifeline for your upper body’s healing potential.
If you’ve ever experienced swelling, sensitivity, or soreness in this area… your lymph is asking for support.

21/06/2025

Our seventh chakra is our Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Location: Top of head
Color: Violet or White
Element: Thought
Function: Spiritual connection, enlightenment
When balanced: You feel a sense of unity with the universe
When imbalanced: You may feel disconnected or lack purpose

21/06/2025

The sixth chakra is our Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Location: Between eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Function: Intuition, imagination
When balanced: You trust your intuition and have clear insight
When imbalanced: You may feel confused or lack direction

21/06/2025

Our fifth chakra is our Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Element: Ether
Function: Communication, self-expression
When balanced: You communicate clearly and confidently
When imbalanced: You may have trouble expressing yourself

21/06/2025

The fourth chakra is our Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Location: Center of chest
Color: Green
Element: Air
Function: Love, compassion, connection
When balanced: You feel loving and connected to others
When imbalanced: You may feel lonely or have difficulty with relationships