Zelca Massage Therapy

31/10/2025

20/10/2025

04/10/2025

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Let’s Talk About Armpit Lymph Nodes!
The Mighty Axillary Warriors of Your Immune System 🌿🦠🩷

Your armpits aren’t just for deodorant and razors — they’re home to some of your body’s most powerful immune protectors: the axillary lymph nodes!

What Are Axillary Lymph Nodes?

Axillary lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures located in the armpit (axilla) that form a key part of the lymphatic system — your body’s drainage, detox, and defense network. These nodes filter lymph (a fluid rich in white blood cells) and trap harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, toxins, and even cancer cells.

There are typically 20 to 40 lymph nodes in each armpit. These nodes are grouped into five anatomical levels, each with distinct drainage responsibilities.

The Five Groups of Axillary Lymph Nodes:
1. Pectoral (Anterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle
• Drainage Area: Breast, anterior thoracic wall
• Fun Fact: These nodes are key in breast cancer monitoring!
2. Subscapular (Posterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower margin of the scapula (shoulder blade)
• Drainage Area: Upper back, posterior shoulder, and neck
3. Humeral (Lateral) Group
• Location: Along the humerus (upper arm bone)
• Drainage Area: Upper limb
• Fun Fact: These are the ones that may swell when your arm is injured or infected!
4. Central Group
• Location: Near the base of the axilla (deep in the center)
• Drainage Area: Collects lymph from pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups
5. Apical Group
• Location: At the top of the axilla near the clavicle (collarbone)
• Drainage Area: Receives lymph from all the other axillary groups and drains into the subclavian lymphatic trunk

Where Does the Lymph Flow?
• After filtration through the axillary groups, lymph travels to the apical nodes, then drains into the subclavian trunk, and finally enters the venous circulation near the heart (via the right lymphatic duct or thoracic duct on the left side).
• This allows your body to return filtered lymph to the bloodstream while neutralizing any harmful intruders.

Why Are Axillary Lymph Nodes Important?
• Immune Defense: Full of lymphocytes (B and T cells), they identify and destroy pathogens.
• Cancer Monitoring: Oncologists often biopsy or remove axillary nodes to check for cancer spread, especially in breast cancer staging.
• Detox Drainage: They assist in the drainage of waste products, inflammatory debris, and excess interstitial fluid.

Signs of Swollen Axillary Nodes:
• Tenderness
• Swelling or a lump in the armpit
• Fever or signs of infection
Swollen nodes often indicate your immune system is actively fighting something!

Fun Lymph Facts:
• Lymph has no pump! It relies on movement (like walking, deep breathing, and rebounding) to flow — which is why dry brushing and lymphatic massage can help!
• You have more lymph than blood! Your lymphatic system contains about 1.5 times more fluid than your circulatory system.
• The word “lymph” comes from the Latin lympha, meaning water — a perfect name for a fluid that brings life-giving immunity!

Takeaway:
Your armpit lymph nodes are immune superheroes — silently working day and night to filter, defend, and drain. Keeping them moving and healthy is a big step in supporting overall wellness. So next time you move your arm, remember the little green defenders in your underarm working hard for you! 💪🌿✨

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.

03/08/2025

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😰 How Stress Impacts Your Lymphatic System

The hidden connection between cortisol, inflammation, and lymphatic stagnation

We all know stress can mess with your mind and mood — but did you know it can also clog your body’s drainage system? 🌀

That’s right. Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your emotions — it can seriously impact your lymphatic system, making it harder for your body to detox, heal, and feel balanced.

Let’s break it down.

🧬 What Is the Lymphatic System?

Your lymphatic system is your body's waste management network. It clears out:

Toxins 🧪
Dead cells
Inflammatory proteins
Excess fluids 💧
And even viruses and bacteria 🦠
It works closely with your immune system, acting like a filter and highway for your body’s defense cells. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t have a pump like your heart. It relies on movement, breath, hydration, and nervous system balance to keep flowing.

⚠️ What Happens When You’re Stressed?

Stress activates your sympathetic nervous system — the fight-or-flight mode — and tells your body to produce cortisol, the main stress hormone.

📉 Over time, high cortisol levels can:

Weaken your immune system
Promote inflammation
Disrupt sleep and digestion
Increase water retention
Slow lymphatic movement
Think of your lymphatic system like a stream. Under calm conditions, it flows freely. But add a storm of stress, and it becomes murky, stagnant, and overloaded. 🌫

🔗 The Cortisol-Lymph-Inflammation Loop

Let’s connect the dots 🔍:

Chronic stress = elevated cortisol
Cortisol suppresses immune function
Weak immunity = higher load of toxins and waste
Cortisol also increases inflammatory cytokines
Inflammation causes lymph nodes to swell and fluid to accumulate
Sluggish lymph = even more toxins staying in the body
And around we go… 🌀

😖 Common Signs of Lymphatic Stagnation Due to Stress

Puffy face and eyes
Swollen glands or sinuses
Bloating and water retention
Brain fog and fatigue
Cellulite or skin breakouts
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Feeling “heavy” or unmotivated
Sound familiar? You're not alone — many of these symptoms are written off as “just stress,” but the lymphatic system may be silently screaming for help.

💆‍♀️ How to Support Your Lymphatic System Under Stress

1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Gentle lymphatic massage helps stimulate drainage, reduce swelling, and calm the nervous system. It’s especially helpful during burnout or adrenal fatigue.

2. Deep Breathing 🫁
Slow belly breathing activates the vagus nerve and boosts thoracic duct flow (the main lymph channel). Try 5 minutes of deep, diaphragmatic breaths daily.

3. Gentle Movement 🚶‍♀️
Walking, yoga, rebounding, or stretching helps “pump” the lymph through muscle contraction — even 10–20 minutes a day can help.

4. Dry Brushing & Hydration 💧
Dry brushing supports superficial lymph flow, while hydration ensures the lymph fluid remains thin and flowing.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Diet 🥬
Reduce processed food, sugar, and alcohol. Add turmeric, ginger, lemon water, and leafy greens to help flush the system.

6. Rest and Reset 😴
Prioritize sleep and boundaries. Lymph drainage works best when the body is in a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.

💡 Remember

You can’t always avoid stress — but you can support your body while navigating it. Your lymphatic system is your silent partner in health, and caring for it is one of the kindest things you can do for your mind, body, and immune system.

When in doubt, breathe. Move. Drain. Detox. Repeat. 🌿

⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen or therapy.

03/08/2025

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🌿 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.

27/07/2025

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08/07/2025

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📘 LYMPH CLASS #5: What Slows the Lymph Down?

Hello again, Lymphies! 👋
Today we’re flipping the classroom whiteboard and asking:
“What actually blocks or slows the lymphatic system?”

This is one of the most important lessons — because it’s not always about adding more, but about removing what’s weighing your lymph down.

🧠 Let’s review:

The lymphatic system is a one-way drainage system that depends on:
• Movement (you are the pump)
• Hydration
• Breathing
• Clear drainage pathways

It doesn’t have a heart to push fluid around, so when anything interferes with that gentle flow — stagnation builds up.

⚠️ Common Causes of Lymphatic Sluggishness:

1️⃣ Inactivity or Sedentary Lifestyle

No movement = no pumping of lymph.
Sitting for long periods slows drainage from the legs, gut, and underarms.

2️⃣ Poor Posture & Shallow Breathing

Shallow chest breathing limits the diaphragm’s pumping power.
Slouching compresses lymph nodes, especially in the abdomen and underarms.

3️⃣ Chronic Inflammation

Conditions like autoimmune disease, leaky gut, or infections overwhelm lymph nodes with immune debris and slow transport.

4️⃣ Dehydration

Lymph is 90–95% water. If you’re not hydrated, the lymph fluid becomes thick, sluggish, and harder to move.

5️⃣ Tight Clothing

Bras, shapewear, and waistbands can block lymph flow, especially around the neck, chest, groin, and abdomen.

6️⃣ Scar Tissue or Surgery

Scarring disrupts lymph vessel pathways and can lead to localized fluid stagnation, especially post-surgery or injury.

7️⃣ Toxin Exposure (environmental, food, or chemical)

Your lymph system helps drain toxins — but when exposure is high (from food, skincare, environment), it can become overburdened.

8️⃣ Constipation

Lymph and the gut are deeply connected. When the bowels don’t move, waste builds up, and lymph slows dramatically (especially in the abdomen and legs).

🌿 Lymphie Tip:

Symptoms of sluggish lymph often show up subtly first:
• Morning puffiness
• “Heavy” limbs or eyelids
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Histamine sensitivity
• Slow wound healing

✅ Gentle Daily Practices to Restore Flow:
• Rebounding or walking 15–30 min/day
• Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing — especially when lying flat
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or self-massage
• Hydration with electrolytes or mineral-rich water
• Dry brushing before your shower
• Castor oil packs over the liver or abdomen (if safe)
• Ditch tight clothes when at home

🧠 Class Summary:
👉 If the lymph slows, waste builds.
👉 If waste builds, inflammation rises.
👉 When inflammation rises, healing slows.

Protect your lymph. It protects everything else.

📌 Coming up next in Lymph Class #6:
“The Connection Between Lymph and the Gut.” 🌀
You don’t want to miss it!



©️

27/06/2025

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💥 How Trauma Affects Your Lymphatic System

Why you may feel swollen, foggy, or inflamed after emotional or physical trauma

1. Your Brain Does Have a Lymphatic System

For years, science believed the brain had no lymphatic drainage system. But in 2015, researchers discovered meningeal lymphatic vessels — tiny vessels around your brain that drain waste and help regulate the immune system.
📖 Study in Nature (2015)

2. Trauma Can Block This Drainage

When you go through trauma — whether it’s emotional stress, a concussion, or a physical injury — your lymphatic system can get overwhelmed.
One study found that even a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) can reduce brain lymph flow for a month or more. This can lead to:
• Inflammation in the brain
• Poor memory or “brain fog”
• Headaches
• Slower healing

🧠 Study in Nature Communications (2021)

3. Your Body Lymph Can Also Get Stuck

After injuries (like surgery or car accidents), the body’s lymph vessels often swell or get damaged. This may cause:
• Localized swelling (edema)
• Persistent inflammation
• Feeling “heavy” or “puffy”

If this doesn’t resolve within 3 months, it can become post-traumatic lymphedema.
📖 Study on trauma and lymphatics – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2017)

4. Chronic Stress & Emotional Trauma = Lymph Overload

Emotional trauma causes the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These affect your immune and lymphatic flow, reducing your body’s ability to detox naturally. The result can be:
• Increased body inflammation
• Immune dysregulation
• Fatigue, bloating, puffiness

🧬 Review in Frontiers in Immunology (2020)

5. Can You Support Healing? YES.

✅ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage that helps move fluid and reduce swelling and pain. It’s used after trauma, surgery, or for fatigue.
📖 Study on MLD – Lymphatic Research and Biology (2015)

✅ Supporting your lymphatic system naturally helps healing after trauma:
• Stay hydrated 🫗
• Gentle movement (like walking or rebounding) 🦶
• Dry brushing or infrared sauna 🌿
• Anti-inflammatory foods (like ginger, berries, turmeric) 🍋

❤️ Bottom Line:

Trauma doesn’t just affect your emotions or muscles — it also slows down your lymphatic system. Whether it’s a head injury, a stressful season, or deep emotional pain, your body needs time and support to reset.

💧 When your lymph flows, your body heals.

🔗 Research Links:
1. Nature (2015) – Discovery of Brain Lymphatics:
www.nature.com/articles/nature14432
2. Nature Communications (2021) – Brain Lymph Blockage After TBI:
www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26008-3
3. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2017) – Posttraumatic Lymphedema:
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2017/11000/Posttraumatic_Lymphedema.22.aspx
4. Frontiers in Immunology (2020) – Stress, Immunity, and Inflammation:
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00690/full
5. Lymphatic Research and Biology (2015) – Manual Lymph Drainage Benefits:
www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/lrb.2014.0030

©️

27/06/2025

Take time out for yourself and enjoy the amazing feeling

https://www.fresha.com/book-now/zelca-massage-therapy-sxi8z4t7/all-offer?share&pId=137955

20/04/2025

Zelca Massage Therapy is CLOSED NOW and will reopen on Wednesday, 30th April!
Wishing you all wonderful Easter holidays 🐣🐣🐰🌺

20/11/2024

😶‍🌫️❄️🌲WINTER WARMER PACKAGE

€80

Included Hot Stone Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage followed with a Deeply hydrating Facial for ultimate relaxation and glow ✨️

Online booking system link 👇

https://www.fresha.com/book-now/zelca-massage-therapy-sxi8z4t7/services?lid=148196&eid=434223&oiid=sv%3A18147839&pId=137955

Treatment can be purchased as a Gift Voucher 🎁
True Fresha app👇
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Or true website 👇
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Or in the store 🎁✨️🌲

Kind regards Ness