Cátia Ramos Massoterapeuta

24/11/2025

Vários estudos começam a comprovar o que Hipocrates, pai da medicina de 400a.c., dizia: “um médico deveria ser experiente em muitas coisas, especialmente em massagem.”

Alguns dos estudos destacados apresentam benefícios nas seguintes situações:

* Problemas a curto prazo (como dor lombar aguda);
* Osteoartrite;
* Fibromialgia;
* Oncológico (SÓ com especialização na área);
* Melhora desempenho desportivo;
* Recém-nascidos prematuros hospitalizados.

A massagem terapêutica tem vários benefícios tanto na saúde física quanto na saúde mental e pode até ajudar no desenvolvimento de bebés.

20/11/2025

MYTHS AND FACTS

IS IT A PAINFUL MASSAGE…? 👀
❌The technique is gentle, rhythmic, slow, and superficial, acting essentially on the skin and lymphatic capillaries.
It does not cause pain or bruising.

DOES IT HELP WITH PROBLEMS OF FLUID RETENTION?
✔️Yes. MLD is one of the most effective techniques to reduce fluid retention because it stimulates the transport of fluids from the interstitial space into the lymphatic system.
✔️ reduces swelling
✔️ improves the feeling of heaviness in the legs
✔️ improves lymphatic and venous circulation

DOES IT HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS/ REDUCES CELLULITE?
❌MLD does not reduce fat and does not cause weight loss.
What the technique promotes is the removal of excess interstitial fluid, resulting in:
*reduced edema
*decreased feeling of bloating
*greater bodily comfort
In other words:
✔️ Reduces fluids
❌ Does not reduce adipose tissue

CAN I HAVE MLD ON THE WHOLE BODY…?
❌The traditional Vodder technique is performed by zones, each with its own duration, ranging on average from 15 to 60 minutes depending on therapeutic needs.
You can massage 9 areas:
Face
Neck
Nape
Breast
Arms
Abdomen
Back
Lower back + Glutes
Legs
✔️ Vodder works by zones
✔️ Each zone has approximate timings
❌ Overly long and exhausting sessions are not recommended and may overload lymphatic return
BUT…
✔️There are massages focused on the lymphatic pathway with a methodology different from Vodder, such as Thai Lymphatic Drainage:
slow, rhythmic, but vigorous;
for healthy individuals without lymphatic issues;
can be performed on the whole body.

CAN WE PERFORM MLD IN CASES OF CELLULITE?
❌No, for infectious cellulitis (erysipelas/bacterial cellulitis)
✔️Yes, for aesthetic cellulite (PEFE – edematous-fibrosclerotic panniculopathy)
❌ MLD does not reduce localized fat
❌ MLD does not eliminate the typical PEFE nodules
To improve the appearance of panniculosis, techniques such as lipomodelling massage are more appropriate.

I’M PREGNANT. CAN I HAVE MLD?
✔️ Yes, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester
But…
❌ Not recommended in the 1st trimester or in high-risk pregnancies (when in doubt, always consult a specialist doctor)

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17/11/2025

Manual Lymphatic Drainage – Vodder Method
Created in the 1930s by Emil and Estrid Vodder. It is a scientific, standardized, and widely used technique.
💆‍♀️ uses circular, rhythmic, and gentle movements
💆‍♂️ follows the physiological flow of lymph
💆‍♀️ uses pumping points and lymph node pathways
Lymph is the fluid responsible for transporting toxins, body waste, and immune cells, contributing to the body’s balance.

BENEFITS
💧 Reduces fluid retention and swelling
💧 Relieves the sensation of bloating
✨ Improves circulation
💪 Promotes comfort and body awareness
🩻 Supports post-surgical healing and helps treat fibrosis
🧠 May help relieve migraines and constipation
🧘‍♀️ Promotes relaxation and stress relief

MAIN LYMPH NODES
The massage begins by stimulating the main lymph nodes, depending on the area being treated:
*neck
*axillary region (armpit)
*inguinal region (groin)

CONTRAINDICATIONS 🚫
Malignant conditions without medical authorization
Active infections (fever, infectious cellulitis, erysipelas)
Recent thrombosis or phlebitis
Decompensated/untreated heart failure
Severe kidney or liver failure
Severe hyperthyroidism (especially in cervical regions)
First trimester of pregnancy
Low blood pressure
Severe asthma

INDICATIONS ✔️
Swelling/fluid retention (edema)
Aesthetic cellulite
TPM
Post-surgical care
Pregnancy (after the first trimester)
Migraines
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12/11/2025

Estaremos de volta na próxima Primavera 🌸🌺 | We’ll be returning next Spring 🌸🌺

19 mei t/m 26 mei – 8-daagse Sapvastenkuur
De laatste week van het voorjaarseizoen!
Maar wel een hele speciale week..
In deze week komt Esther Coram van der Bol ons team weer versterken. Zij is inmiddels een bekend gezicht bij Sapvasten in de Algarve — eerst als deelneemster, later ook als begeleider van onze sportlessen. Inmiddels heeft ze haar expertise verder uitgebreid, met extra specialisaties in persoonlijke training en revalidatiebegeleiding.
Wil je graag een sapvastenweek combineren met extra aandacht voor beweging op maat?
Dan is deze week zeker iets voor jou! Deze week zijn nog 2 kamers beschikbaar. Meer info > www.sapvastenindealgarve.nl

06/11/2025

Um dos efeitos da massagem é também o conforto no toque enquanto efeito psicológico e táctil. Permite criar mais consciência corporal e ajuda a desbravar como nos sentimos no nosso corpo: que zonas carregam mais tensão e que zonas sentem mais desconforto/ conforto. O efeito da massagem pode perdurar durante vários dias e mais importante ainda pode desbloquear memórias e vontade de fazer as mudanças necessárias para carregar uma vida mais leve e livre de dor.
Como o John Keats sugere em “O toque tem memória”: esta frase ressoa bastante com a prática terapêutica: o corpo retém não apenas a tensão física, mas também as emoções. A massagem pode, por isso, permitir aceder a camadas mais subtis da memória: tornando-se assim uma ponte entre o corpo e a mente, tornando-se uma ferramenta de auto-consciência.

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One of the effects of massage is the sense of comfort derived from touch, both as a psychological and tactile response. It enhances body awareness and helps individuals identify how they feel within their own body—recognizing areas that carry greater tension and those that experience more discomfort or comfort. The effects of massage may persist for several days and, more importantly, can help release stored memories and promote the motivation to implement necessary changes that contribute to a lighter and pain-free life.

As John Keats wrote, “Touch has a memory.” This idea resonates strongly in therapeutic practice: the body retains not only physical tension but also emotional. Massage is a tool to access subtle layers of memory. In this way, touch can become a bridge between the mind and body: and allows self-awareness to emerge.
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04/11/2025

Efeito da massagem nos diferentes sistemas do corpo.
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Massage effects on the different systems of the body:
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Massage increases blood and lymphatic flow:
*Blood flow: promotes oxygenation and the supply of nutrients to tissues. This can support recovery and help relieve mild inflammatory processes. It also stimulates and accelerates the healing process.
*Lymphatic flow: stimulates the elimination of toxins and also promotes the reduction of swelling (edema) by increasing lymphatic circulation.

DIGESTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
Massage in the thoracic and abdominal areas can indirectly influence internal organs, facilitating the digestive process and promoting lung expansion, which may help with the expulsion of secretions.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Through tissue manipulation, it is possible to relieve muscle tension, reduce fascial restrictions, and treat adhesions and contractures. This promotes greater flexibility and muscle health, helping to prevent inflammation in tendons and other tissues.

IMMUNE SYSTEM
Some scientific studies suggest that massage improves the immune system through: an increase in T lymphocytes and NK cells — immune cells that fight pathogens.
A stronger immune system contributes to the prevention of chronic diseases and protects against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

NERVOUS AND HORMONAL SYSTEMS
Massage reduces cortisol levels, helping to decrease anxiety and stress, and consequently providing a sense of well-being and relaxation.
It stimulates the production of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine — the “happiness hormones” — which can help combat mental health conditions like depression.
Indirectly, the hormonal and mental relaxation effects can significantly improve sleep quality.

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29/10/2025

(English on comments)
Quando marcamos uma massagem temos que ter em atenção alguns comportamentos.
ANTES DA MASSAGEM
* Estar confortável: para isso é importante retirar a bijutaria, usar uma roupa confortável e esvaziar a bexiga para não interromper a massagem com uma ida à casa-de-banho;
* Estar conectado: consigo mesmo. Para isso o melhor é desligar o telemóvel para poder usufruir do tratamento sem interrupções;
* Estar consciente: nem sempre é ideal fazer uma massagem. Pode ser perigoso fazer uma massagem logo após uma refeição uma vez que pode parar a digestão. Queimadelas solares são também uma contraindicação uma vez que na massagem vamos manipular exactamente o tecido que já está magoado. Condições crónicas e agudas (como constipações, febre, inflamações) devem ser informados antes de começar a massagem.

DURANTE A MASSAGEM
Uma das regras de ouro é COMUNICAÇÃO: comunicar se algo estiver a ser desconfortável, se a pressão não tiver ao nosso gosto ou em geral se houver alguma dúvida. Só assim podemos descansar a mente e focar no que é realmente importante: desfrutar o momento. A respiração pode ser usada com técnica de relaxamento para a mente ou para pontos mais dolorosos como os Pontos Gatilho.

DEPOIS DA MASSAGEM
Imeditamente após a massagem é importante reconectar de forma lenta ao corpo e levantar devagar. Verticalizar muito depressa pode dar tonturas uma vez que a massagem é uma estimulante da circulação sanguínea. Nas seguintes 48h o corpo vai estar a processar as mudanças fisiológicas ocorrentes da massagem e para isso deve-se evitar substâncias mais inflamatórias e tóxicas como cafeína e álcool e escolher a água. Não é recomendado fazer muitos esforços uma vez que o corpo demora tempo a ajustar à mobilidade ganha.
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26/10/2025

Já escrevia William Shakespeare na peça Otelo “O meu corpo é o meu jardim, a minha vontade o seu jardineiro”.
Nós somos agentes ativos na nossa saúde e na ausência dela. Um jardim saudável precisa de cuidados: rega, poda, limpeza, fertilização, etc. Assim como um jardim, o nosso corpo necessita de cuidados: alimento nutritivo & água limpa, cortar velhos hábitos mentais/comportamentais que já não nos são úteis, movimento, descanso,… Sem nos debruçarmos nestes temas, podemos comprometer a nossa saúde. É importante empoderarmo-nos no sentido de fazermos escolhas conscientes que nutram a nossa saúde física, emocional e mental.

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William Shakespeare wrote at Otello’s Play: “Our bodies are our gardens - our wills are our gardeners”
We play an importante role in our Health or the absense of Health. An healthy Garden needs some acts of care: watering, pruning, cleaning, fertilization. Our bodies also needs care: nutritious food and clean water, cut old mental/behavioural habits that are no longer useful, movement, rest,… Withouth understanding this subjects, we can compromise our Health. Therefore it is important to empower ourselves to do choices that nourish our physical, emocional and mental Health.

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24/10/2025

ABOUT ME
I am Original from the Algarve, Portugal; I‘ve got a bachelor degree in Biology; I wanted to be a professional diver; I was a scout; I love to learn new languages; I’ve already done an European Volunteer during 10months in Bulgaria.

Massage arrived in my life witouth asking permission: I always had a curiosity to learn something about it and as I took my first course I had no doubts: this could become one of my biggest passions.

I took my first course of Chiromassage back in 2019. I did it in CFM school. It gave me wonderful tools to start my path into massage.

But I felt the need to keep digging, and in 2020-2021 I studied Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Ayurvedic Therapies at Triggerpoint and Feel school, respectively. I’ve started working in the area in those years.

In 2022 I’ve enter in a one year journey at Triggerpoint for Sports and Clinics Massotherapy and Osteophatic Manipulations. In the end of the course I did an internship at a physiotherapy clinic located in Lisboa: Clínica Azul. That was next level for me to understand better the human body, its mechanisms and how to proceed to heal it from injuries/ operations/ different pathologies.

Thailand
In January 2023 everything changed: I went to Thailand to learn about one of the Mother of Massages. I stayed for 3 months and half in Chiang Mai to study and learn about massage and Thai culture. One massage that combines the gentleness of tradicional Thai dances and the strength of Muaythai.
It transformed me and it has calm me down and realize that for much that we love something we also have to stop a little to integrate everything.

Since then until today I feel I was and am in an integrative process of all the teachings I’ve learned in the past years from teachers and masters.

I am curious where the journey will take me. 5 years ago I choosed and I keep choosing. And I hope many more years to come.

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22/10/2025

Uma pequena introdução e esclarecimento entre as diferentes massagens e modalidades que pratico. 💆‍♀️

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Small introduction to the different types of massage I practice in português. 💆‍♀️

“WHAT IS MASSOTHERAPY?
Traditionally called Massage therapy, it has to do with tissue manipulation done manually or through tools. The main goal can be the treatment of a pathology or relaxation.

RELAXATION MASSAGE
Main goal is to bring the central nervous system to relax. This massage is done with slow and constant rhythms. It is not necessarily a low pressure massage.
Some of the relaxation massages I practice:
* Massotherapy/ Chiromassage (Spanish/european technique)
* Thai Lymphatic Drainage & Vodder Method;
* Thai Foot Reflexology;
* Ayurvedic Massage (Indian massage: Abhyanga);
* Thai Tradicional and Oil massages;
* Thai facial.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Main goal is treatment of different pathologies. Therapeutic massage doesn’t mean more pressure! There are many pathologies that need gentleness and not strength, such in cases of liquid retention.
Some of the modalities I practice:
* Clinic Massotherapy;
* Lymphatic Drainage Vodder Method;
* Lipomodelling;
* Thai Tradicional massage;
* Ayurvedic Therapies.

SPORTS MASSAGE
Sometimes confused with therapeutic massage. Sports massage must be applied (immediately) before or after a sports practice. It is a very intense massage and must be only applied in people that practice sports regularly or at a competitive level.

OTHER COMPLEMENTS
I’ve done other workshops to complement the therapies I pratice, such as:
* Cupping;
* Wood tools: bamboo and “Pantala”;
* Neuromuscular tape;
* Hot stones;
* Ayurvedic therapies (pindas, Katibasti, udvartana, shirodhara, shiroabhyanga, netrabasti).”

22/09/2025

Wij laten ons de hele dag verwennen, met de fantastische massages van Cátia Ramos Massoterapeuta

13/09/2025

“We all know we should exercise regularly.

It can reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and dementia.

New research finds that those who can’t fit in exercise during their working week, but instead squeeze it into their weekend – experience similar health benefits as those who work out during the week.”

We all know we should exercise regularly.It can reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and dementia.New research finds that those who can’...