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https://elainetaggarttherapies.co.uk

I qualified with an HND in Beauty Therapy in 1993. Since then I’ve embarked on numerous advanced courses and have thousands of hours experience. I treat each client uniquely - no one size fits all approach from me. My therapy room is a confidential space where you have my undivided attention.

Posts by Elaine Taggart:

Hydration and Electrolytes Especially for Post Surgery Healing

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Hydration, Electrolytes & Healing: Why They Matter After Surgery

When recovering from surgery, most people focus on rest, dressings, medication, and follow-up appointments—but one of the most overlooked foundations of healing is hydration.

Your body relies on water and minerals known as electrolytes to repair tissue, support circulation, reduce swelling, maintain energy, and help every cell function efficiently. If hydration is poor, recovery can feel slower, more uncomfortable, and more draining.

Whether you’ve had cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, abdominal procedures, or another operation, supporting your body with fluids and nourishment can make a real difference.

Why Hydration Matters After Surgery

After surgery, the body enters a healing phase that requires increased resources. Fluids are essential because they help:

1. Deliver Nutrients to Healing Tissue

Water helps transport oxygen, vitamins, minerals, and protein to the areas that need repair.

2. Support Lymphatic Drainage

Surgery often creates swelling and fluid retention. Good hydration supports the lymphatic system, helping the body move excess fluid and waste products more efficiently.

3. Prevent Constipation

Pain relief medication, reduced movement, and anaesthesia commonly slow digestion. Drinking enough fluids can help ease this uncomfortable side effect.

4. Maintain Energy Levels

Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and brain fog—all things you don’t need during recovery.

5. Support Healthy Skin & Tissue Repair

Well-hydrated tissue is generally more supple and resilient, which can support comfort and healing.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, muscle contractions, and cellular repair. The main ones include:

  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Chloride

These minerals can become depleted through stress, sweating, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or not eating and drinking enough after surgery.

Signs You May Need More Fluids or Electrolytes

  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Light-headedness
  • Constipation
  • Feeling weak or shaky
  • Dark urine
  • Increased swelling from poor circulation

(Always seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.)

Natural Sources of Electrolytes

You don’t always need sugary sports drinks. Many natural foods contain valuable electrolytes:

Potassium-Rich Foods

  • Coconut water
  • Bananas
  • Avocado
  • Sweet potato
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes
  • Melon
  • Oranges
  • Cucumber

Magnesium Sources

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Oats
  • Cacao

Calcium Sources

  • Sardines
  • Sesame seeds / tahini
  • Yoghurt (if tolerated)
  • Kale
  • Broccoli

Hydrating Water-Rich Foods

  • Cucumber
  • Watermelon
  • Celery
  • Lettuce
  • Courgette
  • Strawberries

Sodium (in moderation)

  • Good quality sea salt added to meals
  • Homemade broths
  • Mineral-rich soups

Simple Natural Electrolyte Drink

Try this gentle homemade option:

  • 500ml water
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Slices of cucumber
  • Small pinch sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Sip slowly through the day.

Herbal Teas to Support Recovery

Herbal teas can be a lovely way to increase fluid intake while offering additional benefits.

Peppermint Tea

Helpful for bloating, nausea, and digestion.

Ginger Tea

Can support circulation and help ease nausea.

Chamomile Tea

Traditionally used for relaxation and better sleep.

Nettle Tea

Naturally rich in minerals and often used as a nourishing tonic.

Rooibos Tea

Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.

Lemon Balm Tea

Calming and soothing when recovery feels stressful.

Fennel Tea

May help digestion and bloating.

Tips for Hydrating Well After Surgery

  • Sip regularly rather than drinking large amounts at once
  • Keep water beside you throughout the day
  • Include broths, soups, herbal teas, and water-rich foods
  • Add electrolytes if appetite is low
  • Reduce excess alcohol and sugary drinks
  • Balance fluids with adequate protein and nourishing meals

A Gentle Reminder

Hydration alone is not a substitute for medical care—but it is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your body’s natural healing processes.

Recovery asks a lot of the body. Water, minerals, rest, and nourishment help give it what it needs.

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage May Help

Alongside hydration, many clients find Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) beneficial after surgery (when approved by their surgeon). MLD can support lymph flow, reduce feelings of congestion, and encourage comfort during recovery.

Final Thoughts

Healing is never just about the surgery itself—it’s about how you support your body afterwards.

Drink well. Nourish deeply. Rest fully. Heal steadily.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A Gentle Therapy with Powerful Benefits

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In a world where many of us are seeking natural, supportive ways to improve our health, complementary therapies are becoming an important part of a balanced wellbeing routine. One such therapy is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — a gentle, rhythmic treatment that works with the body rather than against it.

MLD is not a quick fix or a one-off solution. Instead, it is a deeply supportive therapy that enhances the body’s own healing processes. When incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, its effects can be both subtle and profound.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system — a vital part of your immune and detoxification processes.

Using light, precise movements, MLD encourages the flow of lymph fluid around the body. This helps to:

  • reduce swelling and fluid retention
  • support immune function
  • remove waste and toxins
  • promote deep relaxation

Unlike traditional massage, MLD is slow, gentle, and deeply calming to the nervous system.

A Complementary Approach to Health

MLD works best when viewed as part of a wider wellbeing picture.

Rather than replacing medical care, it complements it — supporting the body alongside other healthy choices such as:

  • good nutrition
  • regular movement
  • hydration
  • quality sleep
  • stress management

This is where MLD becomes especially powerful. It creates the conditions for your body to function more efficiently, allowing other positive changes to take deeper effect.

The Power of Consistency

One of the most important things to understand about MLD is that its benefits build over time.

While many people feel lighter and more relaxed after just one session, regular treatments can:

  • improve circulation and lymph flow
  • reduce chronic puffiness or bloating
  • support recovery after surgery or illness
  • enhance overall energy levels

Consistency allows the body to rebalance gradually and sustainably.

More Than a Physical Treatment

MLD is often described as deeply relaxing — and for good reason.

By calming the nervous system, it can help shift the body out of “fight or flight” and into a state of rest and repair. This creates space not only for physical healing, but also for mental and emotional clarity.

Many clients find that during treatment, they are able to switch off completely — something that is increasingly rare in busy modern life.

Supporting Your Body, Naturally

Your body is always working to keep you well. Sometimes, it simply needs the right support.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage offers a gentle yet effective way to:

  • reconnect with your body
  • support your natural detoxification processes
  • feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, it becomes more than a treatment — it becomes part of a sustainable approach to long-term wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. But incorporating supportive, nurturing therapies like MLD can make a meaningful difference over time.

If you’re looking for a gentle, natural way to support your body, Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be a valuable addition to your wellbeing routine.

When Should You Start Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery?

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After surgery, it’s completely normal to have questions about what helps your body heal well.

One of the most common things people ask is:
“When should I start lymphatic drainage?”

The answer isn’t one size fits all, but there are some helpful guidelines that can give you clarity and reassurance.

In the early days after surgery

For many procedures, lymphatic drainage can begin within the first few days, often around 3 to 7 days post-op.

This is usually when swelling starts to build, and your body is beginning the healing process.

At this stage, treatment is very gentle.

It’s not about deep pressure or “pushing” anything.
It’s about supporting your lymphatic system to move fluid naturally, reducing congestion and helping your body settle.

That said, it’s always important to follow your surgeon’s advice first, as every procedure and recovery is slightly different.

If you’re a few weeks post-surgery

If you didn’t start lymphatic drainage straight away, don’t worry.

You can still benefit from treatment weeks or even months later.

At this stage, people often notice:

  • lingering swelling
  • areas that feel firm or tight
  • uneven healing

Lymphatic drainage can help to:

  • soften tissue
  • reduce remaining fluid
  • support a more comfortable recovery

It’s never really “too late” — your body will still respond.

What if you leave it too long?

Your body will still heal on its own.

But sometimes, without support, fluid can sit in the tissues longer than necessary.

This can lead to:

  • prolonged swelling
  • discomfort
  • areas of hardness (fibrosis)

Lymphatic drainage helps to encourage movement and flow, which can make the healing process feel easier and more comfortable.

Listening to your body

Everyone’s recovery is different.

Some people feel ready quite quickly.
Others need a bit more time.

Signs your body may benefit from lymphatic drainage include:

  • swelling that doesn’t seem to be shifting
  • a feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • discomfort when moving
  • areas that feel firm or lumpy

You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad” — gentle support early on can make a real difference.

A gentle approach matters

After surgery, your body is in a vulnerable state.

Lymphatic drainage should always feel:

  • calm
  • gentle
  • supportive

It’s not about forcing change.
It’s about working with your body as it heals.

Final thoughts

Starting lymphatic drainage at the right time can help your recovery feel smoother and more supported.

For many people, that’s within the first week.
But wherever you are in your healing, it’s okay to begin there.

Your body doesn’t need perfection.

It just responds well to the right kind of care, at the right time.

What Is Post-Surgery Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Do You Really Need It?

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If you’re preparing for surgery or recovering from one, you may have come across the term Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It’s often recommended as part of post-operative care, particularly after cosmetic procedures, but many people aren’t entirely sure what it is or whether it’s actually necessary.

In this guide, I’ll gently walk through what post-surgery MLD involves, how it supports your body’s healing process, and whether it might be right for you.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised, gentle form of treatment that encourages the natural movement of lymph fluid around the body.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in:

– removing waste and toxins  

– supporting your immune system  

– maintaining fluid balance  

After surgery, this system can become sluggish or overwhelmed. Swelling, bruising, and fluid build up are all normal parts of healing but they can sometimes linger longer than expected.

MLD works by using light, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow and help your body process this excess fluid more efficiently.

Why Is MLD Recommended After Surgery?

Following surgery, your body goes into repair mode. During this time, inflammation increases and fluid naturally gathers in the affected areas.

Post-surgery MLD helps to:

– reduce swelling and fluid retention  

– ease feelings of tightness or discomfort  

– support the body’s natural healing processes  

– improve circulation to the treated area  

– encourage a smoother recovery overall  

Many clients also find it deeply calming, which can be especially helpful when your nervous system is under stress after a procedure.

Do You Really Need It?

The honest answer is: it depends on your surgery, your body, and your recovery.

MLD is commonly recommended after procedures such as:

– liposuction  

– tummy tucks  

– breast surgery  

– facelifts or other facial procedures  

In some cases, surgeons strongly advise it as part of aftercare. In others, it’s optional but still beneficial.

You may particularly benefit from MLD if you:

– are experiencing significant swelling or puffiness  

– feel uncomfortable or tight in the treated area  

– want to support a smoother, more comfortable recovery  

– are looking for a gentle, non-invasive way to aid healing  

That said, it’s not about needing it in a strict sense, it’s about supporting your body in the best way possible.

When Should You Start MLD?

Timing is important.

You should always:

– follow your surgeon’s advice  

– ensure any wounds are healing appropriately  

– wait until you’ve been medically cleared if required  

In many cases, MLD can begin within the first couple of weeks after surgery but this varies from person to person.

What Makes MLD Different From Regular Massage?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that MLD is similar to deep tissue massage. In reality, it’s the opposite.

MLD is:

– extremely gentle  

– slow and rhythmic  

– focused on the lymphatic pathways rather than muscles  

This makes it suitable even when your body feels tender or sensitive after surgery.

A Gentle, Supportive Approach to Healing

Recovering from surgery isn’t just physical it can also be an emotional and nervous-system experience. Taking time to rest, feel supported, and reconnect with your body is just as important as the practical side of healing.

MLD offers a calm, nurturing space where your body can begin to settle, regulate, and recover at its own pace.

Post-surgery Manual Lymphatic Drainage isn’t a magic fix but it can be a valuable part of your recovery toolkit.

If you’d like guidance tailored to your situation, you’re always welcome to get in touch and explore what support might feel right for you.

Supporting your body gently, every step of the way.

Crash and Burn – 2006, The Year It All Changed

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I’ve noticed a lot of people doing then and now comparison from 2016 to 2026. It made me think of ten years earlier 2006. It was a turning point in my life.

An accumulation of events brought me to my knees.

My doctor detected an anomaly with my wee 8 month old baby – a possible hole in her heart.

My other wee girl had scarlet fever.

My husband had a solar keratosis on his nose.

I was unfairly charged £1000 by a car company.

I had a lump in my breast.

My husband got caught speeding – over 100 mph = automatic ban (he was a field sales agent and drove for a living).

I was working as a mobile beauty therapist when the girls were in bed.

My anxiety was sky high.

I was exhausted.

I was unsupported.

I was blamed.

I knew my marriage was over.

I was encouraged to take responsibility for things that weren’t mine to carry.

My friend told me children needed both parents together so I battled on for a further 4 years.

My Gran helped me by buying a bigger house for us so I could work from home. But it still wasn’t enough.

I collapsed under the pressure.

I eventually ended my marriage.

The narrative was manipulated and rewritten to make others look good. 

Lies upon lies were told.

Even years later, I’ve seen how narratives can be twisted in ways that deeply hurt the children.

Years upon years I spent trying to figure it all out. To prove myself. To earn love.

What a waste.

Over the years I’ve had therapy with a psychologist, EMDR therapy, support from Women’s Aid, specialist support with my daughter following the turmoil of lockdown. It all mattered. All of it helped.

But what finally brought calm and confidence was learning to turn inward  to meet myself with compassion rather than criticism.

Through understanding my inner world and offering care to the parts of me that learned early on to cope alone, something shifted.

This work didn’t erase the past  but it gave me peace with it.

And now, I get to support others coming through difficult times through my therapies and coaching. I’m truly honoured.

Coming Home to Yourself

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What Does It Mean to Come Home to Yourself?

Many people move through life feeling capable, responsible, and outwardly fine, yet carry a quiet sense of disconnection inside. You may feel tired without knowing why, unsure of what you want, or aware that you’ve drifted away from yourself over time.

“Coming home to yourself” is a gentle way of describing the process of reconnecting with your inner world, your feelings, needs, values and bodily signals after a period of self-abandonment or emotional disconnection.

This isn’t about self-improvement or becoming someone new. It’s about returning to who you already are.

How Disconnection Happens

Disconnection from ourselves rarely happens suddenly. More often, it develops gradually as we adapt to life’s demands.

Common reasons include:

  • prioritising others’ needs over your own
  • long-term caregiving or parenting roles
  • chronic stress or burnout
  • emotional or relational strain
  • learning early on to “cope” rather than feel

In these situations, it can feel safer or more practical to ignore internal signals  such as tiredness, anger, sadness, or desire in order to keep functioning. Over time, this can lead to a sense of numbness, restlessness, or feeling not quite yourself.

This is not a failure. It’s a natural survival response.

What Self-Abandonment Can Feel Like

Self-abandonment doesn’t always look dramatic. It often shows up quietly in everyday life, such as:

  • difficulty resting without guilt
  • uncertainty around decisions
  • feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions
  • pushing through exhaustion
  • feeling disconnected from your body
  • a sense of losing your identity or direction

Many people only realise how far they’ve drifted when life slows down  during midlife, after illness, during menopause, or when long-held roles begin to change.

The Quiet Pull to Return Inward

For many, the desire to come home to themselves doesn’t arrive as a clear plan. It shows up as a gentle nudge:

  • a longing for stillness
  • a need to slow down
  • an urge to listen inward rather than seek answers outside
  • a sense that something old no longer fits

This pull inward is not withdrawal or avoidance. It’s a healthy response to growth and transition. The body and nervous system often initiate this process before the mind understands it.

What “Coming Home” Actually Involves

Coming home to yourself is not about analysing the past or forcing change. It involves:

  • noticing what’s happening inside you without judgement
  • reconnecting with your body’s signals
  • acknowledging emotions rather than suppressing them
  • recognising different inner responses such as guilt, fear, or self-criticism as protective rather than problematic

As awareness grows, inner tension often softens. Decisions become clearer. You may feel more settled, grounded, and able to trust yourself again.

Why the Body Matters in This Process

Disconnection is not just mental it’s embodied.

Stress, responsibility, and emotional suppression are often held physically, particularly in areas such as the jaw, chest, abdomen, or shoulders. Learning to tune into bodily sensations can provide valuable information about what you need and what you’ve been carrying.

This is why body-based awareness and gentle nervous system regulation are central to coming home to yourself. When the body feels safer, clarity and self-trust naturally increase.

When Support Can Help

Some people find they can reconnect with themselves through rest, reflection, or lifestyle changes. Others benefit from having a safe, supportive space where they can slow down, listen inwardly, and explore what’s emerging without pressure.

Coaching that focuses on awareness, embodiment, and self-connection can help you navigate this process gently, especially during times of transition or uncertainty.

Final Thoughts

Coming home to yourself is not about fixing what’s broken. It’s about recognising that nothing was ever wrong with you – you adapted in ways that helped you survive and care for others.

As life changes, those adaptations may no longer be needed.

Listening inward, reconnecting with your body, and allowing yourself to be guided from within can support a calmer, more authentic way of living, one that feels grounded, spacious, and aligned with who you truly are.

If you’re feeling that quiet pull to return to yourself, I’ve designed a new coaching programme to support you. I’m offering 60 minute sessions for £35 until the end of March 2026. These will normally be priced at £75. If you’re interested please get in touch and I’ll book you in.

Book Appointment

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Who Is It For?

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, therapeutic massage technique designed to support the body’s lymphatic system. While it may feel deeply relaxing, MLD is far more than a soothing treatment, it plays an important role in helping the body remove waste, reduce swelling, and support overall wellbeing.

In this article, we’ll explore what MLD is, how it works, and who can benefit from it.

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a vital part of your immune and circulatory systems. It consists of a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that work together to remove toxins, excess fluid, and waste products from the body. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart. Instead, it relies on movement, breathing, and muscle contraction to keep lymph fluid flowing.

When the lymphatic system becomes sluggish or overloaded due to illness, injury, surgery, stress, or a sedentary lifestyle fluid can build up in the tissues. This may lead to swelling, discomfort, heaviness, fatigue, and a reduced immune response.

This is where Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised form of massage that uses light, rhythmic, and precise movements to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid. Developed in the 1930s by Dr Emil Vodder, MLD is now widely recognised and used in both medical and complementary therapy settings.

Unlike traditional massage, MLD does not involve deep pressure or kneading of muscles. Instead, the therapist uses gentle stretching movements on the skin to encourage lymph fluid to move toward functioning lymph nodes, where it can be processed and eliminated naturally by the body.

Because of its gentle nature, MLD is suitable for people who may not tolerate deeper massage techniques.

How Does MLD Feel?

Most people describe MLD as extremely relaxing. The slow, repetitive movements help calm the nervous system, often leaving clients feeling lighter, more comfortable, and deeply at ease. Some people notice immediate benefits, while others experience gradual improvements over a series of treatments.

It’s also common to feel more hydrated, notice increased urination, or feel pleasantly tired after a session all signs that the body is responding to the treatment.

Who Can Benefit From Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD can support a wide range of people and conditions. It may be particularly beneficial if you experience any of the following:

Lymphoedema

MLD is well known for supporting people with lymphoedema, including primary lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema following surgery, cancer treatment, or lymph node removal. It can help reduce swelling, discomfort, and feelings of heaviness.

Post-Surgery and Post-Procedure Recovery

Many clients seek MLD after surgery, including cosmetic procedures, orthopaedic surgery, or abdominal surgery. MLD may help reduce post-operative swelling, bruising, and discomfort, supporting a smoother recovery process (always with medical approval).

Chronic Swelling or Fluid Retention

If you experience swollen ankles, legs, arms, or bloating due to fluid retention, MLD can help encourage fluid movement and reduce congestion in the tissues.

Fatigue, Stress, and Low Immunity

Because the lymphatic system plays a key role in immune function, MLD may be helpful for those feeling run-down, stressed, or prone to frequent colds and infections. The calming effect on the nervous system also makes it beneficial for stress management.

Skin Conditions and Inflammation

MLD may support conditions where inflammation or congestion is present, such as acne, rosacea, sinus congestion, or headaches linked to fluid pressure.

General Wellbeing and Self-Care

You don’t need a specific condition to benefit from MLD. Many people choose it as part of a regular self-care routine to support detoxification, relaxation, and overall balance in the body.

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Suitable for Everyone?

While MLD is gentle and safe for many people, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate, such as acute infections, untreated cancer, severe heart conditions, or active blood clots. A thorough consultation will be carried out to ensure MLD is safe and suitable for you.

If you are unsure, it’s always best to seek advice before booking a treatment.

What to Expect From a Session

A typical MLD session begins with a consultation to discuss your health history, symptoms, and goals. The treatment itself is usually performed with you lying comfortably on the massage couch, using slow, rhythmic hand movements. Sessions can be full-body or focused on specific areas, depending on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a powerful yet gentle therapy that supports the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you’re managing swelling, recovering from surgery, feeling run-down, or simply looking to support your wellbeing, MLD offers a calm, nurturing approach to health.

If you’re curious about how Manual Lymphatic Drainage could support you, a tailored treatment plan can help ensure you receive the maximum benefit in a safe and supportive way.

Nurturing Yourself Through Maternity Massage and Reflexology

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Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring aches, fatigue, and emotional ups and downs. Taking time to care for yourself is not indulgent, it’s essential for both your wellbeing and your baby’s.

Maternity massage is a gentle, nurturing way to ease tension in your back, shoulders, and legs, helping to improve circulation and reduce swelling. It can also support better sleep, lower stress, and promote a sense of calm during this transformative time.

Reflexology works on specific points in the feet to encourage balance throughout the body. Many expectant mothers find it helps with relaxation, eases pregnancy-related discomforts, and supports emotional wellbeing.

Both therapies are safe when tailored for pregnancy and provide a special opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your body, and nurture yourself as you nurture your little one.

Taking even a short pause for care can have a lasting positive impact, because when you feel cared for, your body, mind, and baby all benefit.

Why Manual Lymphatic Drainage Is Essential in Winter: Boost Immunity, Reduce Bloating & Feel Lighter

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Winter is a season where many of us slow down physically… but the body actually has more to process.

We move less.

We eat more comfort food.

We spend more time indoors with central heating and less sunlight.

All of this can leave the lymphatic system feeling sluggish.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic technique that supports the body’s natural ability to drain waste, boost immunity and calm the nervous system and winter is the PERFECT time to receive it.

Here’s why:

1. Winter often means slower circulation

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow. Muscles tighten. Joints feel stiffer. This can reduce circulation and create a feeling of heaviness or puffiness.

MLD stimulates lymph flow improving circulation, easing stagnation, and helping the body feel lighter and clearer again.

2. Immune support becomes essential in cold and flu season

Your lymphatic system is a core part of your immune system.

When it’s moving well you feel more resilient.

MLD encourages lymphocyte activity and helps the body flush cellular waste more efficiently. This gives your immune system more capacity to respond, rather than being weighed down.

3. It calms the nervous system and soothes emotional stress

Winter often brings emotional fatigue as well as shorter days, less daylight, more overwhelm, more time indoors.

MLD works through the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and restore” part of the body.

Most clients feel deeply relaxed, sometimes even drifting off to sleep during treatment. This can support emotional balance, mood, and hormonal regulation.

4. Supports digestion and bloating (common in winter)

Colder months often lead to richer foods, more sugar, more celebrations — which can affect digestion.

MLD around the abdomen can support lymphatic flow around the gut, helping ease bloating and digestive sluggishness.

5. Encourages warmth, softness and connection with your own body

Winter often pulls us up into our heads.

MLD helps you drop into the body and feel held.

Clients often tell me:

“I feel like someone has hit the reset button.”

That’s because MLD isn’t just physical, it’s deeply regulating.

Winter is the season of nourishment

MLD honours that.

It meets your body where it is  gently, respectfully, and supports it back to balance.

Deep Authentic Self Care

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Real self care is reconnecting to the essence of who you are. It’s so easy to get lost in the expectations of society and other people especially in this internet and social media age. We are continually being told who we should be and what we should have in order to be a success and a worthy individual.

If you don’t know who you are or in other words you’ve forgotten who you are, it’s difficult to build deep, meaningful, authentic connections with others. 

I find it very easy to forge a connection with others….its my job. But it’s a one way street. Someone I was in a romantic relationship with said to me once “we’re the same. We’ve been open and honest with each other.” It stuck with me as I thought, I’m not the same as you! I saw him as deeply flawed. I certainly hadn’t been open and honest for fear he would reject me. He obviously felt seen by me though. And I had morphed into a certain person that he would identify with. Self sacrifice.

So how do you reconnect with yourself?

Self-connection isn’t something to achieve, it’s a relationship that deepens with honesty, patience and time.

First start by asking some questions and answering them truly honestly. The answers don’t need to be elaborate or extensive. They also don’t all need to be answered.

What do I need right now that I’m not giving myself?

When in the past week did I feel most like myself?

Where in my life do I feel like I’m pretending?

What am I tired of carrying, even if I think I should?

What do I care deeply about, even if I don’t act on it yet.

Whose voice is loudest in my head, and is it actually mine?

What kind of person do I want to be when no one’s watching?

What emotions do I avoid the most?

What would I say if I could speak without fear of being misunderstood or punished?

What pain in me is asking to be witnessed, not fixed?

What do I give others that I rarely give to myself?

Who makes me feel safe and why?

What kind of connection am I actually craving beneath the surface?

Here are some of my answers:

When in the past week did I feel most like myself?

When I was making brownies for people I love.

Whose voice is loudest in my head, and is it actually mine?

The voice of condemnation telling me I’m a failure.

What emotions do I avoid the most?

Grief and vulnerability.

What do I give others that I rarely give to myself?

Forgiveness and gentleness.

What kind of connection am I actually craving beneath the surface?

Warmth, understanding, working things out together rather than being told, advised or left alone to figure it out.

It’s a start to re discovering yourself. You’re not broken! You’re whole. It’s a process of self discovery, of remembering who you were before you gave yourself away, and edited yourself to fit into the ideals of others.

We’re all a unique expression of love that’s never been seen before nor will it be seen again. More than ever the world needs to see the true beauty of who you are.

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