Hello! I’m Catherine, an experi­enced RMT based in Victoria, BC.

Absolutely, most people can benefit from a lymphatic massage. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) works by facilitating the drainage of fluid and waste from the body's spaces, preventing swelling amongst other things.

One of the key benefits of MLD is that it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Lots of people fall asleep with the light and repetitive hand motions of the technique.

MLD supports the immune system, helping the body fight off viruses, inflammation, and bacteria. Additionally, skin health can be improved by enhancing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells.

Yes. When you get a massage, your body shifts into relaxation mode - the opposite of fight or flight. Your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops, and your stress hormones take a break - basically, your nervous system gets the signal that it's safe.

As the tension melts away from your muscles, your whole body finally gets to let out that big sigh of relief it's been holding onto. Afterwards, you might feel that pleasant kind of tired - like you just had the most amazing nap. It's your body's way of saying "thank you" for giving it permission to really relax. You'll likely wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

Yes, feeling nervous about getting a massage is completely normal. Common reasons include first-time jitters, body image concerns, past experiences, personal boundaries around touch, physical sensitivities, health considerations, cultural or religious beliefs, and trauma history.

Your comfort is the priority. As your massage therapist, I'm here to listen to your concerns, respect your boundaries, and adapt the treatment to your needs. You have complete control over your massage experience and can communicate what feels comfortable or not so good at any time.

A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can build up under your skin after surgery or an injury. It usually shows up within days or weeks as a soft, painless swelling that you can feel or see beneath the skin. Seromas are common after surgeries that remove significant amounts of tissue or lymph nodes, like breast procedures or lymph node removal.

While lymphatic massage, taping, and compression can help manage seromas, you may need your surgeon to drain it with a needle.

After a massage, you might notice a temporary increase in inflammation in your body. Don't worry, it's part of the healing process! To learn more on this topic, please see my article "Wait, Why Does Massage Increase Inflammation?".