If you’ve ever had a child hobble into the kitchen at bedtime complaining of “my legs hurt,” you’ve met the mysterious world of growing pains.They often show up in the evening or night, fade away by morning, and are—thankfully—not a sign of anything serious. But that doesn’t make them any less real for your little one (or less disruptive for your sleep).
Most parents are told to offer a warm bath, a gentle rub, maybe a heating pad. But here’s a tool most people don’t know about: lymphatic drainage massage.

First Things First — What’s the Lymphatic System?
Think of the lymphatic system as your body’s built-in clean-up crew. It moves fluid through the body, helps with immune function, and clears out waste products.
When a child’s body is growing quickly, their muscles, bones, and tissues can create extra by-products from all that cellular construction. Sometimes that extra work means the tissues feel tight, puffy, or tender — and the lymphatic system could use a little boost.

How Lymph Drainage Helps Kids with Growing Pains
Lymph drainage is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that supports the body’s natural fluid movement. For kids with growing pains, it can:

• Reduce swelling or puffiness in the legs and feet
• Ease muscle tension around rapidly growing bones
• Improve circulation for faster tissue recovery
• Promote relaxation, which means fewer bedtime complaints

It’s safe, light-touch, and calming — no deep tissue digging or “no pain, no gain” here. Most children find it soothing, and some even drift off to sleep on the table.

My Experience Working with Kids
As a Certified Lymph Therapist and a parent myself, I’ve seen how powerful this gentle work can be.
My own kid, who is on the autism spectrum, taught me the importance of creating a safe, sensory-friendly space. I understand that every child is different — some need quiet reassurance, others love to chat, and some need extra space before they feel comfortable with touch.
Whether your child is neurodiverse, active in sports, or just in the middle of a growth spurt, lymph drainage can be adapted to their comfort level.

What to Expect in a Session

1. We start with a chat — you and your child can ask questions and get comfortable.
2. The treatment is fully clothed — your child can wear soft, comfy clothes.
3. Gentle, precise movements encourage fluid flow and release tightness.
4. Home tips — I’ll give you simple things you can do between sessions to help your child feel better.

Sessions can be done in my Calgary clinic or in your home (for those days when bedtime battles make going out impossible).

When to See a Doctor
Most growing pains are harmless, but always check in with your pediatrician if your child’s pain is:

• Persistent and only on one side
• Associated with swelling, redness, or fever
• Affecting daily movement or causing limping

Lymphatic drainage is not a substitute for medical care, but it can be an amazing complement.

Ready to Help Your Child Sleep Better (and Save Your Evenings)?
​Growing pains don’t have to be a nightly drama. With lymphatic drainage for kids you can help their bodies recover, reduce discomfort, and make bedtime a little more peaceful.
📍 Available in-clinic at Same Stars Wellness in Calgary or through mobile sessions in Cochrane, Chestermere, Langdon, Airdrie, and Okotoks.
👉 Click here to book your child’s session

We all breathe. In. Out. Repeat. You’ve been doing it since day one, no fancy training required.
But here’s the thing: when you change how you breathe, you can change how your body feels—especially how well your lymphatic system does its job.
And no, this isn’t about sitting cross-legged in a candlelit room chanting while your cat judges you from the corner (though you’re welcome to). This is about the beautiful overlap between biology and yoga philosophy—where science meets mindful movement, without a side of mysticism… unless you want it.

Your Lymphatic System: The Body’s Silent Cleanup Crew
Think of your lymphatic system as the unsung housekeeping department of your body.
It’s responsible for:

• Removing waste and toxins from tissues
• Supporting your immune system
• Reducing swelling and puffiness

But unlike your blood, which has the heart to pump it around, your lymph fluid needs movement to flow. That movement comes from your muscles, joints… and yes, your breath.

How Breath Actually Moves Lymph (Anatomy Alert)
When you take a slow, deep breath, your diaphragm (that dome-shaped muscle under your lungs) moves downward.
This does a few clever things:

1. Creates a gentle “suction” effect in your thoracic duct (the lymphatic superhighway in your chest) helping lymph fluid drain upward into your bloodstream.
2. Massages your abdominal lymph nodes, which are like busy sorting stations filtering out waste.
3. Encourages relaxation, which lowers stress hormones that can slow lymph flow.

In other words—deep breathing is like giving your lymphatic system a free, built-in massage.

Yoga Philosophy: Breath as Life Force
In yoga, breath isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the bridge between body and mind. Ancient yogis called it prana (life energy).
While you don’t have to buy into the idea of cosmic energy highways to benefit from breathwork, the yogis were onto something:

• When you breathe deeply and intentionally, your body moves into a calmer, more balanced state.
• This balance helps all your systems—including lymphatic—work more efficiently.

Three Breath-Friendly Moves for Lymph Flow
You don’t need to be bendy, and you definitely don’t need to own a yoga mat for these to help:
1. Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breath)

• Place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest.
• Inhale through your nose, letting your belly rise first, then your chest.
• Exhale slowly. Repeat for 1–3 minutes.

2. Seated Side Stretch with Breath

• Sit comfortably, raise one arm overhead, lean to the side, and take 3–5 deep breaths into your ribcage.
• Switch sides. This opens up lymph pathways in your torso.

3. Gentle Twist with Exhale

• Sit or stand tall. Inhale to lengthen your spine, exhale to gently twist.
• This “wrings out” the torso and boosts lymph flow.

Why This Matters for You
​Whether you’re dealing with swelling, wanting to support your immune system, or just trying to feel less sluggish, breathwork is a low-effort, high-reward tool. Pairing it with regular lymphatic drainage treatments can be a game-changer—think of it as teamwork: you keep things moving at home, and I help keep everything flowing in session.

Ready to Breathe Better and Feel Better?
Let’s put the science (and a little yoga wisdom) into action.
Book your lymphatic drainage session with me in-clinic or through my mobile service—Calgary, Cochrane, Chestermere, Langdon, Airdrie, and Okotoks.
​👉 Click here to book your session

You know that saying “move it or lose it”? Turns out it’s not just something fitness influencers say before they make you do burpees.
Our bodies are designed for movement — but movement doesn’t have to mean marathons, handstands, or folding yourself into a pretzel. In fact, you can get all the juicy benefits of movement without touching your toes once. Pinky promise.

Why Gentle Movement Matters for a Healthy Life
Movement is like oil for your joints, a breath of fresh air for your lungs, and a little cheerleader for your circulation. It helps your muscles stay strong, your lymphatic system stay flowing, and your mood stay, well… less cranky.
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to break a sweat to reap the rewards. Slow, gentle, mindful movement counts — and if your goal is to feel good, reduce stiffness, and maintain mobility as you age, it might just be the best kind of movement for you.

Yin Yoga: Gentle Yoga for All Bodies
Yin yoga online is my personal love letter to moving slowly.
In Yin, we hold floor-based postures for a few minutes at a time, letting gravity do the heavy lifting. It’s not about pushing or forcing — it’s about softening, releasing tension, and giving your fascia and joints the space to breathe.
You don’t have to be flexible. You don’t have to “get it right.” You don’t even need matching yoga clothes (unless that’s your thing). All you need is a mat, a pillow, and maybe a blanket for extra coziness.
If you’ve been searching for yin yoga classes for beginners or a way to relax while still taking care of your body, this is it.

Yoga for Back Pain Relief
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just destined to have a sore back forever,” I’d like to politely disagree.
My Yoga for Backs classes (taught live on Zoom) are designed to help you create space, ease tension, and improve alignment — no wild poses, no “look at me” contortions.
We work on gentle mobilization, strengthening your postural muscles, and teaching your body to move in ways that feel good. If you’re looking for yoga for back pain that you can do at home, these classes are for you.

Movement Without the Pressure
Think of movement like seasoning food — a little sprinkle throughout the day makes everything better.
Five minutes of stretching while your coffee brews. A Yin yoga pose before bed. A few back-friendly moves while binge-watching your favourite series. It all adds up.
You don’t have to be “fit.” You just have to be willing to show up for your body, even in the smallest ways.

Try a Class From the Comfort of Your Home
​If you’re ready to bring more ease, mobility, and comfort into your body — without the pressure of performance or perfection — join me online.
🌿 Yin Yoga Online – Unwind, release, and give your joints some TLC
🌿 Yoga for Back Pain Relief – Gentle, practical movement for a happier spine
Live on Zoom – from my home to yours. You can even keep your camera off (I won’t judge).
👉 Click here to see my upcoming online yoga classes and join in
Your body will thank you — and so will Future You.

It’s that time of year again. The pencils are sharpened, the backpacks are bought, and every teacher I know is deep into that annual ritual: mentally preparing to be coughed on for the next ten months.
Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who doesn’t want to spend September through March with a box of tissues permanently attached to your hand, there’s something you can do to support your immune system that doesn’t involve chugging elderberry syrup or hiding in your house: regular lymphatic drainage therapy.
Let’s talk about what it is—and why it might be your secret weapon this flu season.

What Does the Lymphatic System Have to Do with Immunity?
​Everything, actually.
Your lymphatic system is like your body’s quiet janitorial crew—responsible for clearing out cellular waste, excess fluid, and pathogens (yep, the bugs that make you sick). But unlike your circulatory system, your lymph doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement, breath, and muscle activity to keep flowing.
When the lymphatic system gets sluggish—whether from stress, fatigue, lack of movement, or just life—it can slow down your immune response. That’s where lymphatic drainage therapy comes in. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your body’s internal cleanup crew.

Lymphatic Drainage = Immune System Tune-Up
​Here’s what regular treatments can help with:

• Stimulating lymph flow to flush out waste and toxins
• Reducing inflammation in tissues (inflammation = more work for your immune system)
• Activating parasympathetic nervous system (hello, rest and digest)
• Decreasing sinus congestion and puffiness, especially during allergy and cold season
• Improving sleep, which we all know is the real MVP of staying healthy
  
  

Teacher-Tested, Immune-Approved
​A few weeks ago, I had one of my regular teacher clients come in for her pre-back-to-school lymphatic reset. She told me, “Jen, I love my students, but the minute the first bell rings, someone’s got a runny nose and suddenly I’m fighting off a sinus infection for a month.”
We’ve been doing monthly sessions since last year, and guess what? She made it through the entire fall term without using up her sick days. That’s not a miracle—it’s the magic of a supported immune system and regular lymph flow.

Parents, This One’s for You Too
​Let’s be real—parents deserve a wellness plan just for surviving September. Between packing lunches, managing routines, and reminding your kid for the 14th time that no, you can’t bring a hamster to school, your immune system takes a hit too.
Even one or two treatments can give you a much-needed reset. I’ve had several moms and dads tell me their lymphatic sessions are the only time they actually relax—and that post-session glow isn’t just about better skin. It’s your body functioning at its best.

Flu Season Is Coming... But You Don’t Have to Be a Statistic
September through March is prime time for colds, flus, and mystery viruses with names like “Whatever That Was.” Getting ahead of it now—before your body is already run down—can make a world of difference.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself (and Stay That Way)?
​Book a lymphatic drainage session and give your immune system a boost before the school year (and the germs) start rolling in. I offer treatments at Same Stars Wellness in Calgary, and mobile sessions if you’d rather stay cozy at home.
Let’s make this the year you stay energized, clear-headed, and congestion-free—whether you're teaching, parenting, or just trying to avoid the office bug.