Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Menopause: What It Actually Does, with Sophie of Good Habit

Why Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to Know About Lymphatic Drainage Massage, with Sophie of Good HabitI have wanted to do this episode for such a long time.On this week's Ministry of Menopause I am joined by Sophie, a registered massage therapist who trained in Vancouver and now runs her practice, Good Habit, in Marylebone, London. Sophie specialises in lymphatic drainage massage, and if you have been following me for a while you will know how much I rate this as part of a holistic approach to hormone health.We talk through what lymphatic drainage massage actually is, how the lymphatic system supports hormone balance, detoxification and immune function, and why so many women in perimenopause and menopause are walking around with a sluggish lymphatic system without ever realising it. Bloating, puffiness, fluid retention, brain fog, low energy and even breast tenderness can all have a lymphatic component, and Sophie explains in beautifully simple terms how this gentle, rhythmic massage technique works with the body rather than against it.We also get into the Vancouver connection, since Sophie trained on the West Coast of Canada where integrative and manual therapies sit comfortably alongside conventional medicine, something close to my own heart given my dual practice between the UK and Canada. Sophie brings that same evidence informed, whole body philosophy to her London clinic.What we cover in this episodeThe difference between lymphatic drainage massage and a regular deep tissue massage Why the lymphatic system matters more than most women realise during perimenopause and menopause How lymphatic drainage massage can help with bloating, fluid retention and that puffy, heavy feeling in the body The connection between lymph flow, hormone metabolism and detoxification Who lymphatic drainage massage is suitable for, and when to seek advice before booking What to expect in a first session with a registered massage therapist Sophie's training in Vancouver and how North American manual therapy informs her practice in Marylebone Simple things you can do at home to support your lymphatic system between treatmentsAbout Sophie and Good HabitSophie is a registered massage therapist trained in Vancouver, Canada, now based in Marylebone, London, where she runs Good Habit, a practice dedicated to lymphatic drainage massage and manual therapy. She takes a gentle, considered and highly skilled approach, and it was such a pleasure to sit down with her and talk shop.If you are in London and want to experience lymphatic drainage massage for yourself, here is where to find Sophie.Website: https://www.goodhabitldn.com/Book an appointment: https://www.goodhabitldn.com/contactFree videos and symptom tracker: https://www.goodhabitldn.com/freehabitsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodhabitldnIf you are outside London and looking for a specialist in manual lymphatic drainage near you, Sophie also pointed us to the MLD UK therapist finder, a wonderful resource for tracking down a qualified practitioner wherever you are: https://mlduk.org.uk/find-a-therapist/A note on this episodeThis episode is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for individualised medical advice. Please speak to your doctor about your own symptoms before starting any new treatment, including any form of massage therapy.Whatever you are going through in life, never ever quit, keep on going and don't let them win.Dr Golda#MinistryOfMenopause #LymphaticDrainageMassage #PerimenopauseSupport