Kathy Chase Wellbeing

Why Do Your Legs Swell When Flying? ✈️

Ever stepped off a long flight with swollen ankles or tight shoes? You're not alone. Leg swelling during air travel is very common and is usually a normal response to sitting for long periods.

What's happening?
When we sit for hours, our calf muscles aren't moving enough to help pump blood and lymphatic fluid back towards the heart. Gravity causes fluid to collect in the lower legs and ankles, leading to temporary swelling.

The aircraft cabin also contributes:

The cabin is pressurised to the equivalent of around 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level.

The air is very dry, which can contribute to mild dehydration.
Reduced movement, gravity, and dehydration can all slow circulation and make it easier for fluid to accumulate.
What role does the lymphatic system play?

Your lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid from your tissues. Unlike the circulatory system, it doesn't have a pump like the heart—it relies on muscle movement, breathing, and healthy fascial mobility to keep lymph flowing.

When you're sitting still for long periods, lymph flow can slow down, making it harder to clear fluid from your legs. If you already experience lymphatic congestion, lipoedema, lymphoedema, venous insufficiency, or have had surgery, you may notice swelling more easily.

How can you reduce swelling?
✔️ Walk the aisle every hour or two if possible.

✔️ While seated, regularly pump your ankles, circle your feet, and tighten and release your calf muscles.

✔️ Stay well hydrated throughout your flight.

✔️ Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

✔️ Consider wearing graduated compression socks, particularly on longer flights or if you're prone to swelling.

When should you seek medical advice?
Swelling in both legs that settles within a few hours after moving around is usually nothing to worry about.

However, seek urgent medical attention if you notice:

Swelling in one leg only
Significant pain or tenderness in the calf
Redness or warmth in the leg
Shortness of breath or chest pain
These may be signs of a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and require immediate assessment.

Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage help?
If you're travelling, especially on long-haul flights, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can be a wonderful way to support your body's natural fluid movement before or after your trip. It can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and leave your legs feeling lighter and more comfortable.

If you're prone to swollen legs when travelling, feel free to get in touch to see whether MLD or a combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage could help support your next journey.

Plan ahead for your next trip and book an appointment at my Waiuku-based clinic.

https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Clinic%20Session

Ready for your next creative escape!

Clover and Butterfly Watercolour and Ink Pen Workshop

Friday 24th July
10.20 am to 12.35pm
Artisan Alcove
Waiuku Family Support
Queen Street

8 places available.

All materials provided.

You don't have to be an expert at drawing, simply relax, join in and enjoy!

Book Now!

$50pp
To book, use the link in this post, contact Kathy on Messenger or email: [email protected]

Booking link:
https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=87677663

Hormones and Your Lymphatic System: Why Perimenopause and Menopause Can Leave You Feeling Puffy and Sluggish

Did you know that fluctuating and declining estrogen levels can affect your lymphatic system?

During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can influence how fluid moves through the body and may contribute to feelings of puffiness, heaviness, and swelling.

💧 Reduced vessel tone
Estrogen helps support the tone of lymphatic vessels. As levels fluctuate and decline, lymph transport can become less efficient.

💧 Increased fluid retention
Hormonal changes can affect how the body regulates fluid, contributing to puffiness in the face, breasts, hands, legs, or abdomen.

💧 Changes in connective tissue
Estrogen helps maintain tissue elasticity. As levels fall, tissues can become denser and less flexible, which may impact lymphatic circulation.

💧 Increased inflammation
Lower estrogen levels are associated with increased inflammation, which can contribute to fluid congestion and feelings of heaviness.

Supporting Your Lymphatic System During Perimenopause and Menopause

✔ Regular movement such as walking, yoga, swimming, or rebounding
✔ Staying well hydrated
✔ Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as berries, leafy greens, oily fish, and turmeric
✔ Prioritising sleep and stress management
✔ Gentle self-care techniques such as dry brushing or lymphatic massage

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) May Help

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic treatment designed to encourage lymph movement and support the body's natural fluid balance.

Many clients report:
✨ Feeling lighter and less puffy
✨ Reduced swelling and bloating
✨ Improved relaxation and sleep
✨ A greater sense of wellbeing

If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling swollen, heavy, or sluggish, MLD may be worth exploring.

📅 To book an appointment, send me a message or book online:

https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Clinic%20Session

Initial appointment (up to 75 minutes): $120
Follow-up appointment (60 minutes): $105

Introduction to Ink Pen Botanicals

🧑🏼‍🎨Sunday, June 28th
Leafy Hollow Lavender
Waiuku

10.00am to 1.00pm
Only 10 places.

All materials provided.
Morning teas included.

Taking it step by step, we'll be playing with techniques, and I'll be sharing tips for getting started. Located in this inspirational garden setting.

Warning: ink pen drawing is highly addictive.

You don't have to be an expert at drawing, simply relax, join in and enjoy!

Book Now!
$80pp

To book, use the link in this post, contact Kathy on Messenger or email: [email protected]

Booking link:
https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=93361985

If you would like to be on the Newsletter for my upcoming events, you can register via my website:

www.kchaseartist.com

I also recommend following this page; you can find me on Instagram.

Ready for your next creative escape!

Dahlia Watercolour Pencil and Ink Pen Workshop

Friday June 12th
10.45am to 1.00pm
Artisan Alcove
Waiuku Family Support
Queen Street

All materials provided.

You don't have to be an expert at drawing, simply relax, join in and enjoy!

Book Now!
$50pp

This is a small class, with only 8 places.

To book, use the link in this post, contact Kathy on Messenger or email: [email protected]

Booking link:
https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=87677444

Introduction to Ink Pen Botanicals

🧑🏼‍🎨Sunday, June 28th
Leafy Hollow Lavender
Waiuku

10.00am to 1.00pm
Only 10 places.

All materials provided.
Morning teas included.

You don't have to be an expert at drawing, simply relax, join in and enjoy!

Book Now!
$80pp

To book, use the link in this post, contact Kathy on Messenger or email: [email protected]

Booking link:
https://kathychasewellbeingbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=93361985

If you would like to be on the Newsletter for my upcoming events, you can register via my website:

www.kchaseartist.com

I also recommend following this page; you can find me on Instagram.