Hey Central Texas Friends, Happy New Year… or should I say, achoo New Year? If you’re in Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere in the Hill Country, you know exactly what I’m talking about. As of early January 2026, cedar pollen counts are spiking – we’re right in the thick of it, with peaks often slamming us mid-month. Those Ashe juniper trees (the real culprits behind “mountain cedar”) are exploding with pollen, turning the air into a yellow haze and making half of us feel like we have the flu.

Runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sinus pressure that feels like your head’s in a vice, sore throat, fatigue – sound familiar? Cedar fever isn’t actually a fever (though some folks run a low-grade one), but it can wipe you out just the same. And unlike spring allergies, this one’s a winter special, running from mid-December through February or early March.

Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and staying indoors help a ton (pro tip: shower before bed to rinse off the pollen and change your pillowcase ni...

Lymphatic massage is surprisingly gentle.

When I first got interested in lymphatic drainage, I was surprised at how well it worked. Like, instantly! After one session, my friend’s edema in her swollen legs was visibly reduced and the pressure and pain were alleviated. She felt so much relief that tears came to her eyes.

When most people receive their first manual lymph drainage massage, they’re usually surprised that the hand technique is so very gentle. Lymphatic massage requires a controlled, yet light touch. Why so gentle?

Lymph vessels are delicate and tiny. The largest are less than one millimeter in diameter, and the precapillary channels are even smaller. The hand movements therefore must be rhythmic and gentle, but provide enough tension to slightly stretch the skin, which encourages the small segments of the lymph vessels to pump lymph fluid. This special type of lymphatic massage is called the Vodder Technique.

The originators of the Vodder Technique

The Vodder Technique...