Health, Beauty and Fitness

It's not the most enticing of names. However, once you learn a little more about it, this is an intriguing alternative therapy, which works on the body's lymphatic system. The latter consists of capillary vessels, ducts and nodes, which transport an immunity-boosting fluid, lymph, around the body.

MLD practitioners say they can gently manipulate the movement of this liquid round the body, using gentle pressure.

"Think of the lymphatic system as a canal network," says Lucie Bradley at Edinburgh's branch of Neal's Yard. "I'm just trying to open the 'locks' so that everything flows smoothly."

Although this therapy can be helpful for those with more serious health complaints, it also works as a simple Spring detox, to boost energy levels, circulation and skin condition. It's not a case, however, of simply turning up and getting on with it, as each treatment involves an extensive consultation, which covers every aspect of your well-being. After Bradley and I thoroughly discuss my general health, I decide that I want help with easing my dodgy sinuses, which have been uncomfortable since the pollen levels started to rise.

To get things moving in that area, she asks me to hop up on to the treatment bed and lie on my back.

She then gently palpates the front of my throat, using delicate movements, before doing the same to my jaw line. Strangely enough, I can already feel my airways popping and opening up. Bradley then works along my brow bone and the bridge of my nose. This is not quite as relaxing as having, say, a facial, but the barely-there rhythmical movements are rather hypnotising.

As I'm also prone to stomach pain, Bradley gives me an abdominal massage, which is tickly, yet strangely soothing. Afterwards the pollen related sinus-ache that I've been suffering from seems slightly better, and I feel like I've had a little bit of a health MOT.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Spring detox. Introductory offer, 30 minutes for 20. Neal's Yard Remedies, 102 Hanover Street, Edinburgh (0131-226 3223, www.nealsyardremedies.com). Lucie is available on Thursdays (10am-3pm), Fridays (10am-2pm) and the first Saturday of the month – call for times. Fab facts for a beautiful life

HEALTH

Ideas to chew on

Jeans feeling tight? Then pick up a copy of the new paperback version of The Viva Mayr Diet by Dr Harald Stossier and Helena Frith Powell. This book promises you a flatter stomach after 14 days of following their diet and lifestyle tips. Expect the same advice that's administered in their pricey Viva Mayr clinic in Austria, where they teach clients how to chew their food properly and point them in the direction of a cheeseburger rather than a fancy salad (yes, really).

The Viva Mayr Diet by Dr Harald Stossier & Helena Frith Powell, 7.99, HarperCollins

BEAUTY

Correct course

If the brighter weather has only served to illuminate the age spots on your dappled skin, then Clinique has a new product for you. The Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is said to offer prescription-strength efficiency in reducing discolouration. Apply twice a day, so that exotic-sounding ingredients such as blackout yeast extract and dianella ensifolia, can work their magic.

Clinique Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, 37.50, Clinique counters nationwide

FITNESS

Handlebars, no moustache

It's not too late to sign up for the women-only cycle event, Pedal it Pink, which raises funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign (www.breastcancercampaign.org). On Sunday, 16 May, Edinburgh's Holyrood Park will host the event, with three routes to choose from: marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) or a family 5k, also open to men and children.

Entry to full marathon 15, half marathon 10, and 5k lap 5. To enter, e-mail [email protected] or tel: 0207 749 3700

This article was first published in the Scotsman, May 8, 2010