Busy mum of three boys, Catherine Hughes, originally from Peru, was adopted and brought to Armagh by her parents at nine months old … calling it home ever since.
After completing her studies at Southern Regional College, Catherine went on to work in a hospital setting in Daisy Hill, Newry.
After going through a major lifestyle change after separating with her children’s father, she took a career break from work to focus on life as a single mother. During her time away from work, Catherine knew she wanted more for herself and wanted to do something that made her excited to get out of bed in the morning – but ultimately a job that would also help others.
Sitting at home one evening watching TV, an advert came on promoting Lymphatic Drainage massages – something Catherine had never heard about but was instantly intrigued. Curious to see what the benefits would be, she began researching the service and its benefits and was quickly influenced to give it a go!
At the time, Belfast was the closest place to get the treatment completed – but still too intrigued to see if the massage really gives the benefits it promotes, she booked an appointment and took a trip to the big City.
Feeling the benefits straight away, Catherine went to get dressed and everything instantly felt ‘looser’. In that exact moment, she knew this was something she wanted to learn more about and, eager to make it more accessible closer to home, she soon began her qualification training.
Catherine said: “After my first massage and how incredible I felt, I knew I wanted to learn more and felt I was destined to do it as a career. I just wanted to bring awareness to people that this treatment exists and how good it can make you feel. I wanted to make the treatment more accessible to everyone as not everyone has the means to travel far.
“It’s not just your typical massage, the power of the lymphatic system is amazing. The feeling I got after my first made me just want to be able to help others.”
After completing her training course, Catherine began renovating her home studio – a converted garage in her garden which was built with the help of her partner Ruairi. Officially opening in April 2025, Catherine is celebrating one year in business this month – and what a year it has been, tells Catherine:
“From completing my first massage it’s been such a surreal feeling that people have supported and trusted me. This job has turned into something I am so passionate about and the incredible benefits it brings.
“Everybody’s skin texture, sensitivity and pain tolerance is different. Every massage is different depending on the person and I have to assess straight away what they can and can’t cope with.”
Catherine describes Lymphatic Drainage as a ‘miracle massage’ as it makes a difference in so many peoples life who struggle with medical conditions.
Not your typical massage, Catherine uses a combination of manual and Brazilian techniques with pressure changes to what each client can manage. The majority of the massage is hands on, with sculpting tools also used. The massage moves in a one-way sequence – making everything move and drain towards the bladder with the toxins then passed out of the body through urination – all while reducing inflammation in the body.
She continues: “You don’t really learn until you’re working on people yourself as it gives you a better understanding of different movements and how people react. I’m feeling every nook and cranny of the body and working with what’s under the skin.”
She claims the massage can help to reduce inflammation, bloating, swelling, and also supporting detoxification and improving skin appearance. Catherine also claims that the massage has been beneficial for her clients who struggle with fertility issues with the massage helping to clear pathways which can help aid conception.
Each session starts with a consultation to ensure the treatment is right for the client as it is not recommended for those who have certain medical conditions.
To reap the full benefits, aftercare for the days after a Lymphatic Massage is key as the fluid continues to move as a natural pump to the bladder. Catherine recommends a minimum of 2L of water a day [and this water must be bottled or filtered not tap water], no caffeine or exercise for 24 hours and no alcohol for 48 hours.
Massaging all walks of life, Catherine commonly treats clients before flights and surgeries as the massage will help to reduce swelling. Catherine also treats many female clients who struggle with menopausal hormones, post-partum fluid, and those who suffer with irregular periods, with numerous clients regaining a healthy cycle again after a Lymphatic Massage.
The benefits of the massage can be noticed straight away, with many clients getting dressed after their appointment noticing how loose their clothing becomes due to the reduction in bloating and also the immediate need to use the bathroom to release the toxins.
A full body massage lasts 60 minutes with maintenance appointments for problem areas available for 30 minute sessions.
“It’s so important to give your body maintenance. We all look after our eyes by going to the optician or our teeth by going to the dentist, but a lot of people don’t look after their bodies enough and then problems start occurring down the line.”
And testimony to her incredible talent and service provided, Catherine has been nominated as a finalist for Best Lymphatic Massage Therapist in the NI B-Beautiful Awards- with the winner set to be announced soon! She also has featured as a columnist in Local Women’s magazine and is proud to support clients in the community, sponsoring local boxing, MMA and padel teams to help them on their journey.
Appointments can be made by messaging Lymphatic Drainage Armagh on Instagram
