What is Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)?
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is an award-winning reflexology technique that focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes in the feet.
The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It uses a unique sequence that has been developed by Sally Kay BSc (Hons), whilst working in cancer care.
RLD is a gentle, non-invasive reflexology technique that has been devised to mirror the methods and effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage (MLD). Pressure is applied to specific lymphatic reflexes in a particular sequence on the feet or hands.
The sequence of RLD is based on the anatomy, physiology and function of the lymphatic system and the principles of Manual Lymph Drainage massage (MLD) and Simple Lymph Drainage exercises (SLD). RLD uses the reflexology anatomical reflection theory to mirror these principles on the corresponding reflexes of the feet.
Sally Kay originally developed the technique whilst working in cancer care to help people who have gone on to develop lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues caused by poor lymphatic drainage. The main symptom is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. There are two main types of lymphoedema.
Primary Lymphoedema
There is an abnormality of the development of the lymphatic system, this can develop at any age
Secondary Lymphoedema
This is where poor lymphatic drainage occurs as a result of damage to the lymphatic system e.g surgery, infection, trauma, radiation, lack of movement in the limb
To find out more about Lymphoedema - Lymphoedema Support Network is a registered charity supporting those living with and affected by lymphoedema
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) for inflammatory and auto-immune conditions
As MLD is used for conditions other than lymphedema, similarly RLD can be helpful in these conditions too. RLD can cause an effect on the drainage function of the lymphatic system and so potentially has a positive effect on the immune system. This treatment would be helpful for anyone with inflammatory or auto-immune conditions either as a stand-alone treatment or incorporated into a generic reflexology session.
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- ME
- Migraines and headaches
- Headaches
- Sinus Problems
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Muscle Tension
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a gentle and wonderfully restorative treatment to support a range of health conditions.
To find out how RLD can help you please contact me here
Research
A study looking at Reflexology to manage lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment
The main findings of the study were
- The swelling in the affected arm went down in everyone who took part
- The women with the most swelling had the largest reduction
- The largest loss of fluid was after the 1st reflexology session with smaller losses at treatments 2, 3 and 4
- Women said swelling and pain levels improved after treatment and reported their general well being was better
All the women who took part said the sessions were very helpful.
The study team concluded that Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) helped this group of women. They say that this research could have benefits for other women who have lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer. They hope to look at RLD reflexology in other studies in the future.
More information on RLD ...
https://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk/blog1/photographic-evidence-of-reflexology-lymph-drainage
For information on RLD Reflexology Lymph Drainage please visit reflexologylymphdrainageco.uk