Reflexology for Lymphatic Drainage
Reflexology for Lymphatic Drainage (RLD) is
an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the
lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to affect a change on the
lymphatic system in the body. It is a unique treatment that has been
researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons), whilst working in
Cancer Care. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology.
Lymphoedema
is defined as 'tissue swelling due to the failure of lymph drainage' - this could be due to the lymph nodes being removed as part of the treatment for cancer. After cancer treatment a person may experience psychological or emotional
difficulties due to altered body image, and a swollen limb can
exacerbate this. Research suggests that survivors with lymphoedema are
more likely to suffer psychological and emotional difficulties, be more
disabled, and experience a poorer quality of life than survivors without
the condition. Improved breast cancer survival rates suggest that
approximately 2:3 women survive the disease beyond 20 years. This means
that more people are living longer with the debilitating side effect
a lymphodema for which there is currently no cure.
RLD is used for lymphodema in both the arms and legs and can have the same effect as Manaual Lymphatic Drainage massage (MLD) and similary is used to treat conditions other than
lymphoedema. RLD may be very helpful with the
following conditions:
