Reflexology Lymph Drainage

I have undertaken specialist training in Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) with Sally Kay, who researched and developed this award-winning technique whilst working in cancer care.  RLD focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet, aiming to cause an effect on the  lymphatic system in the body. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology.  

According to Cancer Research UK (2011) breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the UK, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 8 for women, and 1 in 1014 for men. It is thought that approximately 20% of all breast cancer patients will also  go on to develop Lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema  is defined as tissue swelling due to the failure of lymph drainage, for which there is currently no cure. For those who have already been through cancer treatment, secondary lymphoedema can add  further unwelcome physical, psychological and emotional effects. 

Lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) is used to treat conditions other than lymphoedema, and RLD may be used similarly.  Some conditions for which MLD may be useful include: 

• Aches and pains   
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Chronic fatigue  
• Eczema 
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• ME 
• Migraines  
• Muscular tension 
• Premenstrual Syndrome  
• Sinus problems

During a research study in 2016 Judith Whatley, Rachael Street, Sally Kay and Philip Harris conducted an uncontrolled trial of 26 women who had developed lymphoedema in one arm following treatment for breast cancer. They concluded that RLD may be a useful intervention for BCRL although the results could not  be attributed to the reflexology intervention because of research  design limitations. The main conclusion was, however, that there was  sufficient evidence for further research using a randomized controlled trial. 

Source: https://reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk