What Is Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
RLD is an evidenced based and many award winning reflexology treatment ( technique) which focuses on stimulating the Lymphatic Drainage System via reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the Lymphatic System in the body. This unique system has been created by Sally Kay BSc ( Hons ), whilst she was working in Cancer Care.
Sally Kay created the system using the sequence based on the anatomy, physiology and function of the Lymphatic System, and the principle of Manual Lymph Drainage ( MLD ) massage. MLD and simple Self Lymph Drainage ( SLD ). RLD uses the anatomical reflection theory to mirror these principles on the corresponding reflexes of the feet.
RLD also aims to help with inflammation, plus any auto-immune issues in the body. It reduces swelling by creating space for the excess lymph to go in the right direction and encouraging the fluid to re-route.p
Reflexology Lymph Drainage ( RLD ) can also be used in a similar way to MLD. MLD aims and can be useful for the following conditions:
With RLD all that you need to do is take off your shoes and socks, relax in my Reflexology chair and the drainage will all be done through your feet. As with MLD you will have the Circumference Measurements done before and after your treatment, so you can see as well as feel the numbers in the loss of fluid, and see the magic!
Above is a picture of a client of mine who has Secondary Lymphoedema, and this was the amazing result after just her first treatment.
What Is Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a condition that causes extreme swelling in the body tissues due to non-success of lymph drainage. This mainly affects the legs or arms but can also affect other parts of the body too.
It can come about when the Lymphatic Drainage System doesn’t work properly. The Lymphatic System is a web of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid. Unlike the blood circulation, the Lymphatic System has no central pump, such as the heart to move fluid to the lymph glands. Instead, it uses the massage effects of surrounding muscles to move the fluid around.
Lymphoedema swelling symptoms and side effects cause physical and physiology problems but when the RLD approach has delivered steady, occurrence results. The facts and figures underline the impact of Sally Kay’s method of RLD as when these techniques are applied. There is such a positive knock on effect on quality of life when the swelling diminishes and lost self - confidence returns. To many people this has a gift of hope in a previously despairing situation.
Sadly there is no cure for Lymphoedema but a series of treatments can help to manage the symptoms and keep it under control. These treatments include RLD, MLD, wearing compression sleeves / tights / bandages, keeping skin in a good condition and exercising.
Above is a picture taken of my client with Secondary Lymphoedema after each treatment over a 4 Treatment week period with outstanding results.
RLD can help support you to improve Confidence, Quality
Of Life And Hope!
What Causes Secondary Lymphoedema
There are some conditions that can cause Lymphoedema, that includes, Cellulitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Deep Vein Thrombosis ( DVT ), Eczema and also Varicose Veins.
Diseases that can affect the flow of blood through the veins can cause fluid to overflow from the veins into the tissue spaces. This can affect and eventually exhausts the parts of the Lymphatic System Response for draining this fluid.
Keeping active by regular movement and exercise can help with Lymph Drainage because the muscle activity surrounding the Lymphatic vessels massages fluid into them. Being Obese can also cause Secondary Lymphoedema. It’s not clear though exactly why this is, it has been suggested that the extra fatty tissue affects the lymphatic channels in some sort of way that can reduce the flow of fluid through them.
Cancer Treatments
There is a risk of developing Lymphoedema after people having cancer treatments and surgery to remove sections of the lymphatic system ( lymph nodes ). This causes risk of Lymphoedema occurrence after treatment for any cancer where lymph nodes have been removed. If radiotherapy is needed to destroy cancerous cells in your lymphatic system, there is a risk that the lymphatic system could become permanently damaged and unable to drain fluid properly.
Trauma And Injury
Lymphoedema can also develop through trauma / injury to the lymphatic system. This is a small number of cases though. It can sometimes occur after a road traffic accident where there’s extensive bruising or soft tissue.
Above is another picture taken of one of my clients who has cancer related Secondary Lymphoedema, this picture was also taken before and after her first RLD treatment.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a condition that is sometimes overlooked and confused with Lymphoedema. And it’s sign is a developing of too much fat below the waist.
Lipoedema means “Fluid” in the fat. Women with Lipoedema are often overweight ( but not always ) and doctors often don’t understand that exercising and dieting won’t get rid of this Lipoedema fat. Lipoedema fat is known as the painful fat disorder. It causes excessive fat deposits on the legs, thighs and buttocks and also the upper arms.
Women with Lipoedema frequently feel like they have two bodies. They could have a typical upper body, chest and abdomen. But from their waist and below, their lower half is out of proportion to their upper body. Women with this condition often find it to be difficult finding clothing that fit because it’s like they are two different people
This occurs almost particularly in women and begins:
It is actually unknown the real reason what causes Lipoedema. It is believed it could be related to a gene because it runs in families.
Lipoedema isn’t rare, but it’s rarely recognised / diagnosed as doctors don’t know much about it.
There are many telltale symptoms including:
Some doctors mistake Lipoedema with obesity, heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease, thyroid problems or medications that cause leg swelling.
As with Lymphoedema RLD has had success with reducing the swelling in the problem areas caused by Lipoedema.
Above is a picture of one of my clients who has lipoedema and this is a before and after picture from one treatment of RLD.
Oedema
Oedema is a build up of fluid in the body's tissues that makes certain parts of your body puffy and swollen. This can affect any part of the body, but because gravity can make fluid travel downwards, the feet and ankles are mostly affected.
Occasionally swelling in the feet or legs can be normal in response to heat, injury or pregnancy. However, Oedema can also be an indication of a serious disease.
Oedema is a build up of watery fluid in the body tissues, also known as swelling. The condition is described by swelling in the ankles, feet, legs and other parts of the body.
Oedema in your feet and ankles can happen in people who are altogether healthy. Being overweight, eating too much salty food, being immobile ( same position for long periods ), cramping clothing and pregnancy can all activate swelling in the feet, ankles and fingers. Oedema can also come about as a result of:
Oedema doesn't just cause swelling, it can also be a discomfort, cause stiffness, pain and also skin problems too. Symptoms of Oedema are swelling of the feet, ankles or legs; shining red skin; skin looking red; and stiffness and discomfort in the feet and ankles.
