Lymphoedema is a very distressing condition, often occurring as a side effect of cancer treatment where the lymph nodes have been removed and the lymphatic fluid is unable to drain properly and recirculate around the body. It tends to accumulate in the affected limb or within the trunk of the body. It is unsightly, uncomfortable and can be painful and a horrible reminder post surgery, when people just want to get on with the business of recovery. In the short term excess lymph fluid can be drained off with a hypodermic needle, longer term solutions involve compression bandages or sleeves - hot and uncomfortable. There are a number of massage therapists who offer manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), but they are few and far between. Now there is a revolutionary new treatment in the form of Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD). This was developed by reflexologist Sally Kay while working in Cancer Care, and is a unique sequence that can be included in a full reflexology treatment or offered as a stand alone short treatment.
Some 20% of people after breast cancer treatment have secondary lymphoedema and research has shown that this has both emotional and psychological effects, leaves people more disabled and with a poorer quality of life than those who don't develop the condition.
There are increasing indications that RLD can help similar conditions that MLD is already know to help; autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, asthma, eczema, fibromyalgia and more diverse conditions such as headaches, muscle tension and pain and PMT. Reflexology generally has a calming and balancing effect on the system and RLD encourages this.
Contact me for more details or if you would like to book an appointment niki@nikimcglynn.com
For more information on RLD and Sally Kay www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk
Reflexology is an ancient system of treating the whole body via the feet or hands, it is deeply relaxing and balancing.