Reflexology Lymph Drainage

What are the benefits?

• Reduces swelling and volume of arms, legs, feet, around armpits, etc.
  Study reports and case examples showed a noticeable reduction in swelling of the affected limb after Reflexology Lymph Drainage.
• Less pain and better mobility
  Participants and clients have reported that reduced swelling helped lower pain and made movement easier.
• Improved wellbeing and confidence
  People in the studies and case reports said their worries lessened, wellbeing improved, and they felt more comfortable in their own skin

Who is it recommended for?

• People with breast‑cancer related lymphoedema
  RLD was used in studies on people who developed arm lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment and was found helpful by participants.
• People with primary or other limb lymphoedema
  Case reports show RLD being used for primary lymphoedema in the legs and for ongoing management of limb swelling.
• Anyone wanting a non‑invasive, gentle option
  RLD is described as a pleasant, non‑invasive foot treatment that can move fluid without touching surgery sites or the swollen limb.

What can it help with?

• Breast‑cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL)
  The technique was developed and tested specifically to help reduce arm swelling and pain after breast cancer treatment.
• Primary or secondary lymphoedema in limbs
  Case material shows RLD used for longstanding limb swelling in legs and arms with reported reductions in size and discomfort.
• Skin and post‑op swelling / related symptoms
  Case examples include people with eczema and post‑operative swelling/pain (e.g., after liposuction) who chose RLD when other drainage therapists were not available.

How does it work?

• Stimulates lymphatic reflexes on the feet
  RLD focuses on foot reflex points with the aim of producing an effect on the body’s lymphatic system.
• Uses a targeted sequence of reflex points
  Specific thumb, finger and hand pressure is used on points such as the subclavian area, cervical nodes and kidney→bladder sweeps to encourage fluid movement.
• May trigger relaxation and nervous‑system effects
  Working certain reflexes is described as sedative and may stimulate a parasympathetic (vagus) response alongside the fluid‑moving effects.

What happens during the treatment?

1. Specific order and positions are used
   Clients are made comfortable (example: zero‑gravity chair with a pillow under the ankles) while the therapist starts with diaphragm and spinal reflexes and then works defined points in a set order.
2. Foot‑only reflexology sequence (no arm contact)
   A repeatable foot sequence is worked to gently move fluid without touching the swollen limb or surgery sites.
3. You may feel sensations and short‑term effects
   People commonly feel tingling, “whooshing,” temperature change, deep relaxation, and some report needing to pass urine or noticing changes in limb temperature during or after treatment.