Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a specialist type of reflexology that focuses on supporting lymphatic drainage – one of the body’s ‘waste disposal’ systems that rids our cells and tissues of toxins. I love it because I often see major transformations and incredible results when using this technique, especially where patients are suffering from chronic illness.
What is Reflexology Lymph Drainage?
Reflexology Lymph Drainage takes reflexology a step further, using pressure applied to points on the feet to help the body to more efficiently remove toxins which over time can build up and cause illness, pain and fatigue. It is different to ‘normal’ reflexology and can have absolutely life-changing effects for people who have been struggling with chronic illness due to its pain-relieving and energising effects. Usually a course of treatment is beneficial, but patients often see results after just 1-2 sessions.
I have seen amazing effects with both clients who come to me for lymphoedema treatment after lymph nodes have been removed during surgery, but also clients with some of the other conditions such as chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia and ME. At the moment I am also trialling this therapy with people struggling with long Covid, to see if there are any beneficial effects from it there.
The positive results that can be experienced through Reflexology Lymph Drainage are numerous and vary from person to person, but here I’ve included the five main benefits of this type of reflexology in a broader sense to explain just how transformational it can be.
1/ Relaxation
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a really lovely and relaxing treatment. Working on the feet and gently applying pressure at certain points helps the body to melt into a state of total relaxation. During the treatment you may like to listen to soothing music, light candles or incense or diffuse essential oils to further aid in the feeling of calm and help you to ‘float away’.
2/ Relieve aches and pains
Although Reflexology Lymph Drainage can help with generalised aches and pains in the joints, it may also decrease overall pain levels resulting from chronic illness. This is one of the most remarkable benefits for patients, when over time they find that their overall pain level decreases and they are able to become more active as a result. Of course the benefits of increased activity are numerous – including improved emotional wellbeing, weight loss and stronger bones and muscles.
3/ Specialist support in cancer care
The lymphatic system plays a huge role in the body’s response to cancer, as it is part of the wider immune response and therefore protects us from illness and disease. Many of the symptoms of cancer and side-effects of cancer treatment may be alleviated through reflexology – such as fatigue, pain, anxiety and decreased energy levels.
Where a diagnosis of lymphoedema is present or the lymph nodes have been affected by cancer or removed during surgery, this treatment comes into its own, supporting the body to continue to efficiently remove toxins even without functioning lymph nodes.
4/ Feel lighter
Swollen limbs and fluid retention are not only heavy and uncomfortable – they can also impair confidence, body image, self-esteem and mobility.
By stimulating the lymphatic drainage system through reflexology lymph drainage we can help to shed excess water weight which in turn can improve your size, help you to feel lighter and less bloated and improve the appearance of the skin.
The secondary benefit of this is that when lymphatic drainage is functioning optimally, patients feel more able to exercise due to the decreased pain and increased mobility, further positively impacting their health and wellbeing.
5/ Increased energy levels
When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, it can leave you feeling sluggish and lethargic, almost weighed down by the excess fluid and toxins in the body. One wonderful benefit of Reflexology for Lymphatic Drainage is the positive impact it can have on a patient’s energy levels. This helps them to be more active day-to-day, spend more time doing things they enjoy and be able to exercise with ease – which has multiple benefits as outlined above. Fatigue is a major symptom of cancer and chronic illness, so this really is an amazing advantage of this kind of treatment which has a real impact on patients’ lives.
Book a free consultation to discuss how Reflexology Lymph Drainage could help you here.
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