Two days ago I was a guest speaker at NACTHPC (National Association of Complementary Therapists in Hospice and Palliative Care) conference, and what a lovely audience they were! I spoke for an hour about RLD, from the thinking behind it, the process of conducting clinical research, the results, limitations of the study and plans for ongoing and future research.

The audience were practitioners of a range of complementary therapies and not all of them were reflexologists. Some of the delegates were MLD Lymphoedema specialists, one of whom made a very interesting observation about the RLD results.  It seems that during a 3 week intensive course of MLD treatment, they would expect to see a similar patter of results. The initial treatment yields the greatest reduction, with subsequent treatments given to consolidate the results.

RLD is still very much in its infancy, and for those of you who are unfamiliar with the results from the initial research, please see the graph below. 

The rheumatologist wants her to start taking Methotrexate, a low dose chemotherapy drug, used to limit inflammation, which helps to reduce signs and symptoms of the disease, such as pain and swelling.  Taking this course of treatment would mean giving up on having another baby.  As part of the reflexology I used RLD, hoping it may help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
(I was sure it would work but didn't say anything)

During the reflexology she felt tingling in her arms, hands and fingers, (normally felt during RLD in clients with lymphoedema). Immediately after the session her fingers were more flexible and swelling seemed to have gone down. She left feeling relaxed and happy and I didn't hear from her again until last week, when she returned, asking for the same again! Her hands have been much better, and she's been able to wear her wedding ring.! 

Feedback from the first session ~ her hands felt unexpectedly easier, she thought at best she'd get a few days relief, which would have been a real bonus.  In reality, the relief lasted two whole months before some of the discomfort began to return! 

The second reflexology treatment was as before, and she felt the same tingling sensations and an immediate improvement! 

Watch this space......