Category: Reflexology

Reflexology and Hay fever

3/6/2014

After a very interesting morning, when two clients presented with the usual unpleasant symptoms of Hay fever, acute rhinitis, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, etc.. and neither of them had taken anti-histamine.

Fairly certain that RLD would help to relieve some of these symptoms, we agreed it was worth trying. I've used RLD previously for Hay fever, but only as part of a reflexology treatment, working other reflex areas too.

This time I followed the original RLD protocol, to focus on causing an effect on the lymphatic system (as per the results of the research), and therefore the immune system too. Suggesting that stimulating the lymphatic system, is likely to cause an effect on the auto-immune inflammatory response to the allergen, in this case pollen.

Both clients felt the effects of the treatment, during and after as the symptoms gradually cleared. Interesting, because I would usually associate this kind of result with having worked the sinus reflexes, but only RLD protocol was used, no sinus reflexes!

If neither client had felt the effects of RLD, I would have added the sinus reflexes ay the end, but on this occasion there was no need, sinuses and nasal passageways cleared without direct stimulation of the sinus reflexes!

I have received some case studies about Hay fever, and it was great to be presented with the chance to use RLD with these clients, particularly as its Hay fever season.

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Reflexology Research in Europe

2/6/2014

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Last month I was honoured to be invited to speak about RLD at two reflexology conferences. The first, Reflexology in Europe RiEN, was held on the beautiful island of Madeira, and the second, was The Clinical Reflexology in Palliative care conference at The Christie Hospital. It was exciting to be able to share some interim data from the research. So far so good!
We have entered the final stages of the study, 20 of the participants have finished, a further 7 are currently receiving RLD treatments and we still have space for a further 3. There's still time, if you know anyone with secondary lymphoedema of the arm, as result of treatment for breast cancer, living near Cardiff, to take part.

Before (Top) & After (Middle) (Left Before - Right After)

While in Madeira, one of the delegates had a some lymphoedema, which was exacerbated by the flight and heat. Swelling was evident, (without measuring) particularly in the hand, as seen above. After 40 minute RLD, visible changes can be seen here, particularly to the appearance of the skin.

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Photographic evidence of Reflexology Lymph Drainage

31/1/2014

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These photographs were taken immediately before and after a Reflexology Lymph Drainage treatment, 40 minutes apart. Look closely at the difference in the skin, as well as the shape of the hand and fingers. Using a series of 4cm cylinder measurements we are able to calculate the excess fluid volume of the arm, which enables us to see the changes in swelling. This is not the case with the hand, because the arm measurements start 2cm above the wrist.

Some of the people that I meet, with swelling in the hand (as well as in the arm), say that its the hand that bothers them the most. A swollen hand is more visible and harder to disguise. The compression gloves, which must be worn to support and protect the hand also draw attention to it. Several women have talked about how people often ask, "what have you done to your hand?" Not wanting to discuss it, some choose to brush off the question with, "oh, I fell over last week". These situations can have a negative impact on self-confidence.

The top photograph clearly shows where the watch was tight on the wrist before receiving RLD. Below we can see how loose the watch strap was after.

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Similarities between MLD and RLD

21/9/2013

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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.

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Reflexology Lymph Drainage and Rheumatoid Arthritis

16/9/2013

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Two months ago a new client came for her first ever reflexology treatment, the reason for coming, she wanted to get pregnant. and a couple of her friends suggested it might help. She already has 6 year old child and has been trying to conceive for the last two years. This was to be a last attempt before giving up. For 15 years she had suffered Rheumatoid Arthritis, which causes swelling and stiffness in her hands.. She had not worn her wedding ring for years and her fingers were visibly swollen and stiff.

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......

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Reflexology and Hay fever

Reflexology Research in Europe

Photographic evidence of Reflexology Lymph Drainage

Similarities between MLD and RLD

Reflexology Lymph Drainage and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Reflexology Lymph Drainage

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