The Lymphatic system of the body consists of a complex series of vessels, nodes, ducts and highly specialised lymphoid organs Thymus, Spleen and Tonsils it’s primary function being to protect the body from disease, clean it of waste and toxins and maintain fluid balance by transporting excess fluid, foreign particles from tissues and cells and fats from the digestive tract to the blood. Blood does not flow into tissues it remains in blood vessels however, blood plasma that consists of white blood cells and nutrients passes through capillary walls and into tissue spaces where it becomes interstitial fluid when this enters the lymphatic vessels it is then called lymph. This clear, watery fluid collects extra fluids, cellular debris, and harmful substances from the tissues and is filtered by lymph nodes. The filtered lymph returns to the bloodstream to help maintain fluid balance in the body and immune health. The condition Lymphoedema can be caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood this rare form is Primary Lymphoedema. More commonly recognised is Secondary Lymphoedema, caused by damage to the lymphatic system, problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system as the result of infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement, or as result of a cancer treatment that involves the lymph system or treatment to the lymph nodes. Focussing on Secondary Lymphoedema it is thought to affect more than 200,000 people in the UK and is described by the NHS as long-term or chronic swelling mostly experienced in the arms and legs. Lymphoedema of the head and neck may produce swelling of the face, mouth or throat affecting swallowing and speech. Complications of lymphoedema include cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the dermis (deep layer of skin) that may produce symptoms of redness and heat in the skin, pain and increased swelling, feeling hot/cold shivery and depression, isolation, stress and anxiety. According to the NHS, there’s no cure for lymphoedema and symptom management offers techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system include wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and using specialised massage techniques. Patients experiencing this complex condition may benefit from the more individualistic holistic approach of complementary medicine to improve their quality of life. My professional experience of lymphoedema stems from supporting cancer patients at NHS Dorset County Hospital Fortuneswell Chemotherapy unit (2014-22) with Clinical Reflexology. During which time conducting annual reports and audit provided data evidence published in the Royal College of Nursing, Cancer Nursing Practice Journal (visit my website-Research- for article link) suggesting that Clinical Reflexology was a useful adjunct to NHS treatment of lymphoedema in reducing pain and swelling in the arm/upper back/chest following lymph node removal in Female breast cancer patients and the legs/feet of Male prostate cancer patients following inguinal lymph node removal. I produced a research protocol in collaboration with the DCH Lymphoedema team (visit my website-Research-for protocol) to test the use of specific Reflexology techniques on the feet of Male prostate cancer patients with lymphoedema following inguinal lymph node removal. A fellow Reflexologist Sally Kay published her research findings and developed a training protocol Reflexology Lymph Drainage, a method whereby lymphoedema of the arm of breast cancer female patients showed consistent reduction in swelling and improved range of movement following reflexology treatment of specific areas on the feet (hands). Having attended Sally’s training in Tampa Florida in 2019 I still use aspects of her method today. As a former teacher of Dance and Pilates I often call on Laban’s Eight Efforts, Wring, Press, Flick, Dab, Glide, Float, Punch, and Slash. developed by Rudolf Laban, these specific combinations of movement qualities Space (Direct/Indirect), Weight (Heavy/Light), and Time (Quick/Sustained) define the “Action Drive” as exercise examples for patients. Being performed standing or seated, help reduce swelling and increase mobility in the upper body /limbs. Lower limb swelling/ movement may be improved by simply pointing and flexing the feet. If you are looking for holistic help with symptoms associated with cancer treatment or lymphoedema please get in touch. Help is at hand….or should I say foot! just to add this footnote! I attend regular ballet classes to help maintain my flexibility, balance, mobility and more!.
