Reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) is an award-winning reflexology technique which aims to stimulate the lymphatic reflexes via the reflex points on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system within the body itself. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay, whilst working in Cancer Care. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology. I was trained by Sally Kay in March 2026, and have been privileged to support clients with lymphoedema, post-breast cancer, as well as autoimmune conditions, EDS, Fibro, arthritis, for example.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition, and due to the back up of the lymph in the body, perhaps if Lymph nodes have been removed in surgery. There’s actually more lymph than blood in your body, but it has no pump of its own, and if nodes are removed, or there’s injury, the result can sometimes be lymphoedema, which may be uncomfortable, painful, even, and distressing. RLD helps the lymph find it’s way back to your lymphatic nodes and canals. and onto the blood circulation for processing, and elimination of waste. Clients often say they feel “lighter” after treatment.
RLD is not painful; it’s done in a zero gravity chair, or on a massage table if better for the client. The treatment is tailored to the presenting problem, so it’s not the same protocol for all cases. Reflexology is very relaxing. RLD is not a cure, but it’s certainly a great help in managing conditions.
The poster below is from CAMSTRAND conference, where Sally Kay presented her work. She has a First Class Honours Degree in Complementary Therapies, and the work won her a prize for the best dissertation. RLD continues to amaze reflexologists who have been lucky enough to train with its founder, and I, for one, am very excited to be adding it to my treatments. I tend to do a little RLD with every reflexology treatment, but for lymphoedema this is obviously the main focus.
If you’d like to find out how RLD can help you, please contact me, and we can have a quick conversation about your specific issue, and I can advise how much time we’d need for a treatment. Whilst there is no cure for lymphoedema post lymph node removal, RLD can help with comfort, swelling, and thereby have a positive effect on quality of life. One client was delighted to be able to wear her favourite jumper once more.
Posted and used with Permission of Sally Kay.