Benefits of Reflexology for The Lymphatic System

Reflexology for the lymphatic system is a form of gentle pressure points that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. There is no pump for the lymph fluid so we need to work to get a sluggish lymph system going. This form of reflexology stimulates the natural drainage of the lymph, which helps to eliminate waste from the body.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. It also prevents acne, sleep disorders, chronic pain, stress, arthritis, and digestive issues.

Since the lymph system serves as a central part of the immune system, advocates of reflexology for the lymphatic system suggest that this technique can help treat a variety of health concerns.(1) Reflexology for the lymphatic system is discreet and focuses solely on the feet or hands by encouraging the flow of fluid through the manipulation of lymphatic reflex points.

Reflexology for the lymphatic system is based on the principle that the foot has ‘reflex’ points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body, specific points stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes.

Reflexology is a method based on the belief that there are areas and points on the feet, hands, and ears that are attached through the nervous system to corresponding parts of the body. When pressure is applied to these areas and points it stimulates the flow of energy along the nerve channels and helps to reestablish balance in the body. 

Reflexologists use special finger and thumb manipulations to stimulate these reflex points and they know exactly which area of the foot corresponds to which body part by learning the following Reflexology chart.

Check out the video below to see a quick DIY on reflexology for the lymphatic system:

SIMPLE DIY Lymph Drainage | Reflexology Point for Lymphedema, Swelling and Edema

Benefits of Reflexology for The Lymphatic System

Reflexology for the lymphatic system can:

  • Reduces the chance of you suffering from minor colds and viruses; it helps your body fight off infection and speeds up healing and recovery from illness
  • Helps reduce water retention; for instance, because the lymph system has no pump, if you sit for a long time without moving, the lymph can’t flow easily — this is why you may experience swollen feet or fingers
  • Boosts weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently.
  • Used in the treatment of lymphoedema.
  • Helps with autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia, M.E., eczema, polymyalgia, arthritis amongst others

Reflexology for the lymphatic system can also improve your skin texture by:

  • reducing swelling, puffiness, and blotches
  • speeding up healing in scar tissue
  • helps to reduce cellulite
  • reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and eye bags

Reflexology has many health benefits:

Relaxation

Reflexology is known to open neural pathways and flood the nervous system with neuron activity which puts the body in a more relaxed state.

Brain Health

By stimulating your nerves and opening your neural pathways, information flows much faster and more effectively to your brain which would help your brain to handle the process the information faster.

Improves Blood Circulation

Improvement in circulation also means more oxygen reaching the vital organ systems which optimize their functioning and further increases metabolism.

Boosts Metabolism

A proper reflexology session can improve the functionality of many organs in your body which would result in higher metabolism which in return helps with creating more energy in your body.

Improves Nerves Functions

As bodies age, the nerve endings become less and less sensitive in the extremity parts of our body. Opening up and cleaning out neural pathways can help improve functionality and flexibility of nerves and cells in various organs in the body.

Who can benefit?

Reflexology for the lymphatic system can benefit people who are experiencing the following:

  • lymphedema
  • fibromyalgia
  • swelling or edema
  • skin disorders
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • stress
  • digestive problems
  • arthritis
  • migraine episodes

Other ways to improve lymph drainage include:

1. Take a few minutes for deep breathing – the act of breathing is a lymphatic pump in itself and can help direct lymph through the chest.

2. Hydrate daily with water – dehydration is a common cause of lymph congestion

3. Dry brush your skinDry skin brushing promotes lymphatic drainage of toxic waste

4. Alternate hot and cold in your shower – lymphatic vessels contract when exposed to cold, and dilate in response to heat.

5. Jump on a rebounder – the use of a small trampoline – a “rebounder” – is one of the most efficient ways to reduce lymphatic congestion, stimulate lymph flow, and exercise every cell in the body.

Reflexology is one of the most popular types of massage. Beyond the feel-good effects of the treatment, the practice and purpose go deeper than the skin and muscles. Kneading the soft fleshy ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, tracing around the heel and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the movements you’ll experience during treatment.

Regardless of your health condition(s) (for example, migraine, nausea, sciatica, etc.), the reflexologist focuses on the entire pattern of the reflexology therapy, starting at the toes and working down the foot. A complete reflexology therapy session uses many different techniques and includes all of the points on both feet (and perhaps the hands and ears).

Reflexology for the lymphatic system is a wonderful holistic treatment that brings immediate relief to a whole host of conditions and can also improve general wellbeing and quality of life. Make sure you book with a licensed reflexologist to ensure you receive quality care and treatment.

The practitioner will explain how reflexology works and what to expect in the session. The reflexologist will also informs you that reflexology does not treat specific illnesses and is not a substitute for medical treatment.