Practices

It is a light touch type of massage that helps improve the function of the lymphatic system improving its function. This is accomplished by stimulation of the lymph nodes with light touch massage and rhythmical movements of the skin which encourages the contractions of the lymphatic vessels. This increases the metabolic waste products and excess fluids to be removed from the body tissues and enter back into the lymphatic system, as unlike the vascular system the lymphatic system does not have its own pump.

This type of massage was developed by a Danish physician Dr Emil Vodder back in the 1930s.

Acne, Allergies, Blood Pressure, Cellulite, frequent sufferers of Colds and Flu, Detoxifying, Eczema, Erythema, Fatigued legs, Immune system, Inflammation, Fatigue, Headaches/Migraines, Lymphoedema, ME, Swollen Ankles etc.

NB Some contraindications can be worked around, others may need a consultation with your GP and written agreement from him or her.

These include High/low Blood Pressure, Broken Skin, Varicose Veins, Heart Condition, Anaemia, Severe Bruising, History of Thrombosis or Embolism, Recent Haemorrhaging, Recent Scarring (within 6 months), Recent Surgery, Sun/windburn, Recent Breaks or Sprains, Diabetes, Cancer, Dysfunction or Disorder of the nervous system (Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease), Fever, Kidney Infection, Gastric Ulcers and Hernia.

If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at letlymphflow@hotmail.com.

There is no evidence that massage increases the spread of lymphoma or leukaemia cells. If it were the case, then any form of exercise would have this effect. Gentle massage for patients with Hodgkin’s, lymphoma and leukaemia is not likely to cause any problems. (Karol Sikora, Professor of Clinical Oncology and Director of Cancer Services, Hammersmith Hospital, London).

Good therapeutic massage is massage done by a competent massage therapist who is sensitive to the problems of massaging people with cancer and is comfortable supporting people who are seriously ill. (Carl Simonton MD, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director of the Cancer Counselling and Research Centre, Dallas Texas.

Massage Therapy is not contraindicated in cancer patients. Massaging a tumour is, but there is a great deal more to a person than their tumour. (Bernie Siegel)

Massage supports the immune system. There is much evidence of the overall increase in immune functioning when relaxation is achieved in soft tissue massage. (Leon Chaitow)

There is no answer to this one, so far. Should massage be proven to increase the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, then it should be pursued. Anything that allows for a lesser dose of lethal drugs would be a good thing.