has anyone tried using an alternative therapy to manage lymphedema? I’m thinking reflexology, Reiki, spiritual healing, a diet? I wonder if there is some way out there, that someone believes will reduce swelling etc and clear out those little blockages (apart from MLD.)
Getting fed up with living with it and it dont seem to be budging using a sleeve and MLD
thankyou in advance x
I do dry skin brushing in the morning before my shower as it is claims to aid lymphatic drainage, my lympo nurse said this was OK. I have not picked up on anything else and like you have pretty much just been told to wear the sleeve and get on with it.
Sorry if this is a daft question, what is MLD?
I will watch this thread with interest to see what others are doing!
DaisyGirl
^
The only thing I’ve seen in about using low-level laser treatment. There was an article about it in the Autumn newsletter from the Lymphoedema Support Network written by Neil B Piller, Professor in Lymphology.
‘Trials of scanning and heand-held laser have shown that its application is partiuclarly beneficial when there is fibrosis (hardening of the tissues)…, in reducing the swelling, softening the tissues, improving scars and improving how the limb feels’
What it goes on to say is that has been in Australia ‘on over 10,000 patients with good success rate’ although they point out that there does need to be evidence of fibrotic tissue.
From what the article says it would seem that some therapists in this country do offer it so may be worth discussing with the person providing MLD.
In terms of other complementary therapies I’ve not heard of anything that helps and personally I’d be wary of spending out lots of money on something that won’t work. As Mel says losing weight is said to be helpful - not that I’ve managed it yet!
Elinda x
so didnt sign in to find my life changing miracle cure waiting to be read about then…i get so desperate and am willing to try anything. I have heard of the hand held laser and someone near here charges 120 euros an hour for it. I am not fibrotic yet and in fact only 5% increase in overall arm volume, though it is in the wrist and hand which is at least 10%. From the elbow up I am fine. i am nearly 9 stone and should be about 8.2 so have just started (though threatened for ages)to diet. Ironically my wrists and forearms were always considered skinny. I have got disco wings though so maybe losing some of that might help.
HOWEVER, i just read on an american ld site that many ladies there have bathed their limb in epsom salts and found a good reduction. They say becausse the toxins are drawn from the skin. Anybody else heard or tried this?