A SPECIALIST REFLEXOLOGY TECHNIQUE
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
I studied Reflexology Lymph Drainage with Sally Kay in the UK, where she developed and researched this technique. Since completing that training, I have been treating clients with RLD in my own practice and seeing positive results — which is why I offer it as a dedicated treatment, not just as part of a general reflexology session.
RLD is an award-winning, evidence-based form of reflexology. I work specific lymphatic reflexes on your feet and your hands to encourage your lymphatic system to move and drain more effectively.
- Worked on the feet and the hands — you only remove your shoes and socks
- Your swollen or post-surgical limb is not touched directly
- Available in person and as an online guided session for the hands
RLD is applied through the feet and the hands. The area with swelling is not massaged directly, which makes it a comfortable option for many clients after surgery or during recovery.
Gisella Miller, CR
Certified Reflexologist · Integrative Reflexology Healing · Seattle and online appointments available
What RLD is, in my words
When I explain RLD to a new client, I start with the lymphatic system itself. It is the system that clears fluid, waste, and debris from your tissues and plays an important part in immune function. When it is sluggish or damaged, fluid can build up and tissues can swell. That swelling is called lymphoedema.
Sally Kay developed RLD while she was working in cancer care. She built the sequence from the principles of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — the gentle massage method used to move lymph — and translated that work onto the reflexes of the feet.
That matters to me as a practitioner. RLD was not created as a general relaxation routine. It was researched for a specific clinical need, and that research is a large part of why I chose to train in it.
In my sessions, I work through the RLD sequence systematically on the feet and the hands — the lymphatic reflexes, the areas that support drainage for the part of the body that is affected, and the reflexes that help the whole system work together. Most clients find it deeply relaxing, and many fall asleep.
DEVELOPED BY
Sally Kay, from her work in cancer care in the UK
BASED ON
The principles of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
ORIGINALLY CREATED FOR
Secondary lymphoedema — tissue swelling that can follow breast cancer treatment
ALSO USED FOR
Primary lymphoedema, where the lymphatic system has not developed or does not work as it should
HOW IT IS GIVEN
On the feet and the hands. No need to undress, and the affected limb is not worked on directly
Why working on the feet and hands helps
For many of the clients I see, direct massage of a swollen arm or leg is not welcome. The area can be tender, the skin can be fragile, there may be a wound or surgical site, or you may simply not want it touched. With RLD, I work through your feet and your hands, so I do not need to touch it at all.
✓ Non-invasive. I work on your feet and your hands while you rest, fully clothed apart from shoes and socks.
✓ Comfortable after treatment or surgery. Because the affected area is left alone, RLD can be an option when direct work is not appropriate.
✓ A whole-system effect. I am not only working where you feel the swelling. I work the reflexes that support drainage through the body as a whole.
✓ Easy to receive regularly. There is no special preparation and no recovery time. You can get up and go about your day afterwards.
Other reasons clients come to me for RLD
Lymphoedema is where RLD began, and it is still the main reason people seek it out. In practice, I also use RLD to support clients who are living with ongoing inflammatory or congestive conditions, and clients who simply feel heavy, puffy, or run down and want to support their immune system. Practitioners use RLD to help clients manage:
Asthma
Fibromyalgia
ME
Chronic fatigue
Eczema
Sinus issues
Migraines
Premenstrual tension (PMT)
I want to be clear about what I can and cannot say: RLD is a complementary therapy. I do not diagnose conditions and I do not replace your medical care. What I can tell you is what I see in my own treatment room — clients who come in regularly, who notice changes in how their shoes, rings, or a watch fit, and who feel lighter and more comfortable after a session. If you are under medical care for any of these conditions, please keep that care in place and talk with your clinician about adding RLD.
What your session will be like
Whether we meet in person or online, we start the same way — with a conversation about your health, so I can be sure RLD is suitable for you and understand what you are hoping for.
1
We talk first
At your first appointment I take a full history. If you have had surgery recently, I will ask whether you have medical clearance before we begin. If anything in your history means RLD is not suitable, I will tell you plainly.
2
The treatment
You relax in a reclined position while I work the RLD sequence on your feet and/or your hands. The pressure is precise but gentle. There is no work on the swollen or sore area itself.
3
Afterwards
Most clients feel relaxed and a little sleepy. I suggest drinking water and taking the rest of the day gently. We will talk about how often to come — some clients benefit from a short series of weekly sessions, then come as needed.
When RLD is not suitable
I take this part seriously. There are situations where I will not give RLD, because moving lymph when the body is dealing with an acute problem can do more harm than good. Please tell me before you book if any of these apply to you, and if you are unsure about anything at all, ask me first.
If you have had recent surgery, I will need you to have medical clearance before an in-person or guided session. This is for your safety, and it is a rule I keep for every client.
Please do not book RLD if you have
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cellulitis
- Kidney failure
- An unstable heart condition
If you are not certain whether one of these applies to you, please contact me through my contact page before booking and we will decide together, with your clinician if needed.
Book an RLD session with me
I offer RLD in two ways. Choose the one that fits where you are and what you need. In both cases you are working directly with me, Gisella Miller, CR.
OPTION 2 · ONLINE
Online guided RLD sessions
We meet over a live video call and I guide you, step by step, to work the lymphatic reflexes on your own hands. You see me, you hear me, and I watch and correct as we go.
- Live with me on video — not a recording
- You work the reflexes on your own hands under my guidance
- A good option if you cannot travel, or between in-person sessions
Integrative Reflexology Healing · Gisella Miller, CR · Seattle and online appointments available · Contact page
Reflexology Lymph Drainage was developed and researched by Sally Kay. For training and clinical resources, visit the official Reflexology Lymph Drainage website.
RLD is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional.