Blog - Cardiff Lymphoedema and Therapies

Report that the Duchess of Cornwall has lymphatic massage

2/24/2015

It has been reported in the Daily Mail that the Duchess of Cornwall has regular slimming lymphatic drainage treatments. It is believed they 'flush out toxins, banish fluid retention, flatten a bloated stomach, firm the skin and reduce cellulite.'
The Duchess is said to have regular one hour massages which can also aid weight loss and is known as 'manual liposuction'. A lymphatic massage is designed to speed up the lymphatic system which becomes less efficient as we age, and this helps to relive not only lymphoedema but a wide variety of complaints including those of the digestive system and arthritis.

Breast Cancer Care

6/30/2013

I would like to share this link found on the Breast Cancer Care website.

8 Steps to Detox

6/5/2013

Follow this for:
5 days and you will notice a difference inside.
2 weeks and notice a change in mood and energy levels.
3 weeks to see pounds drop off.

Begin the day with a glass of hot water and slice of lemon
Eat fruit with natural yoghurt topped with soaked linseed and chia as both are high in omega 3
Avoid processed foods, for example, ready made meals, chocolates and biscuits, or take it a step further and cut out refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, white bread and white rice
Ensure you eat several pieces of fruit and vegetables every day, but not potatoes.
Remember to include protein each day from one or more of the following; fish, chicken, eggs, pulses, and turkey
Avoid standard tea and coffee and replace hot drinks with nettle, dandelion and peppermint teas
Reduce alcohol consumption- limit yourself to a good glass of red wine at the weekend.
Ensure you drink 2 litres of water daily to help flush out toxins. Take sips of as this is more hydrating than drinking quickly water

How to optimise your energy this summer

6/4/2013

Snack on quinoa
The seeds resemble and taste like grain. Quinoa is gluten free, high in protein, nutritious and contains zinc, and B vitamins. You can enjoy it with salads, or mixed with fruit for sweet dishes. It is low in calories as well as high in nutrients, and can be used to boost energy. It has high levels of essential fats and is a new food that is most beneficial for its health benefits.

What to do when infection starts in an affected limb

5/30/2013

Skin infections can develop quickly. Care is needed when cutting nails, to protect against insect bites/ animal bites, care in the sun, avoiding saunas or hot baths, avoiding injections or having blood pressure taken in the affected limb.
Check your skin daily for cuts, scratches, burns or any redness. If any spot, cut or area starts to redden and swell, apply antiseptic ointment to area and monitor your skin closely for any sign of infection.
Wash your skin daily with a pH neutral cleanser or soap, taking particular care to ensure skin folds are kept clean. Avoid using glycerine soap as this can cause the skin to become dry. Pat the skin dry, do not rub as this can inflame the skin.
Moisturise your skin daily with a non-perfumed lotion to keep the skin supple and stop it becoming dry. Apply to the skin at night if wearing garments. Use upwards strokes to apply the cream but ensure the final stroke is downwards to settle the hairs into the direction they normally grow.
Be aware of infection. Signs of infection can include:

Increased swelling of your limb
Your limb feels hot to your touch
Redness or rash
Pain
High temperature
Generally feeling unwell as though you have the flu

What to do if I think I have a skin infection.

Immediately remove compression garment and keep off until infection has cleared
Mark the inflamed area with a ballpoint pen and if symptoms spread outside the affected area contact your GP immediately as you may need antibiotics
Do not over-exercise your limb
Do not do your simple lymph drainage

Refer to the British Lymphoedema Society consensus for the most recent advice on treating infections, and see your doctor without delay. The consensus recommends what antibiotics should be used especially if you are allergic to any or taking statins, and the dose if previous infections have occurred and a prophylactic (maintenance dose) is needed.

Skin Care in Lymphoedema

4/2/2013

Skin care plays an essential role in the prevention and the risk of developing lymphoedema. Looking after your skin is essential to help prevent lymphoedema developing and manage any symptoms already present. Good skin care can lead to soft supple, well moisturised skin and reduce the risk of cellulitis.

If an individual has had surgery involving the removal of lymph nodes, the risk of developing lymphoedema is always present.

The skin is the first line of defense against foreign invaders and is usually impermeable to bacteria and other pathogens. However, any break in the skin such as burns, chafing, dryness, cuticle injury, cracks, cuts, splinters, and insect bites can present an entry site for bacteria and cause infection. Lymphoedematous skin tends to be dry and may become thickened and scaly, which increases the risk of skin cracks and fissures. Lymphoedematous skin is filled with protein-rich fluid, which serves as an ideal environment for bacteria to develop.

Inflammation may not only make lymphoedema much worse by increasing the swelling, but can also develop into a serious medical crisis.

How Can I Look After My Skin?

Cleanse your skin
Wash daily with mild cleanser. Avoid soap as this can cause the skin to dry.

Look at your skin.
Observe skin daily for cuts, scratches, burns and redness. If any are found, treat with antiseptic ointment and observe for any signs of infection.

Moisturise your skin
Moisturise your skin daily with non- perfumed lotion to keep the skin supple and stop it from becoming dry. Ointments used should contain no fragrance, be hypo-allergic and be around pH 5.

Skin infection
Bacteria that invade the tissues through a break or crack in your skin can cause CELLULITIS. Symptoms may appear suddenly and make you feel unwell

What to look out for:

Red inflamed skin or a rash on the affected limb
Warm/hot, tender tissues. The skin may look tight and glossy
Sudden onset
‘Flu-like’ symptoms/malaise
Pain/tenderness
Increased swelling which may happen quickly

What do I do?

Contact your own doctor as soon as possible. You may need prompt treatment with antibiotics, as this will help to clear the infection
Remove your support garment
Do not exercise your limb
Do not do your simple Lymphatic Drainage

These treatments for lymphoedema can be restarted when the infection has resolved, usually within 5-6 days

Prevention of Skin infection

Taking care cutting nails. Avoid pushing back cuticles
Use rubber gloves for washing up, gardening or other house hold tasks

Wear gloves and long sleeves when gardening
Use insect repellent when you are at risk of being bitten on holidays or in the garden
Using an electric razor to shave under your arms, or depilatory cream (do a patch test first for sensitivity)
Avoiding offering the limb at risk for the taking of blood pressure, blood samples, injections or needle acupuncture
Use a thimble when sewing
Dry well between fingers and toes and use antifungal cream if you have tinea (athlete’s foot)
Wear a high factor sun lotion and keep the limb covered when in the sun. Be aware that you can still burn through the compression garment
Avoid hot baths, saunas and Jacuzzis as heat can increase swelling
Wash any break in the skin and apply antiseptic ointment. Always carry antiseptic ointment, alcohol swab and Elastoplast. If the area becomes red or inflamed see your GP PROMPTLY as you may need antibiotic therapy

Reproflexology

3/6/2013

‘The single most creative thing we achieve as human beings is conception.’

Couples may delay parenthood for various reasons and then find it more difficult to become pregnant than anticipated.

During the coming spring and summer I will be attending a Pre Conceptual Care Programme and in the Autumn I will be able to offer Reproflexology to clients who wish to become parents.

A qualified Reproflexology Therapist must be aware of all factors that may impact on fertility, treat a couple together or sometimes separately with great sensitivity, and provide a safe and confidential environment. Reproflexology treatment starts with a thorough assessment of each client, and a qualified practitioner will determine whether the couple should share any of the concerns that may arise with their doctor.

Weight, age, stress, previous reproductive history, nutrition, sleep patterns, and certain medical conditions are only some of the factors that can affect the fertility of either gender. Women may have additional problems; for example: an irregular menstrual cycle, PCOS or endometriosis; and men may be unaware that sports such as cycling, hot baths, tight underwear and saunas can reduce their fertility.

The assessment is followed by positive life style advice on ways to enhance natural fertility, and a course of gentle reproflexology massage to balance sedate and stimulate the reproductive system. Please email me if you have any questions you would like me to answer,
Best wishes Jan

Approach of spring 2013

2/6/2013

Days are lengthening and bird song is heralding the approach of spring. Now is an ideal time to think about spring cleaning your body and cleansing yourself of the “comfort” foods consumed during winter.

Ensure your diet contains lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and keep sugar intake to a minimum, as this uses up B vitamins, which are better used to produce antibodies. Exercise is also good as a gentle sweat helps the body remove toxins.

Both Reflexology and lymphatic drainage may be used to support this cleansing process. Clients have often reported to me how rejuvenated they feel after a course of treat

Aromatic seasonal bath

12/17/2012

December already? We have slipped into an icy December
and are heading towards the shortest day and then a new year. It is the perfect time to rebuild and take stock of energies.
Essential oils, herbs and spices are a wonderful way to provide support. Why not try and aromatic and curative seasonal bath? The aromas will revitalise you and help with the symptoms of cold and flu over the winter. Boil one pint of water, add the following spices and remove from the heat. Leave overnight to infuse, then pour in your bath and relax.

1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
½ vanilla pod
2 tsp dried thyme
1 pint boiling water

Natural cold remedies

12/17/2012

The main focus for not getting sick should be to get as healthy as possible. A healthy immune system can defend itself against most invaders. Maintain a healthy eating plan to give your immune system the support and nutrients it needs to do that job.

Ginger Tea with Lemon and Cinnamon:
Ginger is excellent for colds and sore throats.Take it regularly and as soon as you feel the symptoms. I love to make a tea with a few slices of fresh ginger, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of cinnamon to keep me healthy, especially through the winter. These ingredients also help to stimulate the digestive system making this tea helpful any time. If the ginger and lemon are too tart for you, try adding a tiny bit of splenda, maple syrup, brown rice syrup or another unrefined sweetener.

Garlic:
Raw garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and an all-around health superstar. The best way to absorb the full power is to eat a clove raw every day. Add it to salads. homemade hummus or salsa.

Avoid Sugar:
Sugar can knock your immune system out of commission because it drains your body of nutrients and artificially stimulates you. This is also true of alcohol and caffeine and if you have either on a regular basis it would be a good idea to cut them out.
Anything healthy that boosts your immune system is negated if you eat lots of sugar or other unhealthy foods.

Tumeric:
I love this herb. I cut a piece of the dry root, about the size of your little finger nail and lightly chew on it for as long as I can. Tumeric is a natural antiseptic and can help with a dry cough too, the one that keeps you up at night.