Lymphotherapy

Lymphotherapy (lymphatic physiotherapy) is a method by which pressure applied on specific lymph nodes alters lymphatic response. Proponents state it can be used for lymphedema^[1] and breast cancer.^[2]

History

Lymphotherapy was first suggested in 1918 by Dr. S. Artault de Vevey in the Paris Therapeutic Society as a treatment for infectious diseases, though it had many fans as well as opponents.^{[3][unreliable medical source?]} This treatment was popular in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s.^[4] Currently, lymphotherapy practice has been documented in complementary and alternative medicine.^[5][6]

Effects

Complete decongestive lymphatic physiotherapy demands substantial time and effort from patients to maintain the benefits; treatments are not always well-accepted, and patients may suffer from a deterioration in quality of life or develop enhanced anxiety. Sudden loss of bowel control was reported,^[4] especially with lymphatic physiotherapy applied on the lymph nodes in the lower back.

See also

• Manual lymphatic drainage