Reflexology involves massaging and manipulating the muscles and pressure points of the feet. Training involves 150-300 hours of coursework and hands-on experience, and certification is a symbol of competence. Licensing and regulations vary by state and country.
A reflexologist can be described as a person who brings relief to those who are doing their worst. Something of a complement to massage therapy, the field of reflexology deals heavily with massaging and manipulating the muscles and pressure points of the feet. Those seeking reflexology training should first be aware that this career requires many hours of study and hands-on practice. Preparation at an accredited school is followed by exams and certification.
To begin reflexology training, you must first locate a school. A list of institutions in the US can be found on the website of the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB), which serves as the governing body of the reflexology community. Students seeking reflexology training are also expected to purchase equipment, such as a massage table, which may add to program costs. Courses can take up to a year to complete, although some schools offer online classes and study programs.
In total, reflexology training leading to certification will involve anywhere from 150 to 300 hours of coursework and hands-on experience. Several classes will cover anatomy and physiology, the history of reflexology, theory, techniques and a variety of business topics. Perhaps most importantly, students learn the ins and outs of foot reflexology maps. The latter is especially pertinent, as much of reflexology is based on the Chinese traditions of acupuncture, acupressure, and the body’s energy zones.
Upon completion of reflexology training, you will likely be looking to become certified by the ARCB if you are in the United States. This certification is not a license to practice, as such matters fall under the auspices of each state. On the contrary, certification is more of a symbol of competence. The three-part ARCB exam covers practical and written knowledge, as well as documentation of experience. The minimum requirements to take the exam are 110 hours of combined classroom work and hands-on involvement.
A license to practice reflexology, at least in many states, is covered by the same laws that apply to massage therapy. There are some exceptions to this rule, and those looking to establish a practice should also pay close attention to individual city and county requirements. In Missouri and Louisiana, reflexology is included in the laws governing cosmetology. In fact, only Tennessee and North Dakota have legal requirements specifically related to reflexology. A list of laws by state can be found on the Reflexology Association of America (RAA) website.
The largest European group representing reflexologists is the Reflexology Network in Europe (RiEN). This organization has been around since 1995 and represents over 20,000 reflexology practitioners in 20 different countries. Still, licensing and regulations vary from country to country. For example, in the United Kingdom (UK), reflexology is voluntarily regulated by the Complementary and Natural Health Council (CNHC). This body, fully supported by the UK Department of Health, requires competence and knowledge in reflexology techniques, practices and business methods and insists that practitioners carry public and professional liability insurance.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
