Reflexology certification is offered by professional associations with their own criteria. Practitioners apply pressure to points on feet or hands that correspond to other parts of the body. Some massage schools offer reflexology training, but it is not the same as professional certification. Some jurisdictions regulate reflexology separately from massage, requiring certification or licensing.
Reflexology certification is typically offered by professional associations, each with their own certification criteria. Individuals who wish to practice reflexology professionally may be required by laws in their area to obtain professional certification or licensing before performing reflexology on others. Depending on a certification board’s rules, a reflexologist may be required to receive a separate reflexology certification in hand and foot reflexology. Some massage schools may also offer a program that leads to a certificate in reflexology, although this educational certification is not the same as professional certification in reflexology.
In the practice of reflexology, a practitioner, also called a reflexologist, applies pressure using the hands and fingers to various points on the client’s feet or hands. According to reflexology theory, these points correspond to other parts and systems of the body, and this stimulation can affect healing in these areas. The therapy is non-invasive and generally does not include the use of oils or lotions.
Reflexology is not foot massage, although some massage therapists may incorporate reflexology into their practice, and some massage schools may offer reflexology training to their students. Massage school training can meet standards set by professional reflexology boards. The certification board may require the student to receive additional training or guidance before qualifying for certification.
Some professional associations that support the practice of reflexology offer a certification program for practitioners. These certification programs usually require aspiring reflexologists to complete an educational program, perform reflexology under the supervision of a certified reflexologist, and pass an exam. These organizations may require their members to renew their certification on a regular basis, and renewal may be conditional on the reflexologist’s completion of continuing education courses.
As an alternative healing modality, reflexology is not always subject to legal control. Some jurisdictions do not regulate the practice of reflexology beyond prohibiting anyone other than a licensed medical professional from diagnosing or treating medical conditions. In other jurisdictions, reflexology may be considered a form of massage. If a jurisdiction considers reflexology to be a separate practice from massage, it may require reflexologists to hold reflexology certification from a recognized association or that reflexologists be licensed separately from a government agency. If the jurisdiction merges reflexology with massage, reflexologists may have no choice but to receive training and licensing as a massage therapist.
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