Reflexology

Overview

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing by causing a relaxation response in the corresponding body part.

A reflexologist uses hands only to apply pressure to the feet and/or hands. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Reflexology is suitable for acute and chronic conditions, stress related conditions and as preventative therapy.

Legal requirements for reflexologists vary from state to state. The American Reflexology Certification Board was established in 1991 and administered the first exam in 1992. The current version of the exam has been in use since 1998 and requires a minimum of 110 hours of training and 90 post graduate sessions. The College’s Reflexology Certificate provides over 300 hours of training in the required content areas of the exam. Currently, Minnesota has a full and fair disclosure requirement. There are municipality by municipality regulations. A majority of reflexologists are self employed. With increased interest in complementary and alternative therapy and more demand for personal investment services, opportunities will be available to those skilled in various modalities such as reflexology.

What You'll Learn

• Application of reflexology techniques to contribute to restoring balance in the body
• How to recognize indications and contraindications to reflexology services
• Modern Zone theory and the exploration of evidence of ancient reflexology practices
• Theory and skill sets necessary to build a reflexology service for the hands or feet
• The anatomy and unique attributes of the feet and hands of the body will be explored
• Theories and origins of reflexology, comparison and contrast of applications of reflexology, assessment of the rules for practice
• Comprehension of the ethical and legal responsibilities of the clinical reflexologist

Career Settings

• Therapeutic massage clinics and spas
• Self-employed
• Alternative medicine clinics
• Esthetic, Cosmetology and Nail Salons

Additional Benefits

• Graduates will perform skills in reflexology and clearly understand the difference between consultative and prescriptive healing practices.
• Reflexology can be a stand alone modality or easily incorporated into a massage, esthetics and/or nail service.