Learn what to look for and how to find a Reflexologist for yourself or a loved one.
“Reflexology is the application of specific pressure by the use of the practitioner’s hand, thumb and fingers to a reflex map resembling a human body which is believed to exist on the extremities.” – Reflexology Association of America
Reflexology is a modern bodywork modality with roots in ancient Egypt and Asia. It is sometimes confused as massage but Reflexology is altogether very different from massage. For example, a Reflexologist works to improve internal organ and gland functions by stimulating points on the feet, hands or ears. Massage, on the other hand, works to relax the muscles and the body's structure at the site of the stimulation.
It’s all in the training
You want to look for someone who has received hands-on training for this hands-on modality. The American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) has set a national education standard for Reflexologists in the United States by providing both a written and a practical exam. An applicant must have attended a 110 hour hands-on training course specifically in reflexology with a breakdown as follows: 40 hours in Reflexology history and theory, 55 hours of anatomy and physiology, 5 hours of business ethics and standards, and 10 hours of supervised practicum. Upon graduating from such a course an additional 90 hours of post-graduate sessions are required, bringing the total number of hours to 200 for national certification.
In 2006 the Reflexology Association of America voted to have the education requirements for professional members be a minimum of 200 hours of reflexology only education.
Location, location, location
North Dakota and Tennessee are the first, and only, states that have put in place a Reflexology law at the state level. In North Dakota a Reflexologist can obtain a license to practice Reflexology after attending a minimum of 100 hours of training, 40 of which needs to come from an ARCB certified Reflexologist instructing the course. In Tennessee the Reflexology Registry requires applicants have a minimum of 200 hours of reflexology only training to obtain a license to practice Reflexology.
In other States and cities Reflexology licensing varies greatly; some States have exempted Reflexology from massage licensing while others have not. For instance, in Arizona Reflexology was written out of the massage license, but in New Hampshire a Reflexologist would be required to attend massage school and then obtain a license as a massage therapist.
Conducting a search
The American Reflexology Certification Board provides access to a directory of Reflexologists that have met or exceeded their education requirements and have successfully passed their national board exam. The Reflexology Association of America also has a directory of Reflexologists as well as a directory of Reflexology Associations by State.
Some have found their Reflexology practitioner through holistic health magazines at local health food stores, through an online search, or even in the phone book directory. Ask friends for the name of their Reflexologist, or speak to other natural health practitioners in the area for a referral.
When speaking with a Reflexology practitioner you’ll want to know how long he has been in practice, where he attended training, and if he is familiar with any specific medical conditions or concerns you may have. Many Reflexologists will specialize in working with certain populations, pediatrics or women’s health for example. Others will work with specific conditions they are very familiar with, such as multiple sclerosis or infertility.
With new research studies being released every year the benefits of receiving Reflexology are growing to be quite numerous. Remember that Reflexology is not an alternative to the existing care you are receiving from your primary physician, but can complement this care to help you feel your best!
