The average reflexologist is not qualified to give a massage anymore than the local plumber or a news anchor. Yet some people still confuse the modality as being a “foot massage,” which is the farthest from the truth. Massage and reflexology have one thing in common: touch. Beyond that, the difference is immense.
Foot reflexology is the most common style practiced by reflexologists around the globe. Hand reflexology makes a close second with ear reflexology and face reflexology trailing behind as specialty modalities in the field. Training in the profession is often governed by regional and national associations and organizations or by local laws requiring special licensure to practice.
Defining Reflexology by Professional Associations
The term "reflexology" is one used to describe a bodywork modality that is applied to the feet, hands, ears and face by trained reflexologists. In the United Kingdom, the Association of Reflexologists, or AoR, defines reflexology as “a complementary therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself…a reflexologist uses hands only to apply pressure to the feet.”
In the U.S., the American Reflexology Certification Board defines reflexology as “a non-invasive, complementary modality involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears.” Reflexology Association of America, the country’s national association for the profession, uses this state to define the modality “a non-invasive complementary modality involving the use of alternating pressure applied to the reflexes within the reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands and outer ears.”
Representing over 20,000 reflexologists in 20 European countries, the Reflexology in Europe Network, or RiEN, presented their statement for the European Commission as “Reflexology is a complementary therapy. Reflexology is a harmless and non-invasive method. Reflexology is a non-medical approach; it helps to release toxins from the body and improves circulation. It may help many health problems to decrease. Reflexologists do not diagnose or prescribe any pharmaceutical or other products. Reflexologists do not promise to cure illness.”
In South Africa, reflexology is included in The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa and they demonstrate the differences between foot massage and reflexology as such: “The therapeutic reflexologist relies on the use of very specific finger, thumb and hand pressure techniques which can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body… a foot massage, on the other hand, makes use of soothing oil or lotion and slow, firm, gentle, gliding strokes all over the foot. This serves as a pamper or 'feel good' service rather than a means to addressing health care and maintenance.”
Differences in Education for the Massage Therapist and Reflexologist
In addition to the actual modalities being administered differently, the education is quite different as well. Massage therapy school graduates in the United States typically have 500 to 1,000 hours of professional education by the time they are certified while their colleagues, reflexologists, have 200-300 hours of professional education.
Voluntary national board certification is available to both professions in the U.S., though some regions and states require this step as a mandatory item to become licensed to practice. For the massage profession, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the current leading board. Candidates are required to have 500 hours of instruction, 200 of which need to be based on massage theory, application and assessment. This exam is conducted on a computer over the course of two hours and 40 minutes.
For the reflexology profession, the American Reflexology Certification Board is the current leading board. Candidates are required to have a minimum of 110 hours of reflexology education. The exam includes a 300-question written test, a practical test which identifies reflex point location and technique, and a documentation test. The latter is described as “documentations test your ability to detect areas of sensitivity, record your observations, and monitor work on the clients and their reactions.” Candidates document 90 one-hour reflexology sessions and submit their forms within six months of taking the written exam. Overall, the reflexologist will likely encounter a four- to seven-hour written and practical exam and 90 hours of clinical work.
Reflexology, not a Foot Massage
Massage is often used by the layperson to describe what is happening during a reflexology session. But reflexologists are prohibited from even using the term “massage” to describe what they do because of their code of ethics and scope of practice statements they ascribe to.
Foot massage feels great, as does reflexology. But if you’re looking for some help with hot flashes, that pesky insomnia, or multiple sclerosis look for a qualified reflexologist that will focus on reflexology techniques, and not just rub your feet!
References:
- What is reflexology? The Association of Reflexologists, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- Legal Definitions of Reflexology, American Reflexology Certification Board, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- RAA’s Definition of Reflexology, Reflexology Association of America, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- History, Reflexology in Europe Network, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- Difference between Reflexology and Foot Massage, The South Africa Reflexology Society, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook Version 09.1, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- 2009 National Reflexology Certification Brochure, American Reflexology Certification Board, accessed online December 4, 2009.
- The author’s personal experience sitting for the American Reflexology Certification Board exam in New York, New York, 2006.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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