Reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, with modern roots in the early 1900s. Today’s Reflexologists are popping up all over the world helping people relax and heal one pair of feet at a time.
Taking the First Step
Start your quest with a visit to a local Reflexologist – go for a session and let the practitioner know that you are considering training in this field. If this is your first experience receiving Reflexology sit back and enjoy. Take note after your session of how you felt and whether this would be enjoyable to offer to others. With the practitioner’s permission ask about his/her time as a Reflexologist and the training to get to this point. Your practitioner may have even graduated from a local Reflexology program and can offer a first-hand review for you.
Massage or Reflexology?
Learning the difference between massage therapy and Reflexology early on could save you hours of coursework. Massage therapy has the primary intention of relaxing and manipulating the muscles and structure of the body; it is generally applied body-wide with a few exceptions. Reflexology on the other hand has the primary intention of relaxing the entirety of the body through the central nervous system via maps stimulated on the feet, hands and ears exclusively.
Some train in both modalities of bodywork to offer a wider menu to clientele. Many find they are interested in just one style and still others find their interest lies in beauty therapy and may train to become a pedicurist instead.
Finding Reflexology Education
Contact your local Reflexology association to find out what local laws and regulations exist to practice as a Reflexologist. In the United States you can expect to meet the national education standard of 200 hours of study while most of Europe requires 350 hours. To find your local association visit the website of the International Council of Reflexologists and find your national or regional association in their list of links. An online search for “reflexology association” and your area may also be helpful.
Reflexology schools come in many shapes and sizes – some offer combinations of class room studies and distance learning while others are exclusively class room based. Some massage and bodywork schools offer separate Reflexology programs. When considering a course look for anatomy, physiology, ethics, business practices, and scope of practice in addition to the Reflexology techniques.
Learning Mode
Start adding Reflexology books to your library. Try authors such as Barbara & Kevin Kunz, Chris Stormer, Beryl Crane, Ann Gillanders, Inge Dougans, Dwight Byers, Christine Issel and Eunice Ingham.
Expect to spend six months to a year between the classroom and case studies before graduating and obtaining your Reflexology Certification. Practice is the key in memorizing reflex locations, techniques and the anatomy of the body. Friends and family members make great practice clients so solicit their help early on.
Continuing Education
Reflexology has so much to offer that you may become a continuing education junkie in this field. Workshops in meridian techniques, Ayurvedic concepts, and many advanced techniques are presented around the world. Reflexologists may travel to foreign countries to obtain their continuing education or they may take a cruise. Local workshops are not always available but some schools are now considering Reflexology home study as a viable source for continuing education.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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