Reflexologist
What is the work like?
Reflexologists aim to encourage the body's natural healing processes by applying pressure to reflex points on the hands and feet, which is said to restore the body’s natural balance. Reflexology is based on the belief that points in the feet and hands are joined to all the major organs and parts of the body by 'energy pathways'.
As a reflexologist, you would work with clients to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries and chronic back pain. Your work would involve:
- explaining the treatment to the client
- asking about the client’s medical history, health and lifestyle
- examining the client’s feet and hands for possible ‘blockages’ and problem areas
- applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client’s feet and hands
- keeping treatment records
- referring clients to their GP, if necessary.
You could focus just on reflexology, or you could combine this with other complementary therapies, such as massage therapy. Nurses and healthcare workers are increasingly learning reflexology as an additional skill.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are a number of routes into reflexology and there is no single organisation that regulates this field. There are, however, several professional bodies that represent reflexologists and offer industry recognition to suitably qualified practitioners. Each professional body sets its own entry requirements – you will find a list of organisations in the Where Can I Go For More Information section below.
You can study reflexology as a level 3 diploma or at degree or postgraduate level. Some courses will satisfy the criteria for membership of one of the professional bodies; many organisations include a list of approved courses on their website. Practitioner level courses will usually involve at least 100 hours of training, including theoretical study and practical treatments observed by an assessor or tutor. Part-time, weekend and evening classes are common.
A reflexology level 3 diploma has been created by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) and the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). Courses are widely available at colleges, universities and private centres throughout the UK. To get onto a diploma, you may need some knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and it may also be useful to have a GCSE (A-C) in biology.
If you decide to take a foundation degree or degree in complementary medicine/therapies (specialising in reflexology), you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) plus two A levels. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
You may have an advantage when applying for a course if you have previous experience in healthcare, massage, beauty therapy or counselling.
What further training and development can I do?
As a reflexologist, you may improve your chances of work or increase your client numbers by being a member of a professional body, such as the Association of Reflexologists. To become a member, you may need to follow your initial training with extra study and more hours of client-contact. Please check with the individual bodies for details of accredited training and membership requirements.
You can join the British Register of Complementary Practitioners when you have completed a course that meets their requirements for specialist practitioner status. This usually involves completing two years of approved training, plus adequate supervised practise. The British Register is administered by the Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM) – see the ICM website for more information.
As a qualified reflexologist, you need to maintain and develop your skills throughout your career. If you decide to join one of the professional bodies, you will often have opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD), such as conferences and workshops.
Where can I go for more information?
3rd FloorEastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0870 5673320
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel: 020 8994 4141
London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7231 5855
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Newly qualified reflexologists may earn around £15,000 to £20,000 a year, or less depending on the number of clients and the location.
- When they have established their practice, they can earn around £30,000 a year.
Self-employed reflexologists charge a sessional rate, which usually varies from £20 to £45 for a 45- to 60-minute session. THey will need to pay for business costs such as rent and materials out of these fees.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours are not fixed and will depend on how many clients you have, particularly if you are self-employed. You will often start by working part-time time until you build a reputation and increase the number of clients you see. You may often need to work in the evenings and weekends to accommodate your clients.
You could work in a variety of settings, from hospices and hospitals to clients’ homes or complementary medicine clinics. You could also work as a therapist in a beauty salon or health farm. You may work in a number of centres or travel to clients' homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good understanding of human biology and anatomy
- good listening skills
- the ability to develop empathy with clients
- a genuine desire to help people
- the ability to inspire confidence in your clients
- good practical skills and co-ordination
- the ability to recognise when a client needs to be referred to medical doctor
- business and marketing skills (to be successful as a self-employed therapist).
What opportunities are there?
You could work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, hospices, practices attached to GP surgeries and natural health centres. You may also work from home, from rented premises or visit clients in their homes. You are likely to find most opportunities as a self-employed reflexologist.
You could go on to train and qualify in other areas of complementary medicine and combine working as a reflexologist with, for example aromatherapy or reiki healing. Offering a range of therapies may help you to build your business and attract a broader client base.
As a self-employed reflexologist, the success of your business will often depend on the hours that you spend on marketing and building contacts, as well as word of mouth and a solid reputation.
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