Being a reflexologist is one of the top five career options in the field of holistic health. The trend shows that more and more people are turning to holistic practices to enhance traditional medical therapies. Being a reflexologist also allows the doctor to create a flexible schedule in many circumstances.
If you’ve thought about a career in reflexology, it’s time to start learning more. The first thing to do is contact the local reflexology association in your area. One of those websites is for the American Reflexology Certification Board. Although certification is not required in the United States, for professional reasons it must be certified if available.
On the website, you will want to find answers to several things. You can search for schools certified to teach reflexology, licensing and certification requirements, and any other information you find helpful.
Going to school to become a reflexologist is a requirement in most places, even if you don’t need to have a license or certification after graduation. Classes vary in duration from six months to a year or more. The class is usually at least 100 hours in the classroom and at least 300 hours in practice. Depending on your location, the requirements may vary.
You should look for a reflexology program that focuses on more than the feet and hands. Look for a school that discusses health, nutrition, biology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, ethics, and professionalism. Finding a school that also explains the business side of being a reflexologist is a bonus.
You may want to consider a school that also offers a massage therapy program. Even if you don’t now, becoming a massage therapist can increase your earning potential and increase your marketability. You may decide to wait to take these classes later, as they are more intense and licensing is a requirement in many areas.
As a reflexologist, you will work with a client’s feet and hands for 45 minutes to an hour in a normal session. You should be able to speak to the client before, during, and after the session. It is your job as a reflexologist to calm and relax the client while being a good listener.
Once you are in the final stages of the reflexologist program, you should start working on marketing your services. Based on your practical experience, you may have a small customer base, but you need a large customer base that will continue to grow. You must decide whether you want to go to your clients or have them come to you. If they come to you, consider renting a space or partnering with a chiropractor, doctor’s office, podiatrist, or comprehensive health center.
You can also check out local gyms and spas. They may allow you to offer your reflexologist services through the business or they may hire you full time. It’s just a matter of going to these different places and selling yourself and your services.
If you decide to go to your clients, you will want to partner with doctors, holistic professionals, chiropractors, and gyms. Clients may be referred to you to improve the therapies your patients are currently receiving.
Once you know how it is going to work, you must decide the cost of your reflexology services. Some places will dictate the fees you can charge and others will not. You will need to contact local reflexologists and ask them about the services they offer and the fees associated with the services. This information will give you a basis to work with when developing your own pricing system.
You should routinely check reflexologist websites and subscribe to industry magazines. This will keep you abreast of new reflexology trends, tips, and techniques. You can also look for continuing education classes at your local community college.
Since you can work with clients in a medical setting, the client may think you are a doctor. If this happens, simply gently remind the patient that you are not a physician, but a trained and certified professional reflexologist (where applicable).
The only other real problem you might face would be if you feel the client is not clean or if the client’s feet and / or hands have sores, fungus, or other diseases. Never feel like you have to accept everyone who contacts you as a customer. You need to protect the clients you already have, and that may mean turning down the service to others. Let them know that they have a problem and that they should seek medical attention. Tell them to come back to you when the problem has been corrected and then you will take them as a customer.
If you are still interested in becoming a reflexologist, contact your local reflexology association, learn more, and get started.
