Reflexology Career Guide

Reflexologist 101

Reflexology is one of the most deeply relaxing forms of healing you can learn and practice. The National Association for Reflexology in America remarks that it is a “non-invasive, integrative and complementary therapy that benefits all.”

Reflexology is based on the idea that "maps" of the entire body are mirrored on the feet, hands and ears. On the feet alone, there are over 7,000 nerve endings. By applying pressure to specific points on these areas, trained reflexologists encourage balance and healing in the body. Although research is still underway to determine exactly how the science of reflexology works and what diseases it can counteract, many reflexologists believe that the therapy works primarily by stimulating the nervous system. They also believe it helps to release stagnant toxins and restore subtle energy flow.

Reflexology is a great career choice if you want to do the following:

• Be a pioneer in a fast-growing field of alternative healing
• Focus on feet, hands and ears
• Work closely with all types of individuals
• Encourage optimum physical and emotional health
• Create deep relaxation and relieve stress

In order to be successful as a trained reflexologist, you will need to be able to do the following:

• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Accept all body types and physical conditions
• Work quietly for much of the day
• Maintain healthy boundaries and practice good self-care

Your Reflexology School Education

What You’ll Study

You will need to learn the following to get your reflexology certification:

• Reflexology history and theory
• Anatomy and physiology
• Reflexology maps of the feet (hands and ears are also required in some programs)
• Reflexology routines and techniques
• Modifying reflexology sessions to address specific issues
• Business ethics and standards

You will also need to complete documented or supervised practice hours.

Average Length of Study

Professional reflexology certification programs typically range between 150 and 300 hours, which may or may not include documented practice hours. Programs may be completed as fast as four months, but you can also take classes at your own pace and spend a year or two working your way through a program. Distance learning programs are also available, but hands-on practice under supervision is very important.

If you are already licensed to touch the body as a massage therapist, nail technician, cosmetologist or esthetician – or if you only wish to practice on friends and family – one or two short courses in reflexology may meet your needs.

Average Tuition

You can expect each hour of your reflexology training to cost between $10 and $20. A full certification program will cost approximately $1,500 to $3,500. You will also need to purchase a massage table or reclining chair, which will cost between $200 and 500.

Reflexology Certification and Licensing

Reflexology is slowly emerging from under the umbrella of massage therapy, but in some states you still need to be a licensed massage therapist to practice reflexology. Other states with massage laws make an exemption for reflexology. In at least two states (Missouri and Louisiana) reflexology is regulated under the cosmetology law. In some other states, there is no massage or reflexology law at all. At this time, only two states (North Dakota and Tennessee) have specific laws governing the licensing or registration of reflexologists.

You will need to research the specific requirements of the state, city or county in which you will be practicing reflexology. The Reflexology Association of America offers a summary of state laws that can be a helpful place to start. You can also talk to the school you'd like to attend.

Many reflexologists also pursue American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) certification. Passing the three-part ARCB examination (written, practical and documentation) demonstrates that you meet national standards for skill and knowledge in the field of reflexology.

Reflexology Career Overview

Reflexologists may practice out of their homes, travel to their client's homes, or work in a salon, spa, group practice, fitness center or chiropractic office. It is not uncommon for reflexologists to divide their time between several different work locations.

Many reflexologists practice with their clients lying on a normal massage table, usually with their feet slightly elevated on a cushion or foam pad. Others prefer to seat clients in an adjustable chair, such as a Lafuma recliner – a recliner that provides luxury and ergonomic comfort.

Reflexology Career Outlook

Like massage therapy, reflexology has been gaining popularity since the 1980s. It is still considered an alternative healing technique, but more and more research is showing that reflexology can be very effective in reducing symptoms of PMS, digestive issues, allergies and other common health problems. And it most certainly reduces stress, a primary complaint for many people.

Today, many people are choosing reflexology as a full-time career. Reflexology can also be incorporated with other types of massage by a licensed massage therapist. And many people learn reflexology to help clients and increase income in their existing careers as nail technicians, estheticians, cosmetologists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, or other healing and beauty practitioners.

Reflexologist Salaries

There haven't been any recent studies on the earnings of reflexologists, but you can expect that reflexologist salaries are similar to those of massage therapists given the connection between massage and reflexology. Your total annual income will vary depending on where you live, where you practice and how many sessions you do each week.

The typical hourly rate for a reflexology session varies between $40 to $80. Ninety-minute sessions are not uncommon and may cost between $60 and $110. If you are in private practice, you keep that entire amount, minus taxes and expenses such as equipment, laundry, rent, advertising and marketing. If you work as an employee, you will probably be paid a flat fee for each session, usually ranging from $15 to $40 per hour plus tips.

Since it is almost physically impossible to perform 40 hours of reflexology in a workweek, most reflexologists deliver between eight and 25 hours of reflexology a week. Therefore, your annual income could start at $10,000, if you work part-time and do only a handful of sessions a week, and reach as high as $60,000 for a full-time practice with premium clientele – or, a clientele who visit regulary and help you network your reflexology business.

Related Specialties:

• Massage Therapy
• Reiki

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Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
Reflexology Association of America, 2006.
American Academy of Reflexology, 2007.