Being a reflexologist is one of the top five career options in the holistic health field. The trend shows that more and more people are turning to holistic practices to improve traditional medical therapies. Being a reflexologist also allows the practitioner 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 you should do is contact the local reflexology association in your area. One such website is for the American Reflexology Certification Board. Although certification is not required in the United States, for professional reasons, you must be certified if available.
On the website, you will want to find answers to various things. You can search for schools that are certified to teach reflexology, licensing and certification requirements, and any other information you think would be helpful.
Going to school to become a reflexologist is a requirement in most places, even if you don’t need to be licensed or certified after graduation. Classes range in length from six months to a year or more. The class is usually at least 100 hours of class time and at least 300 hours of practical time. Depending on your location, the requirements may vary.
You should look for a reflexology program that focuses on more than just your feet and hands. Look for a school that talks about health, nutrition, biology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, ethics, and professionalism. Finding a school that also explains the business side of being a reflexologist is a plus.
You may want to consider a school that also offers a massage therapist 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 typical session. He must be able to talk to the client before, during and after the session. It is his job as a reflexologist to calm and relax the client while he listens well.
Once you are in the final stages of the reflexologist program, you need to 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 if you want to go to your customers or have them come to you. If they come to you, consider renting space or partnering with a chiropractor, doctor’s office, podiatrist, or holistic health center.
You may also want to check out local gyms and spas. You may be allowed to offer your reflexology services through the business or hired 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’ll want to partner with doctors, holistic practitioners, chiropractors, and gyms. Clients may be referred to you to improve therapies your patients are currently receiving.
Once you know how it’s going to work, you need to decide the cost of your reflexology services. Some places will dictate the fees you can charge and some won’t. 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 base to work from when developing your own pricing system.
You should regularly check reflexologist websites and subscribe to industry magazines. This will keep you updated on new trends, tips and techniques in reflexology. You can also look for continuing education classes at your local community college.
Since you may be working with clients in a medical setting, the client may think you are a doctor. If this happens, simply remind the patient that you are not a doctor, but rather a trained and certified professional reflexologist (where applicable).
The only other real issue you might face would be if you feel the customer is dirty or the customer’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 must protect the customers you already have, and that may mean refusing service to others. Let them know they have a problem and should seek medical attention. Tell them to get back to you when the problem has been corrected and then take you on as a customer.
If you are still interested in becoming a reflexologist, contact your local reflexology association, learn more, and get started.