Reflexologist

Introduction

Reflexologists are holistic (whole person) health practitioners. They treat people by using special massage techniques on the feet. This stimulates the body to achieve its own natural state of wholeness and good health.

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Work Activities

Reflexologists are holistic health practitioners. This means that they examine the 'whole person', not just a particular complaint. For example, if a client comes to a reflexologist complaining of headaches, the practitioner will consider the client's physical, emotional and spiritual state. This will help in the diagnosis and treatment of the root cause of the pain.

Reflexology is based on ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian massage techniques. It was 'discovered' in the West in the early 20th century.

Practitioners use their hands to apply pressure to certain points on the client's feet.

Each part of the foot is said to mirror a part of the body, so for example the big toe is connected to the head in terms of healing potential. Stimulating a point on the foot causes a response in the related part of the body.

When the reflexologist first sees a client, they will ask about the particular problem or illness that the client wants treating. They will also ask about the client's lifestyle, work, diet, relationships and so on. During this discussion, the reflexologist will take notes (a case history) which will become part of the client's records for future reference.

The client then sits in a chair and removes their shoes and socks. The chair will usually have leg rests that raise the feet, so that the reflexologist can massage them properly. The reflexologist sits facing the client and massages the feet (according to their assessment of the client's needs).

All points of the foot are massaged and extra attention is given to those parts that need it. Sometimes the practitioner applies talcum powder or cream to the feet to make massaging more comfortable.

Once the treatment is complete, the reflexologist may make another appointment for the client and take payment for the consultation. The reflexologist then washes their hands before seeing the next client.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

People can be very self-conscious about their feet so you must have a genuine caring, sensitive approach. Good interpersonal skills will help you to put clients at ease.

You will also need a methodical approach for taking case histories, making assessments and working out a course of appropriate treatments. Using your hands to treat several people a day should not be too tiring, but you will need some strength in your hands and fingers.

Being a reflexologist can be quite mentally tiring because you will be seeing several clients each day on a one-to-one basis for up to an hour each.

Most reflexologists are self-employed so you need to be well organised, capable of dealing with your own correspondence and have sound business sense.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Earnings for reflexologists vary, depending on the number of clients they see.

Self-employed reflexologists charge from around £30 per session. Annual earnings can exceed £30,000 a year, depending on the success of the practice. However, earnings can be considerably less than these rates, especially when starting out.

Most practitioners are self-employed. They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common, and some reflexologists make home visits.

There may be opportunities to join an established practice.

Some reflexologists work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre or establish their own treatment premises.

Others work in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and clinics, and in private and public businesses. Many of those who work in hospitals or for businesses do it as an extra part of their main practice.

This is a small but expanding profession.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Most recognised courses are part-time, usually involving evening or weekend study, as well as home study.

• 61% of people in occupations such as reflexology are self-employed.
• 55% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.