reflexology questions - curious

[ALiie]

Hi there

Lots of questions because I'm thinking of doing a reflexology course:

Does reflexology actually have any benefits to a client or is it just hype?

Are there different levels to reflexolgy? There's a course at my local holistic training centre for 6 months part time, is this enough as I believe it is quite a complex subject.

I always believed reflexology to be connected with the feet, but I've also read it's to do with the hands. During a course are the hands covered or is this seperate?

How long does a treatment take, and is there any danger of repeative injury to the therapist?

Those who practice reflexology can you tell me how much you charge and how many treatments you do a day.

Regard
Deb379

 

[Pompal 09.]

Deb,

Surprised that no-one has replied as there are a lot of people on the forums who are practitioners or have experienced the benefits of reflexology.

So your questions - is it hype? Absolutely not, although there is little clinical evidence (as in many complementary therapies) reflexology is building a strong evidence base to show that it is effective as a relief toa range of symptons from anxiety to insomnia to PMS - there is very little that reflexology cannot help although unless you are qualified as a medical practitioneryou can make no claims to heal or diagnose. I both practice and receive reflexology as often as I can! (I would try it out as if you don't enjoy it you probably won't like receiving it)

In order to practice as a reflexologist there are now standards of training that you need to have (we are a regulated therapy), I did my course over 9 months at weekends, there are a minimum number of contact teaching hours, 60 hours practical work (minimum)and a lot of written work required but it is very worth it! I think it would be possible to do it in 6 months but it would be very intensive- the college you are looking at will be able to tell you if it is a practitioner level course. After the initial training you have the option of doing specialist courses in areas that interest you.

Most reflexology training will focus on the feet as they are easy to access but you can do reflexology on hands, face and ears (these are considered specialist areas). Reflexology has origins in a number of ancient medical theories but one of them is meridian theory (like acupuncture) which focuses on energy flows in the body which are present all over the body but have strong presence in the hands and feet.


Treatments can range from 10 minutes (for children, taster sessions etc) to an hour (for an adult full treatment etc). You are trained to do a treatment with a minimum of danger to yourself and there are advanced techniques that minimise wear and tear on the thumbs.

How much you charge really depends on where you are based, whether you go to people, if you are self employed or working in a salon... I would check out charges in your local area. One of the things you have to study is business practices so rates etc should be covered in your course.

Hope this helps.

Kate

 

[Bahhhh]

Hi Kate

Thanks so much for your reply, I thought I would have been inundated with replies.

So far I've heard nothing but positive comments about reflexology.

In your opinion is it better to train at college, a private school or some sort of reflexology training school. How would I know if I have chosen the right place to train.

I certainly hadn't thought about asking if it's at a practioner's level.

I will book and have a treatment myself to see what it's like as well.

Cheers
Deb379

 

[DoucheSaysWhatScott]

I suppose I am a bit biased being a member of the AOR but I would always go through one of their recommended courses. There are other reflexology associations which are as prestigious but I don't know enough about them to comment. You can see the list of schools by region on [link=http://www.aor.org.uk]www.aor.org.uk[/link].

One warning is that the training isn't cheap - (it is after all a new career) - and you want to make sure that it is right for you before committing yourself, personally I don't regret a penny or minute of it!

Enjoy your treatment!

Kate

 

[neutreno 3000]

Hi,

I qualified in Reflexology a couple of years ago. I attended the local college.I have to say that the course was pretty hard going with a lot of A&P, but I loved every minute of it. As with any course, the tutor can make or break, and mine was fantastic.I came away having learnt so much more than Reflex! We studied the feet, but also had a couple of sessions on the hands, and one on the ears.

I went onto do Indian Head there the following year, and had a bad experience, in that the tutor wasn't very inspiring, and although I finished the course I left feeling I hadn't learnt enough.

I would also advise you to go and have a treatment. I too love giving and receiving the treatment, and find it completely relaxing.

As for it being a hype, I can honestly say that I have helped alot of people in the past few years, and found things in their feet that they hadn't owned up to!

Have a treatment, and enjoy, and make your mind up from there!

Good luck

Tj

 

[xgsgtytf]

Hello Deb

You have made a good choice in thinking in training in Reflexology. It is a wonderful career. I trained 15 years ago and have loved every minute of it.

You are correct that we cantreat via the feet or hands (or ears!). I mainly use the feet, however I also often use the hands as well. I love working with both!

Reflexology really does work as proven by research. I was lucky enough to take part on some early clinical trails at Cardiff were we worked with patients who had hip and knee replacements. The results were excellent. There are useful sources of information on Reflexology on the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) & Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM) websites [link=http://www.aor.co.uk/]www.aor.co.uk[/link] and [link=http://www.i-c-m.org.uk/]www.i-c-m.org.uk[/link]. Both feature help information, practitioner register and accredited courses.

I have been lucky enough to witness some superb results for people via reflexology. I practice Gentle Touch™ Reflexology which uses a form that is very light and soothing to both the practitioner and client. Clients have had relief from an enormous range of conditions from arthritis, headaches, bowel problems, infertility, sinus conditions, to stress, back and neck pain and much, much more. It is also a great way to relax!

In answer to your question about number of treatments; I treat 7 clients a day. I am lucky that I use Gentle Touch™ Reflexology where we use a specific light touch so we do not get any pressure build up in our thumbs and therefore I am still working 15 years on!! (and love it more every day!).

My suggestion would be to decide what type of course you need, i.e. are you looking to do this as a professional career or as a general interest, and then look at all the different training opportunities. I recommend the Association of Reflexologists as a good starting point. It is important to find the right level for you and your future. Some courses offer a diploma that is a quality and high level (ie NVQ level 3) and some miss the mark but offer good courses without the full professionally recognised diplomas and insurances. It may be helpful to find out the differences between the beauty therapy qualifications and the therapy specific qualifications. I use AOR and ICM routes (see their requirements on the above websites) for my students. I also have students who do bridging courses to achieve MAR (member of the Association ofReflexologists) who have done a variety of levels of training including VTCT.

I am sure you will find the right course for you when you look at the level of training provided. I also suggest you meet to tutor if possible as there are some dedicated tutors round.

Reflexology is a fabulous career and it is worth researching the training options for your future. I believe there are so many people who would benefit from the skills and art of reflexology and yet they have not tried it yet. In Gentle Touch Reflexology ([link=http://www.g-t-r.org]www.g-t-r.org[/link]) we are using such a light touch that those who have found it painful, may still have a great way to have the delights and results of reflexology. Generally people are unaware that they can receive different forms of reflexology. This depends on were the Reflexologist trained or had advanced training.

I hope that this gives you a starting point and I wish you every happiness in the field of reflexology. It is a wonderful and rewarding life and I personally love it.

My best wishes
Sue Ricks

 

[?gl4597]

Hi Debs

That was a quick reply! The AoR schools will offer a good long tern option for you as you never know what will happen with regulations on the future. You know that training with an AoR school gives you as much opportunity for your future career. Some lesser qualifications may run the risk of not being accepted in the long term. It is not AOR exclusive but that is a good start. I suggest thorough research as lots of diplomas are worthwhile and lots are not!

I also suggest you distinguish which type of Reflexology you wish to learn as they are not all the same. Some use very heavy pressure and some use very light. As you know I practice and teach Gentle Touch Reflexology that is very kind to joints. It may help you to establish the techniques used at different schools. Some may be just “reflexology” but will still follow a specific routine that may have its route in one method. Check if you like the method. See if you can get a demonstration treatment from the schools you are assessing or if they can recommend a practitioner of their method who has trained with their school. I always interview new potential students and offer a demonstration at that time so that students can assess the technique they may wish to learn. You local school may do the same. If you want to try a Gentle Touch Practitioner treatment, you could email me via the website and I will refer you to your nearest practitioner.

The set up charges are great for new business as you generally have the cost of your course, insurances, professional membership, a good number of towels, pillow and lots of pillow cases, blanket and chair/ couch. This is quite small in comparison to some business start up costs. The chair that my students use is the Lafuma or a Lord chair. These are both recliners (I send you a picture of the ones we use if that helps).

Good luck with everythingSue Ricks