REFLEXOLOGY
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a gentle complementary therapy in
which the practitioner
applies controlled pressure with thumbs or fingers to specific
areas of the
feet (or sometimes the hands). It is based on the theory
that every organ,
structure and part of the body is mirrored in the feet and
that any problem
or tension in the body is reflected in the related part
of the foot.
Reflexologists do not claim to cure specific illnesses,
but to encourage the
body's own healing mechanisms to restore and maintain the
body's natural
equilibrium.
What does a reflexologist do?
During a reflexology session, the practitioner
will begin by talking to the
client about their lifestyle and medical history. The feet
will be examined
and assessed for potential problem areas before treatment
starts. The
practitioner can then tailor the treatment to the individual
needs of the
client. A good reflexologist will need:
- A caring and holistic approach and a genuine interest
in helping people achieve good health.
- Good hand skills to apply the techniques.
- The personality to relate well to all kinds of people.
- The intuition to tune into the client's needs.
- Good listening skills.
- A thorough understanding of how the human body functions
in health and sickness.
Who do reflexologists help?
Reflexology practitioners so not treat conditions - they
treat people, and
reflexology is not a substitute for orthodox medical treatment.
However it
has proved very beneficial for a wide range of chronic and
acute
conditions - especially for all stress-related problems.
Many practitioners
have reported that clients with problems such as sinusitis,
asthma,
migraine, depression, ME, muscular and skeletal disorders,
menstrual
problems, hypertension, bowel disorders etc have benefited
from treatment.
Reflexology has also helped small babies with colic, maintained
peak
condition in athletes and brought peace to the dying.
How to become a reflexologist
There are schools and colleges which offer Association of
Reflexology (AoR)
accredited courses. These are part-time, held over at least
one academic
year with a minimum of 100 hours in-class tuition and about
300 hours home
practice and study. Cost of training varies but private
schools usually
charge £800 - £1,000. Some schools have a minimum
age limit of 18 years.
No prior qualifications are necessary for enrolment on the
majority of
courses, but students should be prepared for a certain amount
of academic
work. The AoR is a Government registered Awarding Body of
Practitioners
Qualification in Reflexology, and awards Practitioner Certificates
to those
who successfully pass the examinations.
Job prospects
Because reflexology works well with other forms
of treatment, an increasing
number of medical centres, hospitals, hospices, dental practices
and
pharmacists are either employing reflexologists in their
practices or
working in collaboration with them. While the majority of
reflexologists
are self-employed, some practitioners are currently renting
rooms from other
healthcare professionals who can refer patients for treatment.
The past few
years have seen a much greater awareness of and interst
in complementary
medicine, including reflexology. With the prospect of complementary
medicine being integrated into primary healthcare, the opportunities
for
reflexologists could be unlimited.
Information Courtesy of:
Association of Reflexologists (AoR)
To find out more about reflexology or accredited courses,
please send your
request with an SAE to:
Association of Reflexologists (AoR)
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0870 567 3320
Email: aor@assocmanagement.co.uk
For Further information visit the website:
www.aor.org.uk
