Reflexology- What is it REALLY & how do I find a Practitioner?

by Bobbi Warren - The Foot Lady

www.TheFootLadies.com

Reflexology has been around since the 1930's yet the first law establishing Reflexology as an independent profession wasn't passed until the 1990's. This law established Reflexology as an independent practice, separate from massage. Today there are many states that separate the two.

How does reflexology differ from a simple massage? Essentially, a simple massage relaxes externally, promoting better circulation and improved lymphatic flow. Reflexology, however, relaxes everything internally and externally from the inside out, all organs, glands, muscles, etc.., which in turn can bring about physiological changes in the body.

When the whole body is given a chance to rest and relax, improved circulation and nerve supply occurs with the body responding with an increased capacity toward self-healing and corresponding good health. This is done strictly through the hands and feet!

Today, more people know what reflexology is and what it does than when my mother, Muff, and I started our studies over 30 years ago. Initially our time was spent introducing reflexology to others. Today, our biggest challenge as Board Certified Reflexologists and intructors for the largest and oldest Reflexology school in the world, is in providing accurate information to both consumers and those seeking to join the profession.

As part of the expanding health service industry, reflexology is one of the fastest growing fields in the world today. Due to this proliferation, there are many unskilled practitioners, taking the name of Reflexologist hanging out a banner and providing consumers and unwary students with a technique that offers little more than a glorified "foot massage".

As is true in most fields, what separates the novice from the professional is training. The International Institute of Reflexology (IIR), begun by Eunice D. Ingham, has more than 75 years of research and education behind them, offering training around the world and here in San Diego for safe, effective reflexology for practitioner and client. Utilizing the proper techniques alleviates unnecessary strain on the practitioner's hand and arm, potentially preventing many common physical problems which would result from insufficient training.

As touch is used, the uninitiated may inadvertently or mistakenly use the word massage or acupressure when referring to reflexology. Those are two separate disciplines. Reflexology has it's own range of techniques using the thumb and fingers. The basic technique used, developed by America's Reflexology Pioneer, Eunice D. Ingham in the 1930's, is commonly known as the "thumb and finger walking " technique.

One misconception commonly held is that reflexology can be used as a diagnostic tool. This misconception is derived from the fact that a mini-map of the body is found on the foot and hands and by stimulating these areas, certain physiological changes can occur. However, if I press on the corresponding area of the liver and there is sensitivity, this does not mean there is a problem with your liver. We are not doctors and are not trained to diagnose such medical conditions.

Practicing reflexologists don't have the answers why, we only know there are effects from what we do. Evidence supporting the value of reflexology is mostly anecdotal, but hundreds of research studies are showing up all the time. In 2005, researchers at Michigan State University found that many women receiving chemotherapy in the late stages of breast cancer were turning to reflexology to help them cope. Researchers at Bonash University in Australia have conducted a study on the effects of reflexology on athletes, specifically that lactic acid can be removed from an athletes legs four times faster, using reflexology rather than massage.

With continued efforts by reflexology professionals, there will be licensing and governing bodies for reflexologists in every state.Until then, the following questions are provided to determine whether your chosen school or practitioner has the proper qualifications to teach or practice reflexology.

QUESTIONS as a consumer ask the Reflexologist:

1. Where did you receive your training?

2. Was it hands on or a correspondence course?

From a book , mail-order, web-trained or a single weekend course does not qualify as a professional.

3. How many hours of training have you received?

200 hours minimum is standard.

4. In order to become Certified did you pass a comprehensive written and practical exam at the end of your training? Many do not.

5. Once you completed your training did you take your National Reflexology Boards? If not, do you plan on doing so? This is fast becoming a requirement to practice in many states. Since it is relatively new, many may not have heard of it.

6. How long have you been practicing?

7. Are you full-time or part-time practitioner.

8. Have you continued your education?

There are many advanced level courses available to the Reflexologist today.

If you are looking for training as a Professional Reflexologist:

1. How long has the school been in existence? Many come and go - you want one with history.

2. How long is the course? Single day or one 2-day workshop is not sufficient.

3. Does it offer a Certification Program?

4. Do they offer evaluation of body mechanics - how the practitioner sits, holds the foot, and works the foot determines their longevity and effectiveness in the field.

5. Did the instructors have specialized Reflexology Teacher Training? Many are asked to teach a course based on the fact that they can do the therapy but have not been trained in how to teach it.

6. Does this school offer advanced reflexology related courses?

7. Do they offer a referral service?