Reflexologist
Help people with their health concerns by applying pressure to their hands and feet.
About the job
What it's like
You would help people with their health concerns by applying pressure to their hands and feet.
You would work with clients who are experiencing stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries and chronic back pain.
Reflexology is a complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that certain areas on the feet, known as reflexes, are joined to parts of the body by 'energy pathways'. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these points will help the body’s natural balance of energy and healing processes.
You would work mostly on people’s feet. But you could also work on other parts of the body such as the lower leg, hands, face and ears.
You would:
Explain the process to the client
Ask about their medical history, covering health, diet and lifestyle
Examine the client’s feet and hands for possible ‘blockages’ and problem areas
Apply pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client’s feet and hands
Keep records of your clients
Refer clients to their GP if necessary
You would not diagnose individual conditions or advise clients on symptoms or treatments. And you would need to recognise when a client needs to be referred to a medical doctor.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
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- understanding
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- observation
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
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Getting in
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Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Care
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Human Biology
At present registration of reflexology is voluntary as there is no statutory regulation.
There are a number of professional associations you can join and register with, such as the Association of Reflexologists (AoR).
To register with a professional association, you must have a qualification to National Occupational Standard (NOS) level 3. This is equivalent to SCQF level 6 - Highers, Skills for Work Health & Social Care or Beauty or a Foundation Apprenticeship, for example, in Social Services & Healthcare.
There are a number of different courses that you could take to increase your skills. The Association of Reflexologists and the British Reflexology Association both have lists of suitable courses.
Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) courses in Complementary Therapies and Beauty Therapy include units in Reflexology.
Entry requirements for these courses are National 4/5 qualifications and two Highers or a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) qualifications or relevant NQ/NC (SCQF level 5-6).
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