Find a Reflexologist

What to Look for in a Reflexology Practitioner

by Amy Kreydin, ARCB Certified Reflexologist

Reflexology is largely unregulated here in the United States. Anyone with or without training can (and do!), advertise for Reflexology sessions. Its a buyer-beware world out there when it comes to this ancient therapy. We'll help you understand the current trends and standards in Reflexology so you can make an informed decision on which practitioner will best suit your needs.

Education

When Modern Reflexology started out most instructors and schools offered a short introduction to this very "new" therapy. Sometimes these classes were a couple of hours long, other times Reflexology was taught over a weekend or two. Today a comprehensive Reflexology program in the United States lies somewhere between 100 and 400 hours long. The American Reflexology Certification Board has helped to provide a national standard at 110 classroom hours and 90 hands-on hours (working on 30 clients for three hours each). To see how they break down the education requirements visit ARCB.net.

Areas of Emphasis

Reflexologists don't treat specific conditions, but they can have special interests or training in certain areas. For instance, one Reflexologist volunteers her services in the Oncology department of her local hospital. Another uses his skills in a hospice environment, while yet another finds her practice geared towards those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Questions to Ask

• What kind of training did you receive?
  The difference between an introduction to Reflexology and a full training in the modality is significant. While training doesn't guarantee you'll enjoy the session or reap the benefits it does help you gauge where the practitioner's experience level is.
• What kind of pressure do you use?
  A practitioner should be able to vary the pressure of each session for the comfort of the client. However it is a good idea to know if the practitioner works with a lighter pressure when your preference is for a deep pressure session, and vice versa.