Reflexology and foot massage are often confused but there is a clear and important distinction between the two. Massage is all about working the muscles, tendons and fascia to reduce tension, relax, and improve circulation. Reflexology is more internally based. It uses unique manual techniques quite different from massage, and has a long distinct history, as outlined in the books Reflexology: Art, Science and History and Eunice Ingham: A Biography. Reflexology applies gentle pressure to specific reflexes in the hands and feet corresponding to stressed organs, glands and systems, not the connective tissue elements of the body part being worked. Although the benefits of Reflexology include relaxation of mind and musculature, the primary intent is to support the health of the body’s internal systems.
So why the confusion?
Sometimes new Reflexology clients come to me with a story of trying Reflexology before at a spa or beauty salon yet receiving a foot massage instead. This is unfortunate for them, because they were looking for a different treatment. I am sure the foot massage was lovely, but it just doesn’t have the same effects as Reflexology.
Reflexology is becoming an evermore popular complementary therapy, and with the misconception of it being simply a foot massage, many individuals, beauty salons and spas offer Reflexology without the necessary training to protect themselves or their clients from harm.
Sometimes it is not the fault of the practitioner nor the salon, but rather the training provider.
I have for sometime now seen the worrying emergence of 2 day or weekend, online only or very short Reflexology courses. These should be used for the purpose to inform the participant of the basics of Reflexology and help him or her decide whether or not to pursue more complete education. These are a great Introduction to Reflexology but they cannot and should not replicate a full diploma which comes with multiple exams, case studies and classroom experience and on average takes a whole year to complete.
With no training in Reflexology, yet armed with a certificate that they believe allows them to practice, they head out knowing nothing about reflexology and practice with an inaccurate impression that it is simply the application of pressure, during a massage, on sensitive points in the feet. Without adequate training they are likely to injure their own hands and thumbs from improper techniques, injure their backs, necks and wrists from lack of knowledge on the correct equipment and mishandling the clients hands and feet, and most worrying of all they are likely to injure the client if they attempt to use techniques they do not and cannot yet understand. All without proper insurance and regulatory body approval who will not cover Reflexologist below the adequate level of training.
So what should you look for in a Reflexologist?
For Reflexology I would suggest you start with members of the Association of Reflexologists - that way you know they are insured, qualified and undertaking ongoing learning and development (CPD) to keep up to date with changes in the industry.
The majority of certified Reflexologists offer strictly Reflexology to their clients; perhaps augmented with hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. They create reflexology-based practices that safely help people of all ages restore homeostasis, optimise physiological functions and address system imbalances and weaknesses. While some do branch out into other holistic therapies it is always advisable to look for a professional who has specialised in the therapy you are interested in. The saying ‘Jack of all trades, but master of none’ comes to mind.
It is essential in choosing a Reflexologist that you should be able to have complete confidence, safe in the knowledge that your therapist is well trained to strict standards, fully qualified, fully insured and competent to treat you and your problem in a professional manner.
Professional Reflexology practitioners will welcome questions because they understand the reasons why you may ask them. When looking for your Reflexologist you should ask:
What are your qualifications, and are they available for me to see?
Who did you train with?
Do you still maintain your qualifications with ongoing learning and development (CPD)?
Do you have appropriate insurance?
Do you understand my condition?
If you are satisfied with the answers, then you have found your Reflexologist!
Just as Reflexologists don’t claim to be doing massage, massage therapists and spas should not claim to be offering Reflexology when it’s really foot massage. It serves neither group to misrepresent their qualifications or mislead the public as to what various services are.
A foot massage is a lovely service, and so is Reflexology - but they are not the same. Just as massage practitioners’ scope of practice should be - and must be, in most places by law - not infringed upon, trained Reflexologists should be afforded the respect that comes from earning speciality certification.