Reflexologist
Career outlook for reflexologist
Average UK salary
£23,920
Currently employed in Scotland
2,300
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it 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.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
44%
Part-time
20%
Self employed
36%
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- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Empathising
- Respecting
- Social conscience
- Developing a plan
- Understanding
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Qualifications
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).
Useful subjects
- English
- Science, preferably biology