Reflexologist

Bookmark
Alternative therapies
Care

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

Your working hours would depend on how many clients you have, particularly if you are self-employed. You may start by working part-time until you have built a solid reputation and client base. You may need to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate your clients.

Environment

You could work in a variety of settings, including hospices, clients’ homes, complementary or holistic medicine clinics, or beauty salons.​

UK employment status

Full-time

44%

Part-time

20%

Self employed

36%

Create a qualification route

We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.

Discover my route

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Observation
  • Empathising
  • Respecting
  • Social conscience
  • Developing a plan
  • Understanding

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

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

Explore more information about this job