If you practice reflexology, you may want to take advantage of this offer to join the Reflexology Association of America NOW.
The Reflexology Association of America is open to all practicing reflexologists, whatever the level of training; however, in order to qualify for the Professional level membership, applicants must show proof of at least 200 hours of training in hand, foot and/or ear reflexology. That is about to change, hence the heads up about acting now.
Beginning July 1st, RAA will require Professional members to have a minimum of 300 hours of training in hand, foot and/or ear reflexology. Applications received online by June 30th or postmarked by June 30th, will still get in under the 200-hour requirement.
Mission
It might be useful to know what RAA’s mandated mission is and how the decision to raise hourly requirements came about.
The Reflexology Association of America is a nonprofit organization that promotes the scientific and professional advancement of reflexology. The organization’s mission is to elevate and standardize the quality of reflexology services available to the public. The Reflexology Association of America works to unify and support state reflexology associations in order to create one national movement toward greater excellence, integrity, research and public safety.
Historical Decision
A forum on global education criteria at the 2008 RAA conference in Maine revealed that the United States was beginning to lag behind in its national standards for education. (Some countries require 1000 hours of education.)
The RAA Board recognized its responsibility to take a leading role in creating a higher benchmark of education in the United States that would serve to further advance the field in the eyes of other healthcare professions and provide reflexologists with a more thorough knowledge and application of the discipline and its impact on society. This, as well as reinforcing public safety.
Moving Forward
At the 2012 conference in Florida, the RAA Board, with input from its members, agreed to adopt a 300-hour requirement for Professional level membership, and turned over the responsibility of developing a plan to implement the change to the Education Committee (chaired by yours truly).
As I said above, that change goes into effect July 1st, so now is a good time to act.
I hope that you will consider joining RAA, the only national membership organization of its kind in the United States. There are many benefits to joining, both to you as a practicing reflexologist, the field and the public in general. Read about the benefits here or go straight to the application page. Fees are very reasonable.
While you’re at it, please wander around RAA’s brand new website – the other task that I’ve been involved with as a RAA Board member. The Website committee is pleased with what has manifested. Early feedback informs us that we met our goal: it’s user-friendly, attractive, adaptable to all screen sizes and loaded with information.
Dear Karen,
I have used Reflexology in many health related treatments that I have administered over the years as I have a natural interest in helping people feel their best. I originally discovered it many years ago through my studies of ancient anthropology. Later at the Desert School of the Healing Arts in Arizona, a friend of mine, who was instrumental in helping that school to get off the ground, exposed me to a more westernized version of Reflexology.
I have never been a member of a formal group because my primary source of income came from Mediation and Coaching (ResolutionCoaching@gmail.com) and so my professional status was updated and maintained by the ICF (International Coaching Federation) in the Minnesota Chapter and the New York chapter.
As I have gotten older and the world seems to be moving at breakneck speed, I have become increasingly interested in moving out of my intellectual side and more into the physical side and as a result have increased my work with people on a physical level.
I have probably exceeded 200 hours of work but as of now am not certified. I see however that the time to do that has become important. I have done some training with Laura Norman, and will be doing an advanced class with Bob Wolfe at the Omega center in the fall which is all day for 7+ days. Then go for the New York certification.
I am sorry to hear about the licensing issue and hope that there at least some serious thought to this as it is not invasive! Clients remain almost totally clothed except socks and shoes and it is so amazingly physically as well as emotionally healing.
I have never been down to St. Augustine and would be interested in learning more from you although I fear that St Augustine might just be my spiritual home (for reasons I may get to explain later)
Then I would never leave!
Whith respect and gratitude for all you have done in the field.
Sincerely,
Merrill Wheaton
Thank you Merrill for making contact and introducing yourself. I hope that you will consider joining the Reflexology Association of America. If you have 200 hours of training in hand, foot and/or ear reflexology, you would be eligible for a Professional level membership, if you act before the end of the month. After that, a Pro membership would require 300 hours; otherwise you would be able to join as an Associate if less than 300 hours. Here is the link to the benefits and options: http://reflexology-usa.org/about-raa/. RAA welcomes all reflexologists.