For the first time in the history of reflexology in the United States, the three national associations have agreed to a definition of reflexology that can be used by everyone nationally.
Leaders of the American Reflexology Certification Board (the testing arm of the profession), the National Council for Reflexology Educators (the educating arm) and the Reflexology Association of America (the membership arm) spent the last few months shaping a definition that would clearly explain what reflexology does and how it differs from massage therapy. The explanation leaves room for the scope of practice to include forms of reflexology not recognized by everyone at this point, but practiced by some reflexologists in the country.
Having this one definition supports the reflexology community’s efforts to gain better recognition for reflexology as a legitimate stand-alone practice in the public’s eyes and those of state and national agencies involved with licensure and healthcare.
So, here it is:
“Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.
The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.”
I invite and strongly encourage all reflexologists, no matter your level of education, to incorporate the new definition on your websites and in all marketing materials. It will take all our efforts and cooperation – not just the national associations – to advance the field of reflexology to professional status in this country.
Join the movement!
Thanks Karen. People don’t know what is reflexology? Here in Seattle, maybe 1 out of 10. Big shame. Lobbyists don’t need reflexology; they just need Farmawell selling drugs. Plus we can’t accept insurance. Such big problem.
WA State Reflexolofist Walter Dasar.RF60474200
Good news about combined efforts for a new holistic definition for reflexology. Thank-you
This is fantastic that nationally Reflexology is getting its name out there.
Wow!
I am so thrilled to see this definition as it will become widely popular at a time where we need structure in the nations health care reformation era.
Karen Ball, thank you so much for forwarding this official news and well wishes to you today.
Ginger Thimlar, CMT
Cloud 9 Massage & Bodywork
Indianapolis, IN 46226
(317) 473-7436
Email: Cloud9@massagetherapy.com
Website:
http://www.MyCloud9.MassageTherapy.com
Thank you for sharing, Karen; I do not see face and ears included, but the fact that the word predominantly is used does not exclude face and ears – thanking God for that – Is there any way we could add this to the Wikipedia definition?
Birgit – the definition does not mention face or outer ears, so as to support the state chapters’ initiative to get licensed. At this point in our history, none of the state or national agencies recognize outer ears and face. And you’re right in that stating “predominantly feet and hands” does not exclude face or outer ears. We wanted a definition that we can all live with for a number of years, one that was inclusive of the various models out there, AND one the state and national agencies could accept.
Your second question regarding Wikipedia – a little more complicated. Many people over the years have changed the definition on the Wiki website, only to have it changed back to the one that is there right now. With a little digging RAA discovered who was behind the Wikipedia website, what they agree with and what they do not agree with. They are not fans of complimentary practices and are not willing to change the statement they publicize.
I also cannot imagine giving a session without working on the Face/Scalp and ears.
You’re not alone, Sofia. There are many reflexologists that like to include the face and outer ears in their session. Fortunately, this definition allows for the practice of those body parts.
Still very good news and I have good hopes from this that it will keep moving in the right direction of all matters of Reflexology 🙂
Great efforts are put forth to gain the recognition deserving in this field. It is wonderful to see this happening!
Thank you for this wonderful news!
Drake Day Spa
Nashville, TN
I like that the three organizations are together on the definition. It does say “predominantly” the hands and feet. However, the techniques used on the face and ears are not the same used in the definition. One would not use “hook and back up” on either face or ears. I learned to use squeezing, sliding and holding techniques on the ears, not finger walking. In fact, I don’t like it when I receive finger walking on the ears, because it is too jerky and not relaxing. So, in order to include those some day, other wording will need to happen.
I can so agree with you Wendy that a hook & back-up on the face would not feel very soothing!
Referring to techniques “such as” …… allows for the techniques used in other models of reflexology to be included, just as stating “predominantly on the feet and hands” allows for inclusion of other body parts that some reflexologists – like yourself – like to work.
At last, a definition that finally shows that Reflexology “is not” a massage. With this definition it gives the art of Reflexology a professional presence in non traditional healthcare therapy. Now that Reflexology has a precise definition, how will the the American Reflexology Certification Board (the testing arm of the profession), the National Council for Reflexology Educators (the educating arm) and the Reflexology Association of America (the membership arm) support Reflexology as a therapy that not connected with massage that requires a massage license to do Reflexology?
Thanks for your comments Missi.
ARCB, NCRE and RAA will continue to support any of the states wishing to pursue either separate licensing or exemption from massage licensing when asked. We are fortunate to have some experienced legislative advisors who willingly give of their time to work with any of the states wishing to do so.
And just as a little heads up, look for an article in Massage Magazine in November that I wrote – at the invitation of the editor – that she entitled “Foot Massage is NOT Reflexology.” As you will read, more and more the leaders of the massage community are recognizing the difference between massage and reflexology, and are coming down hard on massage therapists passing off foot massage for reflexology.