Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Taking Reflexology to Work

Take the time to think things through in your mind first, and your foray into the world of workplace reflexology could develop into a gratifying and lucrative endeavor. The more prepared you are, the easier and more successful will be the outcome of your efforts.

1. Choose the business you wish to approach. If you have a past affiliation with a particular company or industry, or know someone working there, consider starting there. The more you know about the nature of the business and the possible physical issues the workers risk, the more rapport you will create with your potential contractor. Utilize the Internet to learn as much as you can about the company’s philosophy, history and successes. Make what you are offering relevant. Make sure you dress the part when you meet in person. Bermuda shorts and polo shirt would not be appropriate for a prestigious law firm; neither would high heels and three-piece suit for a retirement home.

2. Prepare the stats I shared in the Reflexology in the Workplace post in an attractive folio, along with a description of the possible options from which to choose (listed below), to leave with the company representative after your meeting. Remember, the key is to demonstrate that what you have to offer will increase the bottom line.

3. You and the designated business representative will need to decide when the reflexology sessions will take place – before or after work shifts; during lunch or breaks; all day long –  and where – in the cafeteria; individual offices; quiet, unused room. There are advantages and disadvantages to each location. Working in the cafeteria, for example, might peak other workers’ interest, but won’t be as relaxing for the recipient.

4. How long and how often will the sessions be offered? There is no real typical time allotment. Large companies may opt for 15, 20 or even 30 minutes. Smaller companies with fewer employees may allow for a full hour for each individual. Sessions can be daily, weekly or monthly. Be prepared to discuss the merits of all those options with the company rep.

5. And lastly, who pays for your time and expertise – the employer, the employees, a combination of the two? And how are you paid? By the minute, the hour, the number of sessions or the day?

Done right, your mobile business can grow such that it will necessitate your hiring other reflexologists to meet the demand. Wheee! If the business (or businesses) you service is a national operation, you may even have the opportunity to expand into other cities! Or franchise your operation! The possibilities are limitless; let you vision soar.

 

Living from Intention

I am often asked how I got “into reflexology”. I’d like to say that my career choice was the result of a well-thought-out trajectory or a middle-of-the-night dream-induced epiphany – but that would be lying.

I actually just wandered into it. At the time (1983), I was thinking that I would like to open a health food store in Toronto and had taken a job working in one to see if that really was what I wanted to do. (It didn’t take me long to realize that I didn’t want to work in retail.)

One day, one of my regular customers came into the store and told me that the Reflexology Association of Canada was about to start up their next certification training and that he thought I should enroll. I thought, “Why not?”. I was totally consumed by anything that had anything to do with what I called the human potential movement and was eager to gobble up whatever information and training that I could. I had or was already immersed in nutrition, herbology, meditation, yoga, Bach Flower remedies; so, reflexology – why not?.

Fast-forward to 1989, now living in Florida, and having just received my state massage therapy license (so that I could practice reflexology legally) – when one of my massage teachers informed me of a chiropractor in town looking for a new therapist to join his team. I had never even considered working for a chiropractor, but once again, thought, “Why not?”

I worked with this man for four years, offering a combination of reflexology and “spot” massage to patients prior to their adjustments. Wow! Such a fabulous learning experience for me – and for the doctor. At first hesitant about the efficacy of reflexology in injury cases, he was won over by the added benefits his clients received from prefacing their massage with foot reflexology.

Looking back on how my careers in Toronto and Florida started, what I see in common was that I pursued what I thought would fulfill me. Learning how to offer bodywork that brought so much relief and pleasure to others harmonized with a core desire of mine to make a difference in the world. Over the years, I have often reverted to that means of decision-making – and have never regretted it. I continue to choose a “career” of living a happy and intentional life rather than looking for work that manifests enough money so that I can buy and/or do things that make me happy.

How and why did you get started?