Reflexology, training and standards

[soaps]

Hiya

I've been doing a fair bit of reading about the Reflexology Forum, the Prince of Wales Foundation and reflexology training in general.

I was browsing the web today and spotted a two day reflexology course by Ellisons and the Beauty Academy

http://www.thebeautyacademy.org/course.php?course=4
http://www.ellisons.co.uk/training.htm

and was stunned to think that my 100 hours of AoR training and subsequent 60 case studies is seen in the same light as something so short and sweet - and surely inadequate.

A quote from the Ellisons page:

"This course teaches the ancient non-invasive treatment of reflexology, which works along the same principles as acupuncture. Participants will be taught the importance of the energy zones, how reflexology works, its benefits and contra-indications and relaxing techniques for use in reflexology.
Students will learn to use anatomical knowledge, in combination with skilful hand work, to activate the body’s healing powers which work, on the principle of energy zones, or chi,running through the body to corresponding reflexes in the feet.
At the end of the two day course participants will be able to carry out a full reflexology procedure. "

Now forgive me, buy are they saying that the zones of the feet are the same as the Chinese Acupuncture Meridians? There is no mention of case studies, adaptations, hand reflexology, referral areas, ethics..

In order to practice, the Reflexology in Europe Network has recommended that all practitioners undertake at least 100 hours of anatomy and physiology and 150 hours of reflexology tuition, which would include at least 50 hours of case studies. ITEC, under QCA advocate 120 hours of tuition (to include A&P) and 40 case studies, whereas The AoR require 100 hours and 60 case studies including A&P.

There is a huge discrepancy in what we must do in order to practice and how we have to interact in order to get there.

So I ask you - How did you qualify? What was covered? How many hours did you do? Was it enough? What do you think of the above type of two day courses?

 

[Doris]

Hi ya Gussie

I did AoR back in 1997.

I don't personally see how anyone could be a professional reflexology practitioner in two days. May be learn enough to do a good foot massage and stimulate the reflexes with a basic routine. Of course this in itself is very therapeutic.

I think it's strange how anyone can learn Thai foot massage in one day as many course providers in the UK advertise. Even in Thailand these courses are typically 2 to 3 whole days. I'm designing such a course at the moment and I can't reduce it to less than 2 days.

A lot of clients over the years have told me how they prefer my reflexology treatments compared to one's that they have received from beauty therapists. I wonder why? Is it the level of training?

So what I'm trying to say is, at the end of the day clients will vote with their feet!

Best Wishes

Reflex Pixie

 

[Dwynfricia]

Hi Guys,

It's a real shame this .... doesn't do the profession any good if we're not all singing from the same song sheet !!

I'm ITEC qualified. It took me the best part of a year, cost a small fortune, and my case studies are bound to look like a phone book.

However, i'm so glad i did this course .... firstly because I had such a good tutor (with many years experience), and secondly because although I now know so much more than when I first qualified, the course gave me an excellent foundation to build upon. Like you Reiki Pixie i'm regularly told by clients that the treatments they receive from me are much more indepth and much more effective than those they may previously have experienced.

I have several clients & friends who are currently learning Reflexology at the local college and one friend has been using me as a case study ..... to be honest I've been horrified at what they're being taught (or not taught to be precise). I've been asked .... "Why I work the big toe when they dont" ? What a Pituitary Gland ? What's an associated Reflex ?

The mind boggles !!!

Meridianmoon xxx

 

[coopersj2002]

Just found out today that I have passed my Reflexology course, after a year of hard work and lots of practise. I would in no way be as prepared as I am now if I had just had two days education. This is quite scary to think of people being exposed to such limited therapists. Would they be entitled to certificates as reflexologists?



Alison

 

[Moth on the wall.]

It is being marketed as a reflexology course - I can imagine it is realistically only a level 1 but it does allow them to practice, so I guess it's just very scary.

I teach now and I have to say although my students are bright and highly motivated there is no way in hell that they would be competent enough to carry out a safe and appropriate treatment on a client.

There are many people who have qualified on such courses, but it really does bring home the reality and discrepancy between our training. I agree that some courses are really quite scandalous, I realise sometimes how clinical our own reflexology courses are and embrace that wholeheartedly although I found it hard when I was learning.

 

[Marge]

Hiya Gussie,

It's interesting to hear you use the word 'clinical'. I would call myself a Clinical Reflexologist and chose to join MCAR when looking for an association. I had been a student member of Embody, but on joining was a bit bit put off by what we're talking about here. There was such a huge range of Reflexology qualifications accepted.

Clinical Reflexology as a description of the type of therapy you offer .... as apposed to the "just a lovely bit of relaxation" type. Everyday I practice I become more aware of the sometimes amazing success brought about by this under-estimated therapy !!

Courses like you mention above do none of us, public or practioner, a favour !!

Meridianmoon xx

 

[Trina]

I think we have to remember that short courses are generally aimed at qualified therapists who understand therapy and A+P as CPDs, I don't personally think they would be much use to someone without the background understanding of how to treat someone, but very usefully to practising therapists who wish to expand their existing skills.

 

[Baber]

Hi ya Paul

I think the problem is that the courses Gussie is talking about is the way these courses are promoted to the beauty industry as a way of providing reflexology their clients. If the courses were called something like: Foot Reflex Massage, then they are pretending not to be reflexology, which is a more technical art.

As a CPD provider myself I very careful how what I say, for example: this is additional skills to your therapy but not a named qualification or stand alone therapy in its own right.

Best Wishes

Reflex Pixie