How to Make a Living As a Reflexologist

The art of reflexology uses the hands, feet and ears.

Reflexology is a modality, or specialty, within massage therapy. Reflexologists massage customers' hands, feet and outer ears to treat the corresponding areas within their bodies. The technique is used to create and maintain physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Making a living as a reflexologist requires training, certification and, in some states, licensure. Success in this field also requires knowledge of business, promotion and networking practices.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Reflexology certification
• License

Instructions

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Reflexologists are required to know a great deal about sciences and human anatomy, so courses in these subjects are recommended. You should also take classes in English, computer science and communication, as well as a foreign language should you hope to expand your customer base.

2. Research your options within massage therapy. Consider making an appointment with a reflexologist and seek advice about an appropriate career path. Since reflexology is just one modality within the larger area of massage therapy, consider getting a degree in massage therapy so you can serve your customers in more than one specialty.

3. Complete specialized training in reflexology. There are numerous face-to face and distance courses available; make sure you choose a program that meets your state's requirements and results in certification. According to the American Reflexology Certification Board, you should complete a minimum of 25 hours of reflexology theory, meridians and relaxation response zones and history; 40 hours of study concerning the body system; 30 hours of physiology and anatomy; five hours of ethics and business laws as it pertains to reflexology and 10 hours of supervised clinical practice.

4. Take the certification examination offered by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB). Although certification is not mandatory, it is recommended for making a living in this career, as it provides clients with tangible proof that you have reached a certain level of competency in your field. To take the exam, the ARCB requires you to submit a completed application, a copy of a Certificate of Attendance, a School Verification form and an examination fee.

5. Check your state's licensing requirements for massage therapy. If a license is required, take the necessary steps to obtain your license. Some states offer licensing through their own agency; others require applicants pass one of two national exams: the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).

6. Create an Internet presence. Launch a website detailing your services and prices, complete with your business location's contact information for interested parties. You should also consider using social networking sites -- such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter -- to get publicize your services.

7. Offer first-time customers discounted rates, and offer discounted rates to repeat customers in exchange for business referrals.

References

• Education Portal: How to Become a Reflexologist
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Massage Therapists
• Page Rank Studio: Reflexologist Job Description
• ARCB: Certification FAQ's