REFLEXOLOGY FOR MASSAGE
THERAPISTS
Reflexology will add another dimension to your massage practice.
Welcome, Massage Therapists.
Many years ago, Massage Magazine published the results of a survey of massage practitioners who also practiced reflexology. They were interested in how practitioners combined the two approaches.
The response that caught my attention was that the vast majority began with reflexology and followed with massage. Practitioners reported that the relaxation and reduction of stress and tension they experienced through reflexology seemed to prepare their clients for a more effective massage.
But there was another finding that really caught my eye.
Practitioners were asked: If there were only enough time to provide one of the two services, which would your clients choose?
The vast majority reported that their clients chose reflexology.
Whether or not that would be the experience of every practitioner, I found it an interesting observation—and one that speaks to the unique quality reflexology can bring to a massage practice.
Some advantages of reflexology
The client does not need to disrobe.
This is one of the simple practical advantages of reflexology. It can be particularly appealing to clients who are uncomfortable with disrobing or who simply prefer a different approach to bodywork.
You can work indirectly with areas that are uncomfortable to approach directly.
Reflexology allows you to work with reflexes on the feet, hands or ears rather than directly on the area of concern.
For example, imagine a client with significant neck discomfort following a whiplash injury who becomes tense simply anticipating direct contact with the area. Working with appropriate reflexes at a distance will provide an opportunity for relaxation without initially approaching the sensitive area itself.
For a massage therapist, this can provide another way of helping a client relax before proceeding with massage.
Reflexology offers a different perspective on the body.
Massage primarily works with muscles and other soft tissues. Reflexology approaches the whole body (including glands and organs) through reflex areas on the feet, hands and ears and, from the reflexology perspective, provides a way of working with the body as an interconnected whole.
For a massage therapist, learning reflexology therefore isn't simply about adding another technique. It can introduce another way of looking at and working with the client.
Integrate it—or offer it on its own
A number of massage therapists have attended our courses over the years.
Some have chosen to integrate reflexology techniques into their massage treatments when appropriate. Others offer reflexology as a stand-alone service, adding another modality to their professional toolkit and giving their clients another complementary option.
You can also use reflexology as an introduction to your practice for people who may not otherwise consider massage—and, in turn, introduce your massage clients to reflexology.
Choose your direction in reflexology
At the Pacific Institute of Reflexology, you can choose to study:
or any combination of the three
Each is taught as a separate course, giving you the flexibility to choose what best fits your interests and your practice.
You can also decide how far you wish to take your reflexology training. Begin with a basic course and incorporate what you learn into your existing practice or continue into more advanced clinical and professional training as your interests develop.
Flexible training. Your choice. Your pace.
Our relatively compact courses are designed to provide maximum flexibility with minimal financial commitment.
Choose one course at a time, build your skills and experience, and decide for yourself where you want your reflexology training to take you.
As a massage therapist, you have a strong foundation for exploring another holistic approach to working with the body as a whole.
I invite you to explore the rest of our website to discover the different reflexology training opportunities available to you.
And, of course, I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Feel free to contact me by email or phone.
Pacific Institute of Reflexology