What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that involves applying pressure to the hands and feet to produce changes in pain. This can produce other positive effects elsewhere in the body. This is what distinguishes reflexology from a foot massage. A foot massage is meant to promote circulation, which can help injury and promote overall relaxation. Reflexology, on the other hand, is supposed to promote a healing response in those corresponding organs. Examples of reflexes and their corresponding body parts include:
- Applying pressure to the toes creates an effect in the head
- Applying pressure to the ball of the foot produces an effect in the heart and chest
- Applying pressure to the arch of the foot can create an effect in the liver, pancreas and kidney
- Applying pressure to the heel can produce an effect in the low back and intestines
A typical reflexology session can last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. The process should not be painful.
The Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology can produce a range of health benefits for different patients. Conditions that respond well to reflexology include:
- Arthritis
- Stress and stress-related conditions
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Digestive disorders
- Insomnia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sports injuries
- Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Digestive problems, such as constipation
- Multiple sclerosis
- Back pain
Why Study Reflexology?
Treating patients with holistic methods can help them be the best version of themselves, but a career in massage therapy with a specialization in reflexology can be rewarding for you as well. Some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy from this career path include:
Flexibility in scheduling
One of the best perks about pursuing a career in massage therapy and reflexology is the chance to make your own work schedule. You can have your own practice if you wanted to, or you could choose to go into business with someone else. The choice is entirely yours.
Travel opportunity.
As a licensed massage therapist specializing in reflexology, you are in demand virtually everywhere. You choose to live wherever you’d like and practice in just about any health setting you wish. Additionally, you could travel regularly for work. Spas, resorts, cruise ships and other settings are just some of the exciting places a career in reflexology.
Improved workplace atmosphere
Traditional clinical settings can be stuffy or bogged down with bureaucracy, but working in a practice specializing in reflexology has much more freedom. Running your own practice means you can set the tone in your own office
Practicing independently
You have a world of opportunity as a licensed massage therapist, and one of the best opportunities is the chance to be your own boss. You can build your own career from the bottom up, which can be personally fulfilling.
A faster career path
Becoming a traditional medical doctor can take many years – four in medical school and then between three and seven years in residency. Becoming a massage therapist specializing in reflexology takes just one year through the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM).
Reflexology at AIAM
Getting a degree in Massage Therapy from AIAM prepares healthcare practitioners to provide holistic and alternative treatments for patients who wish to alleviate their conditions with as few medications as possible. Reflexology is just one of many different massage therapy techniques you can expect to learn through AIAM’s Massage Therapy program. Others include:
- Asian Bodywork
- Swedish Massage
- Reiki
- Myofascial Release
- Aromatherapy
- Sports Massage
Reflexology at AIAM
If you are interested in learning more about reflexology, you should consider committing to AIAM’s Massage Therapy School to learn more about other techniques to help people feel the best they can. AIAM’s
Massage Therapy Clinic focuses on giving practitioners the skills to connect, comfort, relieve and assist patients with their pain relief and overall wellness.
AIAM’s massage therapy programs have been running for 20 years – making the program one of the longest-running in the Midwest. Prospective employers look specialization when hiring new therapists, and AIAM can prepare you to showcase your capabilities with reflexology. Through the program you will also learn key business skills and professionalism, which sets you up for a rewarding, long-lasting career as a licensed therapist.