REFLEXOLOGY

ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students wishing to enrol on postgraduate courses must hold a recognised diploma in:

-Body Therapy (Physiatrics) Diploma
Or
-Anatomy, Physiology and Massage Diploma

Students must be of leaving certificate standard, with a keen interest in sport and the sport related industry.

CAREER PROSPECTS

As public awareness and interest in alternative and complimentary therapies grows, so too has the need for the number of qualified practitioners to increase. There are probably around 1000 practising reflexologists in Ireland at the present time.
The majority of reflexologists are self-employed and work either from home or from a natural health centre or multi-therapy clinic.
There is also a growing interest in the therapy amongst nurses, physiotherapists and health visitors and many of them undertake the training for use within their own field.

COURSE DETAILS

Reflexology is the study and application of techniques of the ancient art of foot massage. In the feet are mirrored the organs of the body and this therapy is the drugless way of stimulating the bodies healing forces through foot massage. It works to relax the entire body and restore its functions to normal.

Reflexology performs the following functions: -
- Removes waste deposits from the feet, permitting grounding of energy
- Removes congestion and blockages from the energy pathways, permitting un-obstructive flow of energy through the body
- Improves blood circulation
- Relaxes the whole system, even the mind

It is commonly known that 75% - 85% of ailments common to much of mankind are caused by stress, tension and strain. All of this affects the body causing distressing symptoms, many of which can be relieved by the natural and drugless treatment of Reflexology.

SYLLABUS

THEORY
- The history, theory and philosophy of reflexology
- Concepts and theories as to how and why it works
- Zones and their relation to organs and functions
- Philosophy of complimentary medicine
- An introduction to other natural therapies
- The holistic approach, treating the whole person
- Understanding and knowledge of charts
- Disorders and conditions of the feet
- Contra-indications to the possible patient reaction to treatment
- Basic first aid and emergency procedures
- Listening skills with client/practitioner relationship
- Knowledge of voluntary and statutory support systems
- Referral of patients to G.P.
- Codes of practice and ethics

REFLEXOLOGY TECHNIQUES
- Relaxation techniques
- Support and protective hold procedures
- Compression techniques
- Location of reflexes on the feet
- Hooking techniques
- Use of back-up reflexes
- Use of pressure appropriate to reflex area and client’s condition
- Hand reflexology
- Understanding zone therapy
- Cross reflexes
- Client care and comfort

PRACTICAL TREATMENT
- Preparation of working area
- Reception of client
- Initial consultation and recording of client details
- Observation and assessment of condition of feet and reflexes through touch and intuition
- Assessing appropriate length and manner of treatment
- Observation of client reactions during and after treatment
- Assessment of client through listening and observation
- Assessment and recording of treatment

EXTRA CURRICULAR LECTURES
- Marketing and advertising
- Client records and filing
- Guidelines on setting up a business
- Planning permission and location
- Health regulations
- Insurance
- Costing and financing of same equipping, premises and details of equipment suppliers
- Recruiting staff