Reflexologist
Reflexologists apply pressure to areas of the hands and feet (reflexes) to promote relaxation and wellbeing.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a reflexologist, you would:
- talk to your client about their health, diet and lifestyle
- explain reflexology treatments to the client
- apply pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client's feet, hands, face or ears
- update treatment records
- refer clients to their GP if needed
Working environment
You could work at a health spa, in a therapy clinic, at a client's home or at a hospice.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
You could go on to train in other areas of complementary therapy to expand the services you offer, for example:
- aromatherapy
- massage therapy
- Reiki healing
With experience and further training, you could become a reflexology teacher. You could also coach or mentor newly qualified reflexologists.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work on your own
- active listening skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- knowledge of biology
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have insurance
- pass enhanced background checks
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
You could take a foundation degree or diploma in higher education in complementary healthcare.
A course in complementary healthcare can include a number of different therapies, so you would need to check how much of it covers reflexology.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
More Information
You could do a college course that will give you some of the skills and knowledge required for this role.
Courses include:
- reflexology
- complementary therapies
- holistic health and complimentary therapies
- practitioner reflexology
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You may be able to start in this career by doing a Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Registration
- you could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists
Career tips
You may find it useful to have experience in healthcare, massage, beauty therapy or counselling.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a reflexologist from the Association of Reflexologists and The British Reflexology Association.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.