The 5 Most Important Questions to Ask When Looking For a Great Reflexologist
Executive Summary about Reflexologist by Wendy Coad
Question #1. ARE YOU NATIONALLY CERTIFIED by the AMERICAN REFLEXOLOGY CERTIFICATION BOARD*?
*For international subscribers - check for your national organization by going online, or polling your local reflexologist.
Check whether your reflexologist is ARCB certified. www.arcb.net
Lots of people call themselves reflexologists when they're really not properly trained. You've probably already found this at the nail salon or at a spa. It happens because anyone can use the term reflexology. That's right. The word reflexology can be used by anyone for just about anything! Shocking isn't it?
Question #2. HOW MANY UNIQUE HOURS OF FOOT, HAND AND EAR REFLEXOLOGY TRAINING DO YOU HAVE ABOVE and BEYOND THE STANDARD 200HRS?
Find out if your practitioner's equally trained and comfortable practicing Hand and Ear, as well as, Foot reflexology.
You need to know that reflexology can be effectively done on the hands, ears and face (also practiced using the map of the body) as well as the feet. And your reflexologist needs to know this too.
All ARCB nationally certified reflexologists are required to take continuing education credits.
Question #3. DO YOU HAVE AN OFFICE OR WORK FROM HOME?
Most reflexologists are self employed. This means they do the marketing and the cleaning. Pooling resources in a common practice and sharing the costs of office space and maintenance offers some of the best solutions for both a professional presence and cost effectiveness. There are also businesses that offer reflexology exclusively.
Note: pedicure foot massage is definitely NOT reflexology - remember, they can call it reflexology when it really isn't.
Question #4. WHAT ARE YOUR FEES AND CANCELLATION POLICY?
Your practitioner should make it clear what their fees are. You also need to be informed of any additional costs and what the cancellation policy is, should they have one. Most will require 24 hours notice in the event that there is a need to change the appointment time.
A reflexology practitioner is usually a solo entrepreneur. That means that they pay their own bills and all the costs of doing business.
If you're the client and you don't show up for an appointment, you've:
a) denied another client who needs the session the opportunity to receive it.
b) cost the practitioner money. And, it's not just rent and lights.
If you're the practitioner, you need to tell your clients what your cancellation policy is. You can't expect them to understand your unique position as a solo-preneur if your policy is not made clear.
5. DO YOU FOLLOW THE NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE?
You can expect the same professional standards and ethical practice from your reflexologist as from any holistic health practitioner.
Also, remember that the information you give your reflexologist is confidential. Your practitioner might talk anecdotally about another client situation to help you understand your own, but if in any way, you could possibly identify that client... you need to find another practitioner.
You can also lodge a complaint with the ARCB if a nationally certified practitioner acts unethically. (As a bodywork practice, reflexology is the least prone to any misconduct.)
Of course, working with a reflexologist is a very personal thing. Finding the right one will allow you to enjoy the relaxing and stress relieving benefits that are inherent in the practice.
Please also check out my other guide on Body Scrubs
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