What is Reflexology?
Please feel free to print this page so that you have it handy for future referenceReflexology is a method of gaining access to the body’s energy system. Where blockages or imbalances are found they are cleared to bring the body back into balance and health.
Conventional mainstream methods of healing are largely pharmaceutical or surgical. The ancient healing arts of China, India, Egypt and Greece see health as the outcome of the flow of vital energies within their proper channels. This is the holistic approach.
Reflexology is a refined contemporary example of this holistic way, a form of energetic therapy. Reflexology identifies ten energy paths, called zones, running down the body. If the flow along these zones runs freely, we remain healthy, but when the flow is hindered or blocked an imbalance will occur which, if not corrected, will manifest itself as bodily illness or discomfort.
It is possible to access these energy zones through the hands and feet. Within them are important reflex points where blockages, which often feel like crystal grains under the skin, can be detected and cleared through reflexology.
The holistic approach also emphasises that blocks in the flow of vital energy can originate in emotional, mental or spiritual conditions, as well as physical ones. So, for healing in depth, balance must be achieved in body, mind and spirit.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The body is not simply a machine. It is vitalised by a very special energy system. Recognising that this energy system is the basis of life and a vital factor in healing, you will be taught Reflexology as an energy medicine system, a holistic healing art. You will learn to feel, assess, stimulate, sedate, revitalise and harmonise the flow of this vital energy throughout the ten zones of the body.
You will study anatomy and physiology to give you a thorough understanding of the organs and systems of the body. The essentials of good dietary practice are covered to enable you to understand not only what is nutritious but also what is balancing for the body. The Flower Remedies discovered by Dr Bach are studied to enable you to understand the effect of negative mental states on health and how to achieve a positive mental approach to life. Journal keeping, in your own private diary, will be taught to give you a tool to understand your life and its processes, enabling you to discover your potential and create the lifestyle which most suits you.
The course will enhance your understanding of how mind, body and spirit, essentially interconnected in life, are equally interconnected in the healing process. Thus, in addition to learning the technical information necessary to become a professional reflexologist, you will be helped and encouraged to develop your own natural healing powers of mind, body and spirit.
On a more down to earth level you will be taught Practice Management, including planning, setting up, budgeting and maintaining a professional reflexology practice.
WHO ARE THE TUTORS - WHAT ARE THEIR TEACHING OBJECTIVES
Philip Salmon created this course with the objective of teaching reflexology to practitioner level as a holistic therapy. He has a personal and major input into teaching his course. He has worked with Anna Jeoffroy for the past seventeen years, and together they create a comfortably informal but structured atmosphere for students to learn in.
Philip has been a holistic practitioner and teacher for over 30 years and has a broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of energy medicine. His course reflects both his profound understanding of reflexology and holistic healthcare. This was nurtured in his work at Enton Hall Naturopathic Clinic where, as a practitioner and manager, he planned and oversaw treatment programmes including, fasting, diet reform, neuromuscular massage, hydrotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic, for more than 70 residential patients. His qualifications cover many energy/holistic therapies, including Cranio Sacral therapy, Electro-Crystal therapy, Painless Spinal Touch, Touch for Health and Colour therapy, as well as, of course, Reflexology.
Anna spent many years in sales promotion and marketing, including several years as a business trainer, before she retrained as a counsellor and then qualified as a reflexologist. For nearly 20 years she has had a successful reflexology practice in North London and actively promotes reflexology, giving talks at various seminars, from WIs to nursing conferences and from the Ideal Homes Exhibition to corporate presentations. She has also been on local and national radio and television promoting reflexology.
Philip and Anna are supported by other tutors and, where appropriate, post graduate helpers.
Anna and Philip are co-authors of a book on the Bach Remedies and the Chakras as well as six post graduate workshops on aspects of reflexology. They present their post graduate seminars all over the UK and are now beginning to do the same in Europe. They also deliver the Bach Flower Professional Training for Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy in Welbeck Street London W1.
What is Taught and How
To enable you to work with and understand the theory and practice of reflexology, the course is divided into modules. The modules are not simply taught as stand alone units, but are integrated to enable you to gain an all round knowledge of the subject.
The Historical Background of Reflexology
Reflexology has its roots in ancient healing systems which were used in India, China, Greece and Egypt and in Europe as recently as the Middle Ages. Similar ideas can be seen in methods of traditional healing used by people throughout the world. We trace these origins of reflexology through its rediscovery in the 1920s and 1930s by American doctors and natural healers through to the present time.
The Theory of Reflexology
The body is divided into ten zones along which energy flows. Think of blood flowing in an artery. If the energy flow is unimpeded then the body is healthy, if it becomes blocked then part of the body becomes ill, just as part of the body becomes ill if blood flow is blocked or impeded. The art of reflexology is to free off energy flow by working on the feet and hands. The feet and hands are the focus for treatment because that is where we can get the easiest access to the body’s energy system. The full potential of this healing art will be appreciated as a deep understanding of these underlying energies is gained.
Learning the Practical Skills
All practical work done in class is under the supervision and guidance of a tutor. Students begin by working on themselves to gain basic skills and then progress to working on classmates to gain experience in identifying reflex points. Practising on friends and family between study weekends further improves treatment skills. Towards the end of the course students work on members of the public, in a clinical situation, under the supervision of tutors. This ensures that the skills have been thoroughly absorbed and can be applied.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology is taught using structured home study modules backed up by classroom lectures. Time is allocated for questions concerning any problems or difficulties that may arise with homestudy. Videos are show in class to give more depth and greater detail, as well as helping to bring the subject to life. An anatomical model of the human torso is used to show the relative position of the organs.
The Philosophy of Complementary Medicine
There are a number of healing systems, including reflexology, complementing orthodox medicine which are currently gaining acceptance. These systems have a similar underpinning philosophy which is discussed on the course. If there is any therapy which particularly interests you we will be happy to discuss it in class.
Healthy Dietary Practice
We look at the importance of balancing acid and alkaline foods to enable the body to digest and assimilate food efficiently and study the effects that factory farming methods and chemicalised food have on our bodies, our mental and emotional health and our environment. Finally the benefits of a well balanced diet, made up of organic food, is fully covered in home study modules, videos, lectures and class discussion.
Counselling and Listening Skills
An important skill for a practitioner, is the art of attentive listening. This enables you to assess the information received from your client, which is necessary for planning your treatment approach. Students learn this art through sample case histories, role playing, and taking a case from clients on clinic days. It is vital to understand the importance of helping your client find their own solutions to problems.
Personal Growth and Development
This is a very important aspect of the course and you will be given all possible help and support with your own growth and development. Studying Dr Bach's flower remedies will help you to understand the damaging effects of fearful or angry mental states and how to rebalance to a positive, and healthy state of mind. Journal keeping will help you with your own growth and development. Your journal is not marked or even seen by anyone but yourself.
Deep Relaxation Techniques
Stress has been called the "plague" that afflicts Western civilisation. Every physical, mental and emotional condition is aggravated and exacerbated by stress. You will experience deep relaxation techniques to enable you to relieve your own fatigue and stress and enable you to help your clients to become deeply relaxed during treatment, facilitating their healing process.
Business Organisation and Skills
All you need to know to run a practice of your own. This includes the principles of bookkeeping, VAT, sample business and appointment cards, essential paperwork, advertising, consultation fees, dealing with local authorities and other statutory bodies.
Summary
The course is designed to teach students to become practitioners with a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of reflexology and its place in the whole culture of complementary medicine. Along with simple journal keeping and the organisational and bookkeeping systems necessary to run a practice. When you pass your final exam you will be a well rounded practitioner ready to work competently and professionally in your own practice or as part of a healthcare team.
What is expected of Students?
To have a positive approach to study, you will need to spend approximately one hour per day on home study assignments, practical work or reading.
To complete all home study assignments. The balance of home study is more theory and written work at the beginning of the course and more practical work towards the end.
To complete case histories and practical assignments. This demonstrates that you understand the theory and can apply it in practice.
To treat your clients in a way which will justify public trust and confidence in you as a reflexologist and to uphold and enhance the good standing of the profession.
To work with other students between study weekends to help each other with home study assignments and to practice your reflexology technique.
To develop awareness and sensitivity to the flow of subtle body energies, thus ensuring that you learn how to practice reflexology holistically.
To work to enhance your own self development. To gain a basic understanding of yourself and how you function in the world. This will enable you to help yourself and your clients.
To reduce the administrative burden by ensuring that your fees are paid on time.
To inform the office, in writing, if you can not attend any study day. Every effort will be made to allocate another study day as the time must be made up.
You are asked to bring two towels for use during practical work.
What happens after I qualify - can I make a living?
Consultation fees range from £15 to £60, with the first consultation costing up to 50% more. The average fee charged is usually £25 to £45. Most people consult a practitioner because they were recommended by a friend or someone they know. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising. According to research conducted by the Institute of Complementary Medicine, 74% of people consulting a practitioner for the first time do so on the recommendation of someone who they know. Clients can be found from advertising and other sources, this will be covered as a part of the marketing module of the course. The best way to build a client base is to ensure that your training gives you the skills needed to get good results when you treat your clients.
Post Graduate Support
For one year after graduation you may sit in on any teaching weekend free of charge
Support by telephone or letter for any problems which may arise with complex conditions.
Invitations to help the tutors on teaching weekends to enable you to gain more experience.
A full range of Post Graduate Workshops to enable you to broaden and deepen your knowledge.
Network support from other Post Graduates and the Association of Reflexologists.
Post Graduates are entitled to apply for membership of the Association of Reflexologists
Will my qualification be recognised?
The accreditation from ABC Awarding body is a Nationally Recognised Qualification.
Answers to questions students often ask
Q. Will I have time to fit the home study required into a busy work and home schedule?
A. Yes, the course is designed for people who hold down a job and have family commitments.
Q. Will I need to take time off work to attend class?
A. Most classes are at weekends, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am to 5.30pm. Although some courses will be held midweek for those whose family commitments make weekend attendance difficult.
Q. How long does it take to complete the course?
A. The course lasts for 12 months, which is the current requirement laid down by the Association of Reflexologists.
Q. How often do I need to attend classes?
A. Usually one weekend every six weeks
Q. What kind of people are attracted to this course?
A. Men and women from all walks of life, with a genuine desire to learn and help others.
Q. Do I need any previous qualification to enrol?
A. Previously qualified therapists who have taken the course have found that it has enhanced and broadened their approach to clients dramatically. Non therapists who have higher education qualifications have little trouble in following the course material as it is structured for progressive learning. People without formal qualifications, who have a genuine desire to help others can be accepted following an interview.
Course Information
Course Venues
Elm Court Community Centre
363 Mutton Lane
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire
EN6 3BP - for further information phone 01480 404946
also
40, Lees Lane
Southoe
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 5YG - for further information phone 01480 404946
