Pathways to health; Reflexology offers complementary medicine career.Byline: EMMA THOMPSON What does a career as a reflexologist involve? Reflexologists aim to encourage the body's natural healing natural healing Alternative healing Alternative health Any healing technique that may be rooted in supernaturalist methods. See Absent healing, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Alexander technique, Applied kinesiology, Ayurvedic medicine, Bioenergetics, Cayce therapies, processes by applying pressure to reflex points on the hands and feet, which is said to restore the body's natural balance. Reflexology Reflexology Definition Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. is based on the belief that specific points in the feet and hands are joined to all the major organs and parts of the body by 'energy pathways.' As a reflexologist, you would work with clients to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries and chronic back pain. What personal skills are needed? It is important to have a good understanding of human biology and anatomy, be a good communicator and have excellent listening skills, plus the ability to develop empathy with clients, a genuine desire to help people and the ability to inspire confidence in your clients. What training do you need? There are a variety of courses available that can help you prepare for a career in reflexology. These range from Level 3 Diplomas (created by the VTCT VTCT Vocational Training Charitable Trust , ITEC ITEC Instituto de Tecnologia em Informática e Informação do Estado de Alagoas ITEC International Therapy Examination Council (UK) ITEC Internet Technology ITEC Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation ITEC Instructional Technologies , City & Guilds and ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. exam boards) to degree and postgraduate qualifications. To get on to the diploma course, you may need knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and it could also be useful to have a GCSE GCSE 1. (in Britain) General Certificate of Secondary Education; an examination in specified subjects which replaced the GCE O level and CSE 2. Informal a pass in a GCSE examination Noun 1. (A-C A-C Air Conditioning ) in biology. Contact course providers (listed on the exam board's websites) for exact entry details. If you decide to take a degree-level qualification in complementary medicine/ therapies (specialising in reflexology), you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) plus around two A levels. Check with colleges and universities, listed on the UCAS UCAS (in Britain) Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website, for exact entry requirements because alternative qualifications may also be accepted. What are the opportunities for career progression? You may need to follow your initial training course with extra study and more hours of supervised client-contact if you want to become a full member of one of the professional bodies. Each organisation's website has further details of approved training and membership requirements. Being a member of a professional body could improve your chances of work or increase your client numbers. What is the salary? (Guideline only) Reflexologists may earn around pounds 15,000 to pounds 20,000 a year, depending on the number of clients and the location. Practitioners with established practices may earn around pounds 30,000 a year. Self- employed reflexologists charge a sessional rate, which usually varies from pounds 25 to pounds 60 for a 45 to 60 minute session. Business costs such as rent and materials come out of these fees. More information. British Reflexology Association -www.britreflex.co.uk. Institute for Complementary Medicine The Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM), founded in 1982, is a UK charity whose declared mission is to inform the general public on "all aspects" of complementary medicine. To this end, it offers courses and engages in research. -www.i-c-m.org.uk. www.careersadvice.direct. gov.uk. Details provided for information only. Jobs not necessarily available. CAPTION(S): Reflexology is based on applying pressure to specific points of the hands and feet |
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