There’s good news for the massage industry. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing in demand. Horizon Grand View Research projects the CAM industry will increase from $144.656 billion in 2023 to $696,221 billion in 2030 for an annual growth rate of 25.1%.[1]
Among the factors driving this trend are:[2]
- Conventional healthcare has become more impersonal
- Patients are concerned about the increasing use of powerful drugs
- Patients are more informed and more willing to try alternative therapies
- Many conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, or back pain, do not respond satisfactorily to conventional treatments
- Medical professionals are more accepting of the benefit of providing conventional and CAM therapies to their patients
- There are more CAM therapists, so access to them is easier
If you are thinking of expanding your massage practice to take advantage of the popularity of CAM therapies, consider reflexology. Not sure exactly what is reflexology and how it can help your massage business? Here is a look at this ancient practice for which there is strong demand.
Understanding what is reflexology
Unlike massage, which manipulates tissues to relax muscles, relieve tension and improve circulation, reflexology involves the application of pressure to certain points in the hands, feet, and ears. Thousands of years ago it was used to alleviate symptoms of medical conditions and promote relaxation. Today, it is a complementary therapy for conventional medical treatment offered by certified practitioners.
The theory behind reflexology is that the hands, feet, and ears are connected to organs and certain systems of the body so applying pressure to these areas helps provide relief from pain and stress. One specific theory has to do with the belief there are 10 vertical zones in the body. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes. Zone theory practitioners believe that touching these fingers and toes allows them to access every body part in a particular zone. [3]
Research on reflexology has been limited. However, as a complementary therapy, medical professionals may recommend reflexology massage to help reduce pain symptoms, alleviate anxiety, and stress, and improve mood, thereby improving someone’s quality of life.
Reflexologists believe the practice can help improve:
- Immune system
- Back pain
- Hormonal imbalances
- Arthritis pain relief
- Digestive issues
- Colds and infections
Offer reflexology massage in your practice
Reflexology massage aligns with the holistic approach to health because it focuses on the interconnection between the body, mind, and spirit. By targeting reflex points, you can address specific issues more effectively and provide clients with another way to unwind and relax and alleviate pain.
Integrating reflexology massage into your massage practice enables you to offer a more comprehensive wellness service offering. Reflexology massage could enhance your brand for holistic healing techniques and set your practice apart from the competition.
Focus on foot reflexology
If you want to offer reflexology as part of your massage practice, typically feet are the focus. A foot and reflexology massage concentrates on the reflex zones and energy pathways in the feet to restore the body’s natural balance and promote self-healing.
A reflexologist may ask the client about specific physical ailments to target the related reflex zones in the feet. Many reflexologists use foot maps that correspond to certain organs and parts of the body. For example, in reflexology foot massage, pinching the tops of the toes is thought to help with sinuses, while pressure applied to the heels is believed to help with lower back and sciatic pain nerve. [4]
Foot massage, by comparison, focuses more on treatment of the feet. It primarily targets the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet to provide relaxation and reduce stress. It involves kneading, rubbing, and stroking techniques to relax the muscles, improve circulation, and relieve tension. [5] A non-reflexology foot massage can also positively impact the body.
Offering packages that combine foot and reflexology massage with other services also can attract clients looking for comprehensive wellness treatments.
Become a reflexologist
As a massage therapist, if you want to add reflexology massage to your practice, whether the focus is foot and reflexology or you also offer the service for hands and ears, it is best to get certified. A practitioner who practices reflexology in conjunction with other modalities generally will be required to hold state licensing. If you practice only reflexology, this may or may not be a mandate.
Since some states require a license, contact your state board to find out if you need certification. The Reflexology Association of American (RAA) also is a good resource to find out if your state requires a license to practice or if reflexology is regulated by cities.
Reflexology school programs generally take between six and twelve months to complete and involve approximately 150 to 300 hours of study combined with hands-on practice. [6] Membership in the RAA is another form of credential. To qualify as a Professional Reflexology Practitioner member, RAA requires 200 hours of training.[7]
Reflexology massage can be a game-changer for your practice. With holistic health practices gaining in popularity, you can add value to current clients and attract new ones seeking to benefit from CAM therapies.
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[1] “Global Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market Size & Outlook,” Market Research Report, Horizon Grand View Research, Accessed July 20, 2024. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/complementary-and-alternative-medicine-market-size/global
[2] “Reflexologist sector trends,” Marketing Donut, July 2019. https://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/market-research/sector-trends/reflexologist-sector-trends
[3] Cirino, Erica, “Reflexology,” healthline, December 4, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-reflexology
[4] “Relexology: What It Is and Does It Work?,” Cleveland Clinic, Accessed July 20, 2024. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reflexology
[5] Kovac, Natalia, “Foot Reflexology vs. Foot Masssage,” Darwyn Health, July 6, 2024. https://www.darwynhealth.com/alternative-medicine/reflexology/reflexology-techniques/foot-reflexology/foot-reflexology-vs-foot-massage-whats-the-difference/?lang=en
[6] “What is Reflexology and How Do You Become A Reflexologist?”, Natural Healers, Accessed July 20, 2024. https://www.naturalhealers.com/blog/reflexology-career/
[7] “Becoming a Reflexologist,” Reflexology Association of America, Accessed July 20, 2024. https://reflexology-usa.org/becoming-a-reflexologist