How
to Make Money as a Reflexologist
By Randy
Wilson
Being
a reflexologist is one of the
top five career choices in the
field of holistic health. The
trend shows that more and more
people are turning toward holistic
practices to enhance traditional
medical therapies. Being a reflexologist
also allows the practitioner to
create a flexible schedule in
many circumstances.
If
you have thought about a career
in reflexology, it is time to
start getting more information.
The first thing you should do
is contact the local reflexology
association in your area. One
such website is for the American
Reflexology Certification Board.
Although, certification is not
required in the United States,
for professional reasons, you
should be certified if it is available.
At
the website, you will want to
find answers to several things.
You can look for schools certified
to teach reflexology, licensing
and certification requirements,
and any other information you
think would be helpful to you.
Going
to school to become a reflexologist
is a requirement in most places,
even if you don’t need to
be licensed or certified after
graduating. Classes range in duration
from six months to one year or
more. The class usually is at
least 100 hours in classroom time
and at least 300 hours practical
time. Depending on your location,
requirements may vary.
You
should look for a reflexologist
program that focuses on more than
the feet and hands. Look for a
school that discusses health,
nutrition, biology, chemistry,
physiology, anatomy, ethics and
professionalism. Finding a school
that also explains the business
side of being a reflexologist
is a plus.
You
may want to consider a school
that also offers a massage therapist
program. Even if you don’t
do it now, becoming a massage
therapist can add to your income
potential and increase your marketability.
You may decide to wait to take
these classes later, since they
are more intense and licensing
is a requirement in many areas.
As
a reflexologist, you will be working
with a client’s feet and
hands for 45 minutes to one hour
in a normal session. You should
be able to talk with the client
before, during and after the session.
It is your job as a reflexologist
to calm and relax the client while
being a good listener.
Once
you are in the final stages of
the reflexologist program, you
should start working on marketing
your services. From your practical
experience, you may have a small
client base, but you need a large
client base that will continue
to grow. You should decide if
you want to go to your clients
or have them come to you. If they
come to you, consider renting
space or partnering with a chiropractor,
doctor’s office, podiatrist,
or holistic health center.
You
may also want to check local gyms
and spas as well. They may allow
you to offer your reflexologist
services through the business
or they may hire you full time.
It is just a matter of going to
these different places and selling
yourself and your services.
If
you decide to go to your clients,
you will want to partner with
doctors, holistic practitioners,
chiropractors, and gyms. They
may refer clients to you to enhance
the therapies their patients are
currently receiving.
Once
you know how you are going to
work, you need to decide on the
cost of your reflexology services.
Some places will dictate the fees
you can charge, and others will
not. You will need to contact
local reflexologists, and ask
them about the services they offer
and fees associated with the services.
This information will give you
a basis to work from when developing
your own pricing system.
You
should check reflexologist web
sites routinely and subscribe
to industry magazines. This will
keep you up on new trends, tips,
and techniques in reflexology.
You may also look at continuing
education class at your local
community college.
Since
you may with working with clients
in a medical setting, the client
may think you are a medical doctor.
If this should happened, just
gently remind the patient that
you are not a doctor, but a trained,
certified (when applicable), professional
reflexologist.
The
only other real problem you could
face would be if you feel the
client is unclean or the client’s
feet and/or hands have sores,
fungus or other diseases. Never
feel that you have to accept everyone
who contacts you as a client.
You need to protect the clients
you already have, and that may
mean refusing service to others.
Let them know they have a problem
and should seek medical attention.
Tell them to return to you when
the problem has been corrected
and then you will take them as
a client.
If
you are still interested in becoming
a reflexologist, contact the local
reflexology association, get more
information, and get started.
©
Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights
Reserved.
Randy
is owner of http://www.profitable-home-businesses.com
where you will find further tips
on starting dozens of profitable
home based businesses. Randy also
owns http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com
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