The last week in September is Global Reflexology Week and this year, it spans from Monday, 23 September 2019, until Sunday, 29 September 2019. Global Reflexology Week is a time during the year when reflexologists worldwide promote the profession and introduce reflexology to communities that are not aware of this amazing healthcare modality. In today’s post, we’ll look at the profession of reflexology to increase understanding of the profession.
Reflexology is a profession where reflexes (or nerve endings) on the feet (and other parts of the body like the hands, face, ears, arms, and legs) are stimulated in order to help the body to relax and when the body is in such an optimum state, the body has the ability to attempt to heal itself or at least try to balance itself in the midst of stressful circumstances of life.
In South Africa, there is a distinction between Reflexology and Therapeutic Reflexology. At this stage, reflexology is being implemented within beauty salons and health spas, but legislation is already underway to change this as the minister of health indicated that reflexology is a healthcare modality and should be formally regulated just like Therapeutic Reflexology is formally regulated in the country.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a healthcare modality that is formally regulated in South Africa by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), a statutory council and the only body that has the right to provide the privileges to therapeutic reflexologists to practice legally. The AHPCSA regulates the profession of Therapeutic Reflexology in accordance with The Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982). Practicing therapeutic reflexology without formal registration with the AHPCSA is illegal in South Africa.
Registration with the AHPCSA is necessary to protect the public from illegal therapists practicing a healthcare profession without the necessary qualifications, practical experience, and formal regulation. In South Africa, Therapeutic Reflexologists are trained through a two-year Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology that is a SAQA-accredited qualification and the AHPCSA only accepts such qualification from one of three South African training institutes, namely: (1) The International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy (IARAMT), (2) Camelot International, and (3) Potchefstroom Academy.
The training is a 2400-hour training course spanning over 2 years with compulsory practical hours included. Subjects covered in the course include Reflexology, Therapeutic Reflexology, Anatomy & Physiology as well as Pathology & Pathophysiology.
Once the qualification is successfully completed, therapeutic reflexologists may apply for formal registration with the AHPCSA and once that registration is successful, then they may apply for a professional practice number in order to make medical aid reimbursement possible. Depending on your medical scheme and the plan/option you are on, medical aid reimbursement may be possible, but most Therapeutic Reflexologists are contracted out of medical aid, meaning the patient usually pays for the session and then may personally claim back from the medical scheme instead of the therapeutic reflexologist submitting claims directly to medical schemes.
Therapeutic Reflexology has many benefits due to increasing circulation in body while relaxing the body, destressing the body and assisting the body to be in an optimum state. Due to our modern lifestyle with regards to the air we breathe, the food we eat, all the artificial colourants and preservatives we consume, the lack of sleep anhigh-stressss levels, our bodies may become out of balance. When the body is out of balance, then it is not functioning as it is supposed to and it may result in poor sleep quality, discomfort or even illness conditions.
Therapeutic Reflexology addresses these circumstances of life and is known for providing excellent assistance with infertility, pain and stress.
Being a non-invasive therapy, Therapeutic Reflexology provides the comfort that you do not have to get undressed for a treatment, leaving you within your comfort zone while the Therapeutic Reflexologist provides stimulation to your feet and sometimes other body parts.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a recognised healthcare modality in South Africa, thus ensuring that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is a professional healthcare provider and able to refer you to other healthcare providers if necessary. Being part of a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, is beneficial to the overall wellbeing of the patient.
Therapeutic Reflexology is known to be beneficial for any of three reasons as shown in the below figure:
Destress– Stress is known as the cause of many healthcare conditions and through therapeutic reflexology, stress levels may be controlled and drastically reduced. Therapeutic Reflexology is known for reducing stress in people.
Treatment– Healthcare conditions may be treated with therapeutic reflexology, but it should be noted that it is not the therapeutic reflexology that heals, but instead it helps the body to be in optimum state in order for the body to heal itself and in the process, many signs and symptoms may improve. Therapeutic Reflexology is known for increasing the quality of life even if it does not necessarily provide healing for a condition.
Prevention– Prevention is better than cure. It is better to prevent illness from taking a hold of your body instead of trying to rectifying the problem once it occurs. Therapeutic Reflexology is an ideal healthcare modality to help your body to remain healthy with reduced stress levels and improved circulation that may lead to the prevention of more serious conditions.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a wonderful healthcare modality and if you have not experienced it before, maybe it is time for you to make an appointment and experience the ultimate form of relaxation during Global Reflexology Week 2019.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243