About Christo Scheepers

Christo A. Scheepers, DTR (Cum Laude), PhD

Dr Christo Scheepers Picture
Registered Therapeutic Reflexologist AHPCSA: A11945 | Pr. No.: 0737453

Curriculum Vitae

After completing my initial Diploma in Reflexology (Cum Laude) (2003) with Aethetic + Cosmetic under Hans Gerspacher from Germany and effectively incorporating the modality into my natural healthcare and trauma counselling private practice, I pursued training in various natural healthcare and massage modalities.  The therapeutic rather than the diagnostic aspects interested me while reflexology remained my therapy of choice.

After relocating to Cape Town, I embarked on further training and completed a professional Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology (Cum Laude) (2018) through the International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy (IARAMT) under Inge Dougans from Denmark. My practical and community-service training included private-practice experience, therapeutic reflexology research and exposure to women’s health and fertility reflexology, leading to formal registration as Therapeutic Reflexologist with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and I obtained a practice number from the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), making medical aid reimbursement possible.

The human foot has always fascinated me and I wanted to learn more in-depth foot reflexology techniques and completed a Diploma in Advanced Reflexology (Cum Laude) (2021) to provide specialised therapeutic foot reflexology with a special focus on professional women's health and wellbeing.

In 2022, I completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree through The Da Vinci Institute with research that focused on therapeutic reflexology practice management within the South African healthcare environment.

Over my career I have provided reflexology in private practice, hospital and corporate wellness environments, but after being appointed as senior lecturer at a private higher education institution where I lecture research methodology and supervise research, I made a deliberate choice to refocus my private practice from January 2026 on after-hours appointments, setting aside calm, unhurried time specifically for professional women to step away from the pressures of the day and simply be cared for.

Vision

right foot picture

Empowering people with Therapeutic Reflexology

Mission

left foot picture

To support personal wellbeing through foot-centred Therapeutic Reflexology

 

 

right foot pic

My Approach

My approach is gentle, foot-centred, non-diagnostic, complementary and therapeutic in nature.  Each session is tailored to your individual needs and offers a calm, confidential space to pause, recover, and feel supported alongside the are of your doctor, specialist or healthcare provider.

A meaningful part of my therapy is simply creating space for you to breathe.  Appointments are designed to offer a restorative break from the demands of work, family, and daily life, witht he focus throughout on respect, confididential, and clear understanding of the pressures many professional women carry.

The therapy is foot-centred, but additional forms of reflexology may be added which may include body, ear, face, hand, scalp reflexology, foot mobilisation, reflexology lymph drainage and/or Vacuflex electronic reflexology.

Loader image

I specialise in Therapeutic Foot Reflexology with nervous-system regulation at the core while grounded in the idea that the feet are the foundation of each session.

 

What this feels like in session

In practice, I use precise therapeutic reflexology techniques on the feet with an understanding of how the nervous system responds to touch, pressure, and relaxation. This supports a calmer state and helps ease tension so you can step out of the “always-on” mode that demanding days can create.

I also consider the close relationship between the nervous and hormonal systems, reflecting how the same regulatory pathways can influence energy, sleep, mood, and recovery. Sessions are designed for the realities of professional life, and are well suited to women seeking support with stress, burnout, hormonal changes, fatigue, body tension, recovery, and pelvic pain.

 

Personalised plans that evolve with you

Your treatment plan is tailored following your consultation, then adjusted over time. While foot reflexology remains central, I may include selected complementary techniques (with your prior consent) when they fit your goals and comfort, such as:

  • Hand, Ear, Facial, Scalp, or Body Reflexology
  • Foot Mobilisation
  • Lymphatic Drainage Reflexology
  • Gentle Touch Methods
  • Vacuflex cupping or Vacuflex vacuum boot stimulation

You’re welcome to follow my professional recommendation, or to discuss techniques you would like to prioritise, or avoid.

All sessions are complementary, non-diagnostic, and paced to your comfort and individual wellbeing goals.

 

 

Qualifications

Loader image

Therapeutic Reflexology is a regulated profession and the qualification making it possible to practice, is the professional diploma:

  • Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology (Cum Laude) from the International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy (IARAMT) (2018) [NQF Level 6 Qualification]
  • First Aid Level 3 (2025) [Dynamikos]

 

Christo is furthermore registered to practice with:

  • Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) as Therapeutic Reflexologist
  • Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) with a valid practice number

  • Diploma in Reflexology (Cum Laude) - Aesthetic+Cosmetic (2003)
  • Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexologist (Cum Laude) - IARAMT (2018)
  • Diploma in Advanced Reflexology (Cum Laude) - COE (2021)

As a professional Christo is regularly involved in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities to keep his Therapeutic Reflexology skills contemporary as per the AHPCSA rules and regulations for annual re-registration.  CPD activities do not only keep his skills up-to date, but also teaches him the latest techniques and new skills in Therapeutic Reflexology to offer patients only the best possible experience.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training:
  • Body Meridian Therapy - Michell Parker (2018)
  • Auricular Therapy - IARAMT (2018)
  • Medical (ICD10) Coding - TSARS (2018)
  • Reflexology Lymph Drainage - TSARS (2018)
  • Five Elements and Emotional Health - TSARS (2018)
  • COVID-19 for Healthcare Professionals - FPD (MPC) (2019)
  • The Respiratory System - IARAMT (2019)
  • Anatomy of the Foot - TSARS (2020)
  • The Vagus Nerve - TSARS (2020)
  • Plantar Fasciitis - Functional Reflexology Studies (2021)
  • COVID-19 in a modern not-for-profit health system - University of Johannesburg (2022)
  • Foot Mechanics - Clinical Solutions (2022)
  • Infection Control in the Health Environment - FPD (MPC) (2022)
  • X-tra Focus on Infertility - IARAMT (2023)
  • Foot Mobilisation - TNRA (2023)
  • Therapeutic Reflexology: Not just a foot massage - MedTalkz (2024)
  • Metatarsalgia: The tummy ache of the feet - MedTalkz (2024)
  • Mid-Trimester Anatomy - MedTalkz (2025
  • Venous and Lymphatic Disorders of the Lower Limb - MedTalkz (2025)
  • Reproductive Health - MedTalkz (2025)
  • Mental Disorders: A Therapeutic Reflexology & TCM Approach - Zené Jordaan (2026)
  • Headache Disorders: A Therapeutic Reflexology & TCM Approach - Zené Jordaan (2026)
  • Plantar Fasciitis: A Therapeutic Reflexology & TCM Appraoch - Zené Jordaan (2026)

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Accredited Qualifications:

  • Certificate: Body Massage (Total Concept Academy) (2006)
  • Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from the South African Theological Seminary (SATS)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Mancosa
  • Doctoral Research Training Programme (DRTP) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management of Technology and Innovation form The Da Vinci Institute

Non-SAQA Accredited Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Agriculture (Animal Husbandry and Plant Production) from the Institute of Business Studies and Boskop
  • Diploma in Psychology from Intec College
  • Diplomas in eCommerce and Web Design from Intec College
  • Bacholor of Ministry (BMin) (Cum Laude) in Christian Counselling from Theologos School of Ministry
  • Master of Ministry (MMin) (Cum Laude) from Christian Life Training
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary Studies from Commonwealth Open University

Non-SAQA Accredited Qualifications in Natural Healthcare and Therapy:

  • Diploma of Natural Medicine (D.Nat.Med.) (S.A. College of Natural Medicine) (2007)
  • Diploma of Herbal Medicine (D.Herb.) (S.A. College of Natura Medicine) (2007)
  • Diploma: Natural Healthcare Practitioner (Natural Healing Foundation) (2007)
  • Diploma: Shiatsu Massage (COE) (2024)
  • Certificate: Kinesiology (Naturalistico) (2025)
  • Certificate: Sports Massage Practitioner (COE) (2024)
  • Certificate: Foot Health Practitioner (COE) (2021)
  • Certificate: Ashiatsu (Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy) (Udemy) (2020)
  • Certificate: Iridology (Natural Healing Foundation) (2007)
  • Certificate: Wellness & Resonance health Enhancement Consultant (Mensana Health Care)
  • (2006)
  • Certificate: Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injections (Mensana Training Institute) (2006)
  • Certificate: Basic Toxicology (Mensana Health Care) (2006)
  • Certificate: Holistic Massage (Healing Hands International) (2006)
  • Certificate: Swedish Massage (Healing Hands International) (2006)
  • Certificate: Hot Stone Therapy (Healing Hands International) (2006)
  • Certificate: Indian Head Massage (Healing Hands International) (2006)
  • Certificate: Applied Hypnotherapy (Healing Hands International) (2006)
  • Certificate: Bio-Resonance (Wellness Training Centre) (2007)
  • Certificate: Emotional Fitness & Bodywork (Wellness Training Centre) (2007)
  • Certificate: Counselling Techniques (Colour Assessments – Level 1-3) (Wellness Training
  • Centre) (2007)
  • Certificate: Counselling Techniques (Ecocharts & Genograms, Brain & Life Mapping,
  • Temperament & Ego Assessments) (Wellness Training Centre) (2007)
  • Certificate: Counselling Techniques (Brain Chemistry, Bachflowers, Brain Preferences,
  • Boundaries, Facial Signs, Intelligences, Love Languages) (Wellness Training Centre (2007)

Background

Loader image

No, please call me Christo.

I do hold a valid PhD (NQF Level 10) qualification with the accompanying official title of "Doctor" and I am formally known as Dr Christo Scheepers.

However, because Therapeutic Reflexology is a therapeutic profession and not a diagnostic profession, just address me as Christo to avoid any confusion.

My interest in reflexology started at an early age while still in school and reading books on reflexology.  In the early 1990s no formal training was offered in reflexology and it was also not a recognised vocation, thus a career in this modality did not seem possible, but it remained an interest that he kept on reading more about.

I decided in 2015 to specialise in Therapeutic Reflexology and focus all my attention on this modality instead of being too diverse and involved in too many modalities.  This decision was made after experiencing first-hand the therapeutic benefit of therapeutic reflexology in overcoming an ongoing health condition.  I, therefore, completed the SAQA accredited 2-year Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology with the IARAMT to make this dream a reality.  In 2018 I opened a professional Therapeutic Reflexology practice where I specialise in my modality of choice, namely Therapeutic Foot Reflexology.  My approach is foot-centred reflexology specifically for women's health, wellness and vitality, but I also offer the full range of therapeutic reflexology for the entire family, but always with foot reflexology as the core focus.

I was hospitalised in 2014 with a severely bloated abdomen accompanied by excruciating abdominal pain.  A few days in the hospital and extensive testing revealed that my small intestine twisted and caused an obstruction.  During the hospital stay, medication was administered intravenously and a few days later I left the hospital, but within a couple of weeks, I was all bloated again.  After another set of X-rays I was referred to a Surgeon and colonoscopy and gastroscopy were performed in-hospital, but it did not reveal anything specific, and the doctor diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and referred me to a Dietician.

I worked with the Dietician, but a long, painful, and frustrating journey commenced where I could not eat many vegetables, fruits, and numerous other foods.  What frustrated me most, was the fact that I could eat an apple one day, but if I ate an apple the following day my abdomen would bloat and cause severe pain.  So it continued.  Stress worsened the condition.

One day I went to a Therapeutic Reflexologist and after therapy, a a Candida diet was recommended along with some therapy sessions.  I went online and found the diet and used it for 2 weeks during which period all sugar, including fruits, vegetables, and food that can turn into sugar in the body, was eliminated from the diet.  The results were phenomenal and the abdominal bloating disappeared and I started re-introducing food into my daily diet.  In 2015 I was totally healed and could eat normally again without any food causing abdominal bloating.

This experience made me realise how a Therapeutic Reflexologist can form a valuable part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team and add value in specific areas.  I decided that Therapeutic Reflexology is the modality of choice I would like to focus my attention on and assist patients accordingly.