Reflexology in the health and skincare (beauty/spa) industry
Foot reflexology is sometimes mistakenly seen as a foot massage by the general public, especially in South Africa where the beauty industry sometimes claims to also to reflexology. The so-called “reflexology” performed in the beauty industry is basically a mere foot massage where the feet are massaged using various massage techniques to relax the soft tissue in the feet, even when they sometimes refer to a reflexology chart. A good foot massage is always very nice, especially when you have just received a pedicure in your favourite beauty salon.
Health and Skincare Therapists, Beauty Therapists, Cosmetologist or Somatologists are not formally regulated and they may operate freely in South Africa. Some of them register with a health and skincare organisation (nationally or internationally), but this is done on a voluntary basis to belong to an organisation and not in order to perform their duties. When these beauticians offer reflexology as part of their services in a spa or beauty salon, it is done from the limited training that was received in reflexology within their training as beauticians.
Beauty Therapy training ranges from a short course over a weekend to a number of years in university where the focus is on skincare and making people look good that sometimes includes a short course on reflexology as part of their overall training.
Therapeutic Reflexology in the healthcare industry
Therapeutic Reflexology is a therapeutic modality working with specific thumb and finger pressure techniques on the feet with the purpose of inducing deep relaxation so the body can heal itself and improve health and wellbeing. A foot massage intends to relax a person, while therapeutic reflexology intends to cause physiological change to improve health and wellbeing and as such foot massage falls in the health and skincare (beauty/spa) industry while therapeutic reflexology is professionally regulated by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) in the complementary medical industry alongside other complementary medical therapists and practitioners.
In South Africa Therapeutic Reflexology is regulated by the AHPCSA in terms of the Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982). This means that Therapeutic Reflexologists have to formally register with the AHPCSA in order to legally practice their profession, just like Medical Doctors and Physiotherapists have to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in order to legally practice their professions.
Training as a Therapeutic Reflexologist (recognised for registration with the AHPCSA) is a two-year training programme that included training in reflexology, therapeutic reflexology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, pathophysiology and various other modalities where the focus is solely on reflexology.
Therapeutic Reflexologist registered with the AHPCSA may apply for a practice number to make medical aid reimbursements possible (depending on the patient’s medical scheme and medical aid plan/option).
Reflexology vs Therapeutic Reflexology
It is evident that Reflexology as offered in the health and skincare (beauty/spa) industry is basically a foot massage offering clients relaxation while Therapeutic Reflexology in the healthcare industry is a therapeutic modality offering patients therapy to diagnosed illness conditions (which may also include a reflexology foot massage) with the intention of assisting the body to heal itself.
Changing South African Landscape for Reflexology
On 15 December 2017 a Government Gazette notice was published indicating that the the national Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, declared that the professions of reflexology and aromatherapy are applicable for regulation in terms of section 16 of the Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982).
This may bring about changes in the health and skincare (beauty/spa) industry in the near future with regards to the use of reflexology (including training in reflexology).
Professional Therapeutic Reflexology
After reading this article you may ask the question: Is it wrong to go for reflexology at a beauty salon or spa? The answer is no, a good foot massage has never hurt anybody and it is quite enjoyable. However, if you want to receive professional reflexology it is suggested that you visit a fully qualified, registered and regulated Therapeutic Reflexologist.
Fully qualified means the therapeutic reflexologist will hold a two-year qualification in Therapeutic Reflexology from a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – accredited training institution, but it will also be from one of the few training institutions recognised by the AHPCSA. Registration means the Therapeutic Reflexologist will be registered as such with the AHPCSA (the only statutory council for therapeutic reflexology in South Africa) and may also have a practice number (Pr. No.). Regulated means the Therapeutic Reflexologist is regulated by the AHPCSA and as such works within legal and ethical boundaries within a professional scope of practice as issued by the AHPCSA.
Reflexology or Therapeutic Reflexology
You may ask the question: Should I receive Reflexology or Therapeutic Reflexology?
The answer is totally up to you. If you want to get a good foot massage, going to your spa or beauty salon is something you may consider. On the other hand, if you want a professional reflexology experience, you should rather visit a registered Therapeutic Reflexologist who will be able to offer you therapeutic reflexology, but it will also include the usual reflexology foot massage you are used to from your beauty salon or spa.
On a personal note: If I may offer my opinion on the matter….
If you want to look good and have a clear skin and a good looking toe nails, I suggest you visit your beautician for a facial and pedicure, but if you want to receive reflexology, I suggest you visit a Therapeutic Reflexologist.
Why, you may ask? Well, if I’m ill, I consult with a qualified and registered doctor, I do not go to the librarian to diagnose me based on a variety of books in the library. When my car is broken, I take it to the dealer so the correct mechanic can fix it, I do not take it to the bicycle technician at the local bicycle shop.
Similarly, if you want to receive reflexology, go to a professionally registered Therapeutic Reflexologist whose domain is your feet, not to a beautician whose domain is to make you look good.
From my experience, choosing the correct professional for what you require, is usually the best approach and the way to most effectively deal with your need at hand.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude)[IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243