What does everyday working life in foot reflexology look like?

During the introductory consultation and an initial massage, the certified foot reflexology therapist will gain an overview of the client's situation and wishes. Any minor complaints are also recorded. He/she checks for possible contraindications or risks and then determines together with the client which treatment goals are to be pursued.

During the actual treatments, the foot reflexology therapist (certified) works on the key points and reflex zones on the foot using special grip and pressure techniques to stimulate or calm the body's organs as desired. The aim is always to stimulate the self-healing powers of the body and the soul. During the massage, the therapist observes any reactions that occur and adapts the treatment accordingly.

The number, duration and intervals between treatments can be adjusted according to the course of therapy. A series of treatments is concluded with a final consultation and the therapist completes the treatment documentation and issues an invoice.

Target group and skills: Who is the foot reflexology training course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The foot reflexology training course with the school's own certificate is aimed at the following target group:

• People who are looking for a first insight into this area and want to treat people without major foot complaints
• People with training in the healthcare sector who would like to acquire additional skills for massaging feet that are basically free of pain
• People who would like to set up their own practice in this field (please note: the requirements for self-employment may vary from canton to canton!)

In order to work successfully as a foot reflexology therapist (certified), the following skills and personal characteristics are desirable:

• Sense of hygiene, cleanliness and order
• Craftsmanship
• Enjoy dealing with people
• Empathy
• Sensitivity and precision
• Good manners
• Service orientation
• Sufficient start-up capital to start your own business

Prerequisites for admission to foot reflexology training:

Access to the courses for specialist training in foot reflexology with completion of the "school's own certificate" is usually free, i.e. no specific previous training or professional experience is required.

Possibilities for recognition of foot reflexology (cert.):

As there are no protected professional designations or titles, it is important to provide appropriate proof of your own seriousness and professional competence. This is usually done by registering with the ASCA and/or the EMR and/or by becoming a member of an association.

• Admission to the Swiss Association for Reflexology (SVRT) requires a completed vocational education and training (VET) as well as a well-founded completed training in reflexology (for example with the OdA KT Method Reflexology branch certificate). Details can be foundhere.
• For inclusion in the ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine) and/or EMR (Empirical Medicine Register) register, at least 150 hours of basic knowledge of conventional medicine are required.

Input: Why is registration in the ASCA and/or EMR registry important?

Both the ASCA and the EMR are quality labels for activities in complementary medicine. They both maintain a so-called list of methods, which specifies how many hours of basic medical training and specialist training (method) must be completed in order to be registered with the ASCA and/or EMR.

Many health insurance companies are based on the ASCA and EMR. This means that therapists who are registered with the ASCA and/or EMR can often work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies (via supplementary insurance). But beware! This is not always the case.

More and more health insurance companies are demanding an industry certificate or a federal diploma from professional organizations (OdA AM, OdA KT, OdA MM, ODA ARTECURA, Swiss Association of Osteopaths FSO-SVO) in order to be able to work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies.
This will continue to increase in the future.

Subject matter and content of continuing education, further training

Schools that offer foot reflexology training leading to a "school certificate" compile their own course content. The course content can therefore vary from school to school.

The following topics are often addressed:

• Basic anatomy of the body
• Anatomy of the foot
• Vegetative nervous system
• History of foot reflexology
• Reflex zones of the foot
• Effects (indicators and counter-indicators)
• Different grip techniques
• Procedure of the foot reflexology massage (anamnesis, visual and tactile findings, etc.)

Tip: In the yes-answer you will receive suitable help on the question: How do I find the right school and course?

Costs and financing of continuing education, further training

The costs for foot reflexology training are determined independently by the schools. They therefore vary from school to school.

You can expect the following costs for a part-time specialist training course of around 1-14 days:

• Course feesBetween CHF 312.- and CHF 1'380.-, which usually also includes theExamination feeincluded.

(Basic courses, which also include the "medical basics" for ASCA and/or EMR registration, usually take longer and are correspondingly more expensive: between CHF 3,300 and CHF 7,100).

• Some providers requireExtra costsfor
  • Teaching aids
  • Training documents

Please contact the provider of your choice directly for information on possible extra costs.

Course structure, duration of study, training options, teaching format and learning effort

• The foot reflexology training course is generally designed to be completed alongside work and has a modular structure. This means that each module is taken and completed individually. This makes it possible to progress at your own pace and according to your own abilities.
• The duration of specialist courses in foot reflexology varies greatly and depends on the provider and the course offered (introduction, basics, in-depth): As a rule, courses last around 1-14 days.
  (Many basic courses include the "medical basics" for ASCA and/or EMR registration, they take correspondingly longer: approx. 1 year)
• The timetables are compiled independently by the schools. They therefore vary from school to school. Lessons often take place on one or two weekdays per week or on two evenings per week. Depending on the school, they may also take place on selected Saturdays.
• The foot reflexology training takes place in face-to-face classes. Theory lessons can be offered in online lessons or hybrid lessons, depending on the situation.
• Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of continuing education, further training, you can apply and deepen the learning material immediately in practice. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Degree, diploma and title

As already mentioned, most foot reflexology training courses are modular. Those who have successfully completed each module can sit the final examination for the school's own certificate.

As a rule, the final examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part.

With some providers, however, a course attendance of at least 80% is sufficient to obtain the school's own certificate.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates receive a certificate / diploma from the respective school: "Foot reflexology therapist [name of school] (cert.)" or "certified foot reflexology therapist [name of school]".