Reflexologist job
Specialist in stress management, reflexology promotes the process of self-regulation by a specific touch of the plantar and/or palmar reflex zones. Discover the profession of reflexologist in detail: mission, salary, possible training, retraining
The missions of the Reflexologist
Reflexology is an exciting ancient profession that was already practiced in ancient Egypt and during the Chinese dynasty.
However, it has only been recognized as such since 2015 and is now one of the most popular professions in the context of a professional retraining.
Reflexology or reflexotherapy is above all a method to treat ailments, manage stress and/or bring well-being by applying manual pressure to different reflex zones of the body: feet, hands, ears, skull or face.
The techniques used are diverse but all based on the assumption that all the nerves and organs of the body are connected to specific points at these ends. By stimulating these areas, the reflexologist sends stimuli through the nervous system that must trigger physiological responses to alleviate certain ailments such as the adverse effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, respiratory disorders, stress, back or headaches, etc.
This is called "reflex touch".
However, be careful. The reflexologist is not a doctor and therefore does not deliver any diagnosis.
There are many types of reflexology:
foot reflexology focused on the feet and which should improve blood circulation.
palm reflexology focused on the hands and rather reserved for a sensitive clientele such as pregnant women
cranial reflexology which has more as its objective an emotional rebalancing.
Each reflexology session begins with an update on the patient's physical and emotional health. The reflexologist thus determines the reflex zones to be stimulated by massages or fingertip pressure.
Where does a reflexologist practice?
As a general rule, the reflexologist works alone, independently in his practice or at home, but he can also become an employee of certain structures: hospitals, sports associations, retirement homes, thalasso centers.
Like many paramedical professions, he can choose to join forces with other liberal professionals in common practices.
Profession Trend
Reflexology is still not used much in France. Professionals are therefore faced with the difficulty of making themselves known and their activity.
But often, they practice reflexology in addition to another activity (massage, podiatry, physiotherapy, acupuncture, etc.).
Reflexology training
To become a reflexologist, it is not compulsory to undergo professional training because there is no official statute regulating its practice, but training is still strongly recommended in order to acquire the essential knowledge and skills. Several solutions are available to you, accessible as part of continuing education allowing you to easily retrain as a reflexologist.
There are many reflexology training courses and schools in France, but not all courses necessarily lead to a recognized certificate and only certain centers allow you to obtain the professional title of reflexologist registered with the RNCP.
The registration of the profession of reflexologist with the RNCP since 2015 is a real step forward for the profession.
To date (04/06/21), only 3 centres offer vocational training to obtain this title:
SUD EST Training Centre (level 5 or bac+2 level)
A Fleur de Peau (level 5 or bac+2 level)
Dien Chan Institute (level 6 or bac+3 level)
This RNCP title is a distinction but not an obligation.
It is important to note that there is no state diploma of reflexologist.
To enter some of the reflexology schools, you must have at least a CAP or a BEP.
It is also possible to become a reflexologist as part of a VAE.
Qualities to become a reflexologist
Like any profession, practicing the profession of reflexologist requires certain qualities and skills on the part of the professional.
First of all, you need to master the different reflexology techniques and know the reflex zones, which requires having been well trained beforehand.
Secondly, the profession of reflexologist requires a good physical condition. Indeed, it is necessary to be able to move the patients, who can sometimes be corpulent, but also to work in a standing position most of the time.
The comfort of patients depends in part on the methodical and rigorous work of the reflexologist: good mastery of techniques, respect for hygiene and safety rules, perfect knowledge of the human body and solid knowledge of osteopathy or acupuncture.
Finally, interpersonal skills are also an essential quality in a reflexologist. To put his client at ease and carry out the sessions, he must be a good listener and know how to establish a relationship of trust with his patient.
Possible evolutions of a reflexologist
The reflexologist can turn to teaching his discipline.
But it is in his interest to improve his skills or to extend his practice to other techniques that will give him more work opportunities.
Salary of a Reflexologist
The average monthly salary of a reflexologist varies between 1,700 and 2,200 euros gross per month.
Do you want to retrain as a reflexologist?
Advantages of retraining as a reflexologist
Quickly accessible profession: a short training course is enough.
Privileged relationship with each customer.
Helping to relieve the ailments of your clients and provide them with well-being is rewarding.
Disadvantages of such a conversion
A discipline that is still too little known to the general public.
Consultations are not reimbursed (although some mutual insurance companies are starting to cover them).
Skills to get started
To know
Group facilitation techniques
Stress Management Techniques
Listening and Relationship Techniques
Communication techniques
Basic Elements in Psychology
Basic Elements in Anatomy
Meeting Conduct Techniques
Accounting management
Administrative management
Know-how
Identify the person's request, identify their environment and inform them about the service (techniques, objectives, cost, etc.)
Offer advice on well-being and lifestyle
Organize communication actions
Host a meeting
Practice an individual or group session and guide the participant(s) during the session
Communicate the basics of the method used
Carry out accounting management
Carry out administrative management
(Source: ROME)
Where to start your reconversion as a reflexologist?
Changing jobs in favor of reflexologist is not an opportunity that you can seize at the "right time". It is a project, like any other, that you must anticipate by taking the necessary time. As Arthur Ashe said, "One of the keys to success is self-confidence. One of the keys to self-confidence is preparation"...
Even if the profession of reflexologist can be practiced without any diploma, wanting to train, as a prelude to your professional retraining as a reflexologist, can be a salutary decision, especially if you do not have any of the initial training previously listed or the skills indicated above.
Training can indeed be, to a certain extent, the key to a professional retraining as a reflexologist but not necessarily because one thing is certain: retraining does not always rhyme with training.
The best thing to do is to take the time to prepare for your professional retraining by taking stock of your current situation and skills. To do this, calling on an expert in professional development can be an excellent prerequisite. This will expose your strengths and weaknesses in terms of knowledge and skills, and, consequently, your real (personalized) training needs, including the training organization that will meet these needs as precisely as possible.
How to finance your reconversion?
There are different schemes to finance all or part of your retraining.
Employees on permanent contracts, fixed-term contracts or temporary contracts
Personal training account (CPF)
CPF for professional transition
Skills Development Plan
Pro-A work-study promotion
Job seeker
Personal training account (CPF)
Individual Training Assistance (AIF)
Professionalization contract
Interim
Personal training account (CPF)
CPF for professional transition
Professionalization contract
FAFTT (Temporary Work Training Insurance Fund)
Independent
Personal training account (CPF)
FAF (training insurance fund)
Tax credit for the training of business leaders
Official
Personal training account (CPF)
Vocational training leave (VTC)