170-Hour Reflexology Certification
There will not be a 2017 training.
2018 Dates to be Announced
with Jim Williams, MAR
“Reflexology is for everybody! It is a safe and highly effective therapy that restores balance and facilitates well being.”
Jim Williams, MAR
Jim Williams’s Reflexology Certification Program is a comprehensive course of study that prepares students to take their place as professionals in the field of reflexology. Each Level builds on the theory and practice of the previous classes, providing ample opportunities for discussion and reflection. The certification specifically emphasizes the therapeutic and holistic nature of reflexology. Please note: You do not have to be a massage therapist to take this training.
We request prospective students to fill out an application for this training. Please download Application, complete and mail, or save as a PDF and email to SFSOM. Contact info is on the application.
We invite you to watch these two short videos and meet Jim Williams.
Reflexology Certification
Course Aim: To provide a comprehensive program of study that will lead to certification and career in reflexology. Please note that the bulleted items in the following program description are a guide to what is covered in each Level.
Unless otherwise stated, each module, or “ Level ” as they are referred to, will include 16-hours of instruction, taught over 2 days (Friday and Saturday), and 6 – 7 hours of supervised practice on one day (Sunday).
Classroom Instruction: 134 hours
Includes 18 hours of Supervised Practice and 20 hours of Clinic
External Study: 36 hours
“Case Studies” – students will commence after Level 2.
Tuition: $2800
$150 deposit to hold your place will be applied to the last weekend if you are on a payment plan.
Level descriptions
Please note that the exact number of hours spent on theory vs. practice depends on the Level. In general, the mornings are used for discussion, and theory, while the afternoons are utilized for practice. Sundays will always be practice days.
Level 1: An Introduction to Reflexology
At the end of this module students will:
- Understand the history, fundamental theories, and philosophies of reflexology
- Have been introduced to hand and foot charts, diagrams, and visual aids relating to reflexology theory, and practice
- Have observed a demonstration of a “full” reflexology foot treatment, and understand that a “sequence” is used in treating clients
- Be able to demonstrate the opening movements on both feet, and treat the reflexes on the right foot that correspond to the upper transverse zones (the neck, head, shoulders, sinuses, solar plexus and thyroid)
- Understand, and practice correct reflexology body mechanics (caterpillar walk, rotation, posture, draining, release, use of fingers/thumb etc)
- Understand basic anatomy and physiology, through an overview of all the systems of the human body, and how reflexology interacts with those systems
Level 2: Reflexology – Building a Bigger Picture / Treatment of the Spinal Reflexes
At the end of this module students will:
- Be able to conduct a simple client consultation, recognize/record conditions, provide constructive feedback, and treat accordingly
- Be able to use and develop a Client Treatment Record
- Have observed a demonstration of a full foot reflexology treatment that focuses on the spinal reflexes of the right foot
- Be able to demonstrate the closing movements, and treatment of the spinal reflexes on the right foot
- Be able to treat corresponding spinal reflexes on the hands, and have practiced the sequence relating to these reflexes
- Be able to demonstrate the skills and techniques taught in Level 1, but continue treatment from the lung reflexes, through to the reproductive area
- Understand basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, the structure of the spine, vertebrae, and skeletal/muscular systems
- Be provided with the necessary forms to start practice consultations/ record treatments, and Case Studies
- Commence their Case Studies, and Treatment Logs
Level 3: The Role of Reflexology in Digestion and Detoxification
At the end of this module students will:
- Understand the importance of diet, nutrition, and elimination of toxins from the body
- Demonstrate a full foot reflexology treatment of the right foot, with understanding of the digestive/renal reflexes on both feet.
- Learn and demonstrate hand reflexology of the digestive /renal reflexes in conjunction with treatment of reflexes learned in previous levels
- Know how to identify and treat potential “blockages” in these systems
- Have considered and discussed diseases of the digestive system, and reflexology treatment for different conditions
- Have discussed and understand contraindications in greater detail
- Have learned, and demonstrated how the reflexes of the right foot relate to those of the left
- Understand basic anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, and digestive/renal systems
- Will submit their practice consultation/treatment notes to the tutor for review. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their Case Studies, and progress with practice treatments/and records
- Continue work on their Case Studies
Level 4: Reflexology – Taking it to Heart
At the end of this module students will:
- Understand how stress and lifestyle affect the human body to cause “dis-ease”
- Understand contra indications, disorders of the feet, and when and how to treat a client
- Be able to demonstrate a full treatment of both feet, with focus on those reflexes relating to the circulatory and lymph systems (lymph, heart, spleen, etc)
- Be able to demonstrate hand reflexology for the reflexes learned in this level
- Consider emotions, stress, and heart health
- Be able to link reflexology knowledge and practice on the right foot, to the left foot. Demonstrate the “symmetry” of organs/reflexes, and extension of the transverse colon, for example.
- Be able to identify, and record the reflex points learned in previous levels.
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and lymphatic systems
- Will submit their practice consultation/treatment notes to the tutor for review. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their Case Studies, and progress with practice treatments/and records
- Continue work on their Case Studies
Level 5: Reflexology- Working in Harmony
At the end of this module students will:
- Be able to recognize imbalances in the endocrine system, and how to restore homeostasis through reflexology
- Have discussed and learned how reflexology compliments other allopathic and “alternative” therapies/treatments
- Have learned about different approaches/types of reflexology (vertical, chi, etc)
- Be able to provide treatment specific to the needs and conditions of the client, and demonstrate a full hand and foot treatment without the use of sequence notes or video tracking
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive, systems. Disease, disorders and contraindications related to them will also be considered
- Have developed their own treatment style and plan specific to the client’s needs
- Will be able to use skill and intuition to feel skin tone, crystallization, or areas where “blockages” can be sensed
- Know which other reflexes on the hands and feet relate to specific conditions in the respiratory, endocrine and reproductive systems
- Will submit their practice consultation/treatment notes to the tutor for review. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their Case Studies, and progress with practice treatments/and records
- Continue work on their Case Studies
Level 6: Reflexology – Practice and Professionalism
At the end of this module students will:
- Know how to establish a reflexology practice
- Have reviewed and understand the law, insurance, fiscal obligations, code of ethics, and level of professionalism that accompanies reflexology certification
- Understand the importance of Health and Safety in reflexology
- Know how to promote reflexology, conduct research, and educate a wider population
- Be able to demonstrate a full hand and foot reflexology treatment, and guide fellow students through select sections of the treatment
- Have reviewed, and have a clear understanding of the anatomy and physiology of all major body systems, and special senses
- Understand anatomy and physiology of the skin, and special senses
- Know how to implement and utilize the practical skills acquired through this course of study to give a full hand and foot reflexology treatment from start to finish (including client consultation, reflex record mapping, treatment of reflexes relating to client conditions, recommendations, etc)
- Understand anatomy and physiology of all body systems, and be able to explain the theory and concepts behind the practice of reflexology. To have tested themselves in this knowledge
- Submit and be able to discuss their completed Case Studies/Treatment Log folder
- Be prepared to establish their own practice, and become members of a reflexology association if they so wish
- Sit all necessary internal and external examinations
- Graduate successfully from the program
We request prospective students to fill out an application for this training. Please download Application, complete and mail, or save as a PDF and email to SFSOM. Contact info is on the application.
Instructor: Jim Williams, MAR is a certified reflexologist who qualified from the Practitioners’ School of Reflexology in London, England, in 1997. He is a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AOR) and works to their high standards, and code of ethics. As a full member of the Association, Jim is able to use MAR after his name. Jim has been practicing reflexology in Santa Fe for the past 17 years, and has written and developed a comprehensive reflexology certification program. Jim has an affinity for reflexology and considers it an honor to represent and promote this noble therapy wherever he lives. In addition to reflexology, Jim is a qualified teacher and has been employed in different educational settings for the past thirty-five years. He recently retired from the Santa Fe Public Schools. Jim is fluent in Spanish, and has lived and worked in Mexico, Japan and England.
Program Revised – July 2016 – Copyright © – Jim Williams