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Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Complementary Therapist, Reflexologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Reflexology is a natural health therapy. It is based on the principle that specific zones and reflex points in the feet, hands, and ears correspond to other parts of the body. Reflexology therapists apply pressure to these specific zones and points to affect changes in the corresponding parts of the body. They strive to supplement conventional medicine, not replace it.
Reflexology sessions usually take about an hour. Clients may sit in a special chair or lay on a massage table fully clothed. Only the body part that’s being worked on is exposed.
In general, reflexology therapists:
Most reflexology therapists are independent workers with offices in varying locations, including their own homes. Some provide mobile services where they travel directly to clients. Reflexology therapists can also be found in a variety of integrative health clinics. They work alongside other health professionals such as chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists.
Hours of work vary depending on the therapist’s practice, but generally include evenings and weekends.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Reflexologists
2023 OaSIS: 32209.04
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Reflexology therapists need:
They should enjoy working with people and studying information to determine suitable techniques.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 76 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 29, 2022 and Sep 21, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients | 38 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions | 35 |
| Tasks: Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet | 28 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 28 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 27 |
| Chinese medicine | 26 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 26 |
| Work under pressure | 26 |
| Attention to detail | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 23 |
There is no standard education for reflexology therapists. Self-employed reflexology therapists may need a municipal business licence, annual police security clearance, CPR, and First Aid training.
See the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada website for education and insurance opportunities and information.
Before enrolling in a reflexology course or program, prospective reflexology therapists should discuss their training options with several practising reflexology therapists who are working in different settings.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
The practice of reflexology is not regulated in Alberta. However, reflexology therapists must be registered with a recognized professional association for their clients to be reimbursed for the cost of reflexology services through extended health-care benefits plans. Registration with a professional association requires certification.
A variety of agencies such as private vocational schools, school boards, and the continuing education departments of post-secondary schools offer personal interest courses in reflexology. Some offer certification. Courses are advertised in continuing education brochures and newspapers. However, not all courses or programs are recognized or approved by professional associations.
See the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) website for more information on the Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT™) designation and the Continuing Education Credit and Professional Development program.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Many reflexology therapists are self-employed, work part-time, and offer additional services such as reiki or iridology.
They may work in:
Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger client base.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Practitioners of natural healing
2016 NOC: 3232
87.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Reflexology therapists’ incomes vary. Earnings depend on experience, training, location, services provided, number of hours worked, and overhead, such as the cost of renting space in a clinic or salon. Most reflexologists are self-employed or work on a contract basis, so their incomes are usually session-based, rather than wage or salary based.
Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association website: www.nhpcanada.org
Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) website: www.reflexologycanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
