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Reflexology Therapist

Reflexology therapists apply varying degrees of finger pressure to specific points on a localized area such as feet, hands or ears to improve client’s health and well-being.

Also Known As

Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Complementary Therapist, Reflexologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 3232.6: Reflexologists

2006 NOC-S

  • D232: Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing

2011 NOC

  • 3232: Practitioners of natural healing

2016 NOC

  • 3232: Practitioners of natural healing

2021 NOC

  • 32209: Other practitioners of natural healing

2023 OaSIS

  • 32209.04: Reflexologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Reflexology is a natural health science. It is based on the principle that specific zones and reflex points in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ in the body. Reflexology therapists apply pressure to the feet, hands and ears to affect change in other parts of the body. Therapists 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:

  • ask questions about the client’s medical history, physical condition, lifestyle and preferences
  • assess the client’s physical, mental and emotional health
  • apply gentle pressure with thumbs and fingers to stimulate specific reflex points or areas (the actual pressure varies depending on the client and the client’s responses to pressure)
  • identify and record reflex sensitivities
  • provide feedback to the client
  • suggest what clients could do (self-care) to support their own well-being

discuss a plan and schedule further sessions.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

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. Hours of work vary depending on the therapist’s practice, but generally include evenings and weekends.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Reflexologists

2006 NOC: 3232.6

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
SOCIAL

Interest in analyzing information provided by patients to determine appropriate pressure points for applying reflexology techniques

INNOVATIVE

Interest in manipulating specific areas of patients' hands and feet by applying finger pressure to appropriate spots to promote well-being

METHODICAL

Interest in assisting patients with their health conditions by providing an alternative form of health care through the application of reflexology methods and techniques

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Reflexology therapists need:

  • an interest in working with people on a one-to-one basis
  • a willingness to make direct physical contact with clients
  • a genuine interest in clients’ well-being
  • fitness and stamina
  • strong hands
  • the ability to speak and listen well
  • the ability to inspire trust from others
  • respect for other people’s opinions, beliefs, customs and values
  • the desire to improve their skills on an ongoing basis.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Practitioners of natural healing

2016 NOC: 3232

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 43 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 29, 2022 and Mar 27, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Provide other alternative forms of health care to patients
Tasks: Diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them
Work under pressure
Construction Specialization: Reliability
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills
Construction Specialization: Client focus
Construction Specialization: Organized
Attention to detail
Tasks: Manipulate or apply pressure to various parts of the body, hands and feet
Construction Specialization: Judgement
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Minimum Education Varies

There is no standard education for reflexology therapists. Self-employed reflexology therapists may need a municipal business licence, annual police security clearance or 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 types of environments.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Certification Not Regulated

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, the continuing education departments of post-secondary schools) offer personal interest and certification courses in reflexology. 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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Many reflexology therapists are self-employed, work part-time and offer additional services (such as reiki or iridology).

They may work in:

  • chiropractic offices
  • hospices
  • palliative care homes
  • physiotherapy clinics
  • private homes
  • spas or wellness centres

Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger client base.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 3232: Practitioners of natural healing occupational group, 87.0% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 3232: Practitioners of natural healing occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Reflexology therapists’ incomes vary. Incomes depend on the number of hours they work and their overhead costs (such as the cost of renting space in a clinic or salon).

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

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, 2018. 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.

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