What is Clinical Reflexology?

Our use of this term is related to the type of treatment provided by the reflexologist and the type of people treated.  The emphasis on ‘clinical’ is on what the practitioner does rather than where they do it.

A Clinical Reflexologist is trained to work safely on people with medical problems without prior written or verbal permission from the doctor and can be insured to do this.  However, Clinical Reflexologists will always seek to work with, and refer back to, whenever required, the client’s doctor and can be considered to be part of the client’s healthcare team.

Clinical reflexology recognises that in order to ascertain whether a person is contraindicated or not, a level of diagnosis is first required.  A diagnostic assessment must be made before and during the initial consultation and during the first session in order to formulate a treatment plan for each client.

CAR members will recognise that diagnosis is an integral part of their practice and that this is a reflexology-oriented diagnosis presented within a complementary medical framework.  However, they will also appreciate that although their training is extensive it does not give the ability to deliver this diagnosis in allopathic terms without the required conventional medical qualifications.  Added to the opportunity to treat the wider range of conditions that practicing clinical reflexology accommodates, comes the greater responsibility to ensure best possible practice in the areas of health and safety, hygiene and general regulations.

When we receive applications for membership we look for the level and quality of education and training rather than where the reflexologist is employed or has worked.  Often these are linked but just because one has managed to obtain work at a hospice does not mean they have been trained to work with people with cancer. Equally, a reflexologist who currently practices at a hairdressers or beauty salon may well have the skills and experience to safely and effectively administer reflexology to people with serious illness.

Using this definition of clinical reflexology and catering specifically for such practitioners has meant we are now attracting like-minded members from all over the UK and also have a growing international representation.