Standards and Ethics:

The practice of good ethics is not limited to the welfare of the individual client, but also to the reputation of the field of Reflexology. The following is a statement of standards and ethics for Reflexologists, including standards of ethical and proper professional behavior.

Standards of Practice

• Not use any initials after their name which would convey the false impression of advanced degrees or training. Any certification from individual schools or the ARCB must be spelled out. That is "Certified, American Reflexology Certification Board" or "Certified, Int'l. Inst. of Reflexology," etc.
• Truthfully and accurately represent their education, training and experience relevant to their practice.

• Communicate with the public in a a truthful and accurate manner. They must not use false, inaccurate or misleading information through personal statements, testimonials, any type of graphic representation, or identification with any professional organization. Any credentials, training, or claims must be verifiable.

• Make their individual statement policies regarding scheduling, fee structure etc., available to the client at the time of the first appointment.

• Ascertain the client's expectations prior to the first session and clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings.

• Continue to provide reflexology to an individual only as long as a clear benefit is observed by the client.

• Abide by all laws governing reflexology practice.

• Act in the public's best interest when health care and safety are affected by an incompetent, unethical or illegally practicing reflexologist.

• Submit themselves to appropriate action if they:

  • Are convicted of a crime related to their profession as a reflexologist.

  • Continue to practice when they are no longer competent to do so due to physical, mental, or emotional impairment from the abuse of alcohol or other substances.

  • Fail to cooperate with the governing body at any point from the beginning of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings with regards to that complaint.

• Work for the repeal and/or revision of laws which are detrimental to the legitimate practice of reflexology.

• Respect all health care practitioners who operate ethically and help them in their understanding of what reflexology is. Work amicably with these practitioners to promote health and natural healing.

• Maintain your well being in such a way as to promote the professional nature of reflexology.

Code of Ethics

• Work with the best interest of the client in mind.

• Perform only that for which they have been specifically trained.

• Not delegate the care of a client to another reflexologist or untrained person who is not experienced, qualified, or competently trained to provide the necessary service.

• Do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any specific problem or condition unless specifically trained and permitted by the law to do so.

• Not engage in sexual or other harassment of exploitation of clients, colleagues or anyone under their guidance, tutelage or employ.

• Not discriminate against or refuse service to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability or sexual orientation.

• Regard the client's confidences as inviolable within the constraints of the law.

• Support their profession by participating in local, state or national organization which promote these standards of ethics and practice reflexology.

Scope of Practice

This definition gives a general view of the nature of our scope of practice.

The basis of reflexology has a long established tradition, as have many other health care professions. Just as massage practitioners should not infringe on the traditional territory of reflexology by way of regulation or practice, neither should reflexology infringe on the practice of any other modality, be it massage, acupressure, etc. Specific techniques and areas of application define the unique quality of reflexology as opposed to any other practice. This traditional practice of reflexology may seem limiting on the surface, but it is what allows the practitioners the freedom to practice their profession without interfering with or being interfered by practitioner of other professions.

To adequately define reflexology, parameters must be set as to where on the client's anatomy the reflexologist can work. Tradition aside; the definition of reflexology states that "there are zones and reflex areas...etc." With the operative word "zones." While these zones exist throughout the body, they are most accessible within the feet and hands. To practice reflexology on areas other than the hands, feet and referral areas, would constitute infringement on the territory of other health-care practitioners.

Reflexology is hands-on-practice. Client safety as well as efficacy of application can best be served by the use of the practitioner's hands, fingers, and thumbs. Tactile sensory feedback is one of the major principles governing the practitioner's awareness of subtle changes that may indicate areas to be investigated. 

The use of oils, lotions, and creams before or during the application of reflexology is strongly discouraged as its use only serves to blur the lines between reflexology and massage as well as interfering with sensory feedback.

The desire of Reflexologists to employ every method at their disposal to help their clients is well understood. Mixing modalities, however, carries with it the added responsibility of being fully trained, licensed, and/or certified in whatever auxiliary system is employed. In addition, the practitioner has the added responsibility of making the client fully aware of the fact that the services provided include modalities that are outside of the reflexology scope of practice.