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The MAR Board

The Massachusetts Association of Reflexology (MAR) is a registered not for profit 501c6 professional member organizations. MAR is an all volunteer organization and operates as an engaging, dynamic, and collaborative professional member  association. MAR acts as a reflexology resource for practitioners, aspiring reflexologists, medical professionals, municipalities and the public at large by promoting and educating the public about reflexology and it’s benefits. MAR maintains standards of educational and professional excellence by offering regular professional development and continuing education opportunities. MAR works to protect the profession of reflexology as a stand-alone complementary care discipline in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.​In 1996, the New England Association of Reflexologists (NEAR) was formed by dedicated professional reflexology practitioners across the region. Over time as the numbers grew by state, NEAR was dissolved and MAR and our sister state organizations were formed. On January 9th, 2005, MAR became the very first state association to affiliate with the Reflexology Association of America (RAA) and we proudly continue that important relationship today.

  • Board of Directors
    President - Barbara Strassman Vice President - Wendy Murrell Secretary - Robyn Burns Treasurer - Cindy Casella
  • Delegates representing MAR to the Reflexology Association of America
    Senior Delegate, Diane Wedge. In addition to her delegate responsibilities, Ms. Wedge serves in the the capacity of Delegate Assembly Coordinator
  • 2015 Profile of a Typical MAR Member
    Learn about our members. In the fall of 2015 our members completed an 80 question survey so that we could get a snapshot of our typical member. Below are our results: The typical MAR member is a 56-year-old female who has been practicing reflexology for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and received 240 hours of initial training before beginning her practice. She is also highly invested in her profession, having spent over 350 hours in continuing education as well as at least 200 hours to be certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) and/or the Reflexology Certification Board (TheRBC). ​ She is a recognized member of MAR as well as the Reflexology Association of America (RAA), having acquired the minimum 300 hours of reflexology training with 180 hours of classroom time and she adheres to her professional organization Code of Ethics, and presents professional attire and comportment. She maintains these memberships in order to be recognized for her professional commitment learn of continuing-education opportunities and stay informed of issues and news about the profession. She also carries liability insurance. ​ The typical MAR member works part time—about 20 hours a week—and sees between 3 to 9 clients per week. She primarily works out of a private studio space in the suburbs, in multiple locations and municipalities, and will often make mobile visits with clients. She only works by appointment. The average session with the MAR member is about 65 minutes, at $66 per hour. With a roster of 9 clients per week, the member makes an annual salary of just over $30,000 gross. ​ Most of her clientele are female, about 55 years old, and referred by another client. Her clients’ top reasons for visiting a reflexologist are stress reduction/relaxation, anxiety/depression, foot pain, insomnia, PTSD, cancer, and “adrenal fatigue”. Clients rest comfortably on a zero gravity recliner or massage table while the reflexologist sits on a stool. During a session, only the clients’ socks and shoes are removed. On the first visit, the MAR member will take a full health history as well as clean and inspect the client’s feet or hands. Afterwards, she always takes the time to carefully document each session. She does not diagnose or treat illness, nor does she make claims that reflexology can cure an ailment. She will direct any health concerns to her clients’ medical provider. She works within her scope of practice.
  • Mission
    The Massachusetts Association of Reflexology (MAR) operates as an engaging, dynamic, and collaborative association by and for its members to promote and educate the public about reflexology. It is a member-driven organization where professional and aspiring reflexologists work together to promote the use and benefits of reflexology and to protect the right to professionally practice Reflexology in Massachusetts.
  • Code of Ethics
    The MAR Code of Ethics is a public statement of the common set of values and principles used to promote and maintain high standards of conduct within the field of reflexology. As a member of the Massachusetts Association of Reflexology, a reflexologist shall: ​ Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct. Provide services in an ethical and professional manner in relation to clientele, business associates, health care professionals, and the public. Practice within the professional boundaries of the practitioner’s training. Ensure client comfort and safety. Protect client privacy. Respect client confidentiality. Maintain anonymity of the client when discussing the client’s case with other professionals, unless written consent is obtained. Adhere to the MAR Standards of Practice. Adhere to the MAR Scope of Practice. Any breach in the Code of Ethics according to the Massachusetts Association of Reflexology would be grounds for termination of official membership and all its benefits.
  • Standards of Practice
    The practice of good ethics is essential to the reputation of the field of reflexology and the welfare of reflexology clients and practitioners of reflexology. The following is a statement of standards and ethics for reflexologists, including standards of ethical and proper behavior. As a member of the Massachusetts Association of Reflexology, a reflexologist shall: ​ Conduct herself/himself in a professional, honest, and ethical manner. Promote the professionalism of reflexology. Establish goals with each client and evaluate the outcome at the end of each session. Promote reflexology within the community. Promote reflexology to health care professionals and other practitioners. Truthfully and accurately represent her/his credentials, qualifications, education, experience, training and competence relevant to the practice of reflexology. Maintain confidentiality of client. Adhere to the MAR Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics.
  • Scope of Practice
    Specific techniques and areas of application define the unique quality of reflexology as opposed to any other practice. The traditional practice of reflexology primarily focuses on the theory of reflex maps and their representation on the feet, hands and outer ears. Reflexology as a manual practice consists of working with specific finger, thumb and hand techniques in order to stimulate reflex points on the feet, hands and outer ears.
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