Clinical Reflex/General Reflex???

[luxyfoxy]

Hi all reflexologists. What is the difference between Clinical Reflexology and General Reflexology I have just been asked that by a client and not sure what the answer is.Thanks

 

[gamesixekttu]

Hi,

I would say clinical reflexexology would be treatment in an area such as in a hopspital where clients/patients are suffering from a certain type of condition.

Not really sure how to define 'general reflexology'! After all, everyone is different and the treatment would be individual to that client.

I expect someone else on this forum may be able to put it much more succinctly than that!

Maggie xx

 

[Cunuedania]

Thanks for replying so fast. I'll give her that answer anyway when she comes back to me.

 

[The Engineer]

Interesting, I believe that reflexology is reflexology but my thoughts are that its how the particular therapist uses reflexology, for example my practice has developed from work that I did in trauma and loss so therefore my treatments are simply focussed more on a spiritual and emotional level. Client willing, I may bring in other forms of healing at the same time, to relax and balance the mind, body and spirit. Perhaps a clinical approach may be focussed more on the body level to bring about the balance of mind and sprit, this type of approach may be better understood by allopathic health professionals so it may fit better within a clinical setting.

 

[Fancy Pants]

Re your question what is the difference between a clinical reflexologist and a general reflexologist. The reason why people started to put clinical is because there were so many reflexogists coming out of college with an itsy bitsy qualification that most of the recognised reflexology organisations did not accept. I have qualified with several and also did a cancer diploma at Christies Hospital in manchester in conjunct with Salford University. Take a look at my web site francoisgarcia.net which lists all my qualifications. Until some of these unrecognised qualifications are taken to task, and I know as I got one before having to take better ones, because non of the reflexology organisations would accept me, there will be this decrepancy. I also am unhappy that some people choose to work for free in hospitals, as how can we be recognise if this is going on. I cannot eat for free, nurses or doctors even the cleaners get paid, so doing it for free is making a mockery of our profession. Until we are truly validated and recognised, there will be clinical and ordinary, but look to the qualifications, and that will show if this is a recongnised person, and not a beauty therapist.

 

[shevy]

Dr Shipman was both eminently qualified and a member of a prestige organisation, he used this to murder his patients, if you wish to align yourself in this way then that is your choice.

Qualifications do not make good therapists, they only show the therapist has attended some form of training; letters after their names only show they pay a yearly fee to some trade organisation, the only way you know if a therapist is good or bad is to try them out for yourself, the proof of the cake is always in the eating, not in the presentation.

 

[Shark datrican]

Hi,

I have a fully recognised qualification with the AOR but I would not describe myself as a clinical reflexologist. I would if I worked as a reflexologist in a hospital or clinical (not in a beauty therapy 'clinic') area, paid, or unpaid. I don't really see it as demeaning if I offered treatments free. That would be a personal choice. Yes, doctors and nurses are paid but they do have far higher qualifications than most reflexologists have, and the attendant responsibility and accountability in their vigorously regulated profession.

I agree with you about the therapists who have only touched on the subject and then practice but this will only be overcome when reflexology becomes a subject for higher education rather than further education as it is now. That will be some time away, if it happens atall and will only happen after reflexology is fully regulated, whenever that will be!

Maggie xx

 

[FrancesG]

Yes, doctors and nurses are paid but they do have far higher qualifications than most reflexologists have, and the attendant responsibility and accountability in their vigorously regulated profession.[/quote]That is true, but reflexologists are still professionals and their treatments have a value.

In my experience, many therapists who offered their services free to hospitals or hospices were newly qualified and used this time to gain experience until they were able to establish a client base and achieve a level of income.

Paul - most good training courses are there to educate. I work with cancer patients and have attended courses in cancer care and palliative care in both reflexology and aromatherapy. I know that this knowledge has made me better able to treat my clients' very specific needs.[/quote]

 

[Becaa Fisher]

Hi Aromababe,

Yes, I agree, reflexologists and other complementary therapists have a tremendous value, but we are self employed and what I was saying is that it is their choice if they want to give some treatments free. I, personally, could not financially afford to do this. Our level three reflexology diplomas are worth about two 'A' levels whereas nurses have higher education diplomas or degrees. I think, perhaps, you mean that they should not expect us to give reflexology treatments free because we have what some may perceive as a lesser qualification!!! I agree this is unacceptable and demeaning and is an attitude which needs to change.

I would love to be able to offer reflexology at my place of work (I am a registered nurse) but am not allowed to because it is not a regulated, scientifically proven therapy!! Ludicrous! Anyway, even if I was able to offer treatments the patients would probably not be able to afford it!

Until there is full regulation it will always be 'them and us' which is totally unfair.

Maggie xx

 

[Zee]

perhaps it doesn't happen so much in the UK but in the States, you get many doctors who work private and also give their time freely to those who need it. There is nothing wrong with giving to someone without expecting payment

 

[cfejauccisjisrewp]

Agree and I do it often, but it has to be the therapist's choice and not the fact that the health service don't consider the therapies important enough to pay for them.

 

[Hovis]

Cody's question was about the difference between clinical and general reflexology. Well, reflexology being an unregulated profession you can call yourself what you like. Of course, there is different styles of reflexology, but to call oneself a clinical reflexologist is just an ego trip. I practice oriental style reflexology because I use oriental technique (Thai & Chinese) as well as western, but I still call myself a reflexologist, not an oriental reflexologist.

Also, as for the quality of reflexology i.e. in a clinical situation by a diploma graduate or by a beauty therapist who did a weekend workshop, the quality will soon stand out, and people will vote with their feet (if you pardon the pun).

Best Wishes

Reflex Pixie