Code of Ethics
As a member of Texas Reflexology Association, a Reflexologist shall communicate with an open mind and a peaceful presence while recognizing that his/her relationship to the client is a serious responsibility. The art and science of Reflexology is an Honorable one. Therefore, as a professional Reflexologist,
I shall:
Maintain the highest standard of professional, honest and ethical behavior at all times.
Work with the best interest of the client in mind.
Establish and maintain trust in the client-practitioner relationship.
Ensure client safety and comfort.
Work within the client’s comfort zone and pain tolerance.
Protect client privacy and trust.
Maintain anonymity of the client when discussing client cases with other professionals, unless written consent is obtained
Regard the client's confidences as inviolable within the constraints of the law.
Perform only those services for which I have been specifically trained.
Not delegate the care of a client to an untrained person or to a practitioner who is not experienced, qualified, or competently trained to provide the necessary service.
Not diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any specific problem or condition unless specifically trained and permitted by law to do so.
Not engage in sexual or other harassment or exploitation of clients, colleagues or anyone under your guidance, tutelage or employ.
Scope of Practice
Reflexology is a science based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body. The physical act of applying specific pressure using the thumb, finger and hand techniques to these reflex areas results in the reduction of stress which promotes physiological changes in the body.
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, chiropractic or other forms of bodywork. 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 with by practitioners 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 “zones” being the operative word. 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 a 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.
Standards of Practice
The practice of good ethics is directed not only toward 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.
- Truthfully and accurately represent your education, training and experience relevant to your practice.
- Communicate with the public in a truthful and accurate manner. Do not use false, inaccurate or misleading information in any personal statements, testimonials, any type of graphic representation, or identification with any professional organization. Any credentials, training, or claims must be verifiable.
- Communicate your individual policies regarding scheduling, fee structure, cancellations, or other business practices, to the client before or at the first appointment.
- Ascertain the client's expectations prior to or before beginning the first session and clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings.
Maintain your office in a professional manner:
- Obtain client consent form, history and client disclosure/informed choice statement before first session begins.
- Document each session.
- Maintain all business records (financial, client, staff) in a current, organized and confidential manner.
- Display appropriate professional certificates and memberships.
- Wear neat and clean professional attire.
- Wash your hands and fingernails thoroughly before and after each session.
Use clean linens for each client.
- Adhere to contraindications guidelines for reflexology.
- Continue to recommend reflexology to an individual only as long as a clear benefit is observed by the client.
- Abide by all federal, state and local 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.
Notify the Board of Directors of TRA if you:
- Are convicted of a crime related to your profession as a reflexologist.
- Continue to practice when you 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.
- Keep the standard of your professional work current and as high as possible by continuing your reflexology education and training, and by attending professional conferences.
- Promote and support the profession of reflexology by participating in local, state or national organizations which promote these standards of ethics and practice for reflexology.
