Codes of Practice & Ethics for Professional Reflexology Members
This Code aims to uphold high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in Reflexology practice, while promoting public confidence in the profession.
Definition:
Reflexology for the purposes of the Professional Reflexology Codes of Practice and Ethics shall be defined as the sedation and/or stimulation of reflexes of the hands and feet using only pressure provided by fingers and thumbs in a manner prescribed by the practitioners training, and the individual needs of the client.
1. General Principles
Members shall skilfully and caringly practice Reflexology for the benefit of the client / patient. Being aware of the client/patient relationship, members shall develop listening skills and practice Reflexology with a caring attitude. The comfort, dignity and welfare of the client/patient shall have priority at all times.
Members shall recognise the unique nature of the individual and shall have respect for all religions, spiritual, political and social views irrespective of race, colour, creed, disability or sex
A member may refuse to give treatment should they believe, for whatever reason, that to do so would not be in the best interest of the client/patient or practitioner, provided that the refusal is carried out professionally.
Members should not speak or write disrespectfully of fellow reflexologists, either publicly or to clients.
Members shall always conduct themselves in an honourable and courteous manner and with due diligence in their relations with their clients and the public. They shall work in a co-operative manner with other health care professionals and recognise and respect their particular contribution within the health care team, irrespective of whether they perform from an allopathic or complementary base.
Members are responsible for continuing their personal and professional development by updating their training and conferring with colleagues with a view to increasing their knowledge and awareness.
Members shall report research findings and clinical experience methodically and honestly. Speculative theories should be clearly described and defined as such.
2. Responsibility towards Clients or Patients
A member shall recognise the responsibility he/she always has towards a client/patient.
The practitioner has a professional responsibility for the client’s safety, comfort, and confidentiality at all times.
During an initial consultation with a client/patient an accurate description of Reflexology should be given.
A statement of fees should be made before commencement of treatment.
Practitioners must maintain accurate, up-to-date records that include:
Client’s name, contact details, and GP’s name if applicable
Relevant medical history and health information provided by the client
Dates and summaries of treatments
Records must be kept securely and in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation.
Case notes may only be used for research, education, or professional development purposes if anonymised and with the client’s informed consent.
If a Member also provides other therapies, they must clearly distinguish these from Reflexology treatments.
All information obtained in professional practice is strictly confidential and must not be shared without explicit client consent unless disclosure is required by law (e.g. safeguarding, court order, or statutory obligation).
The treatment of a client must be holistic.
The treatment of a client/patient shall be holistic.
3. Limitations of Practice
Members shall not:
Diagnose a medical condition
Claim to cure
Use implements or tools as a substitute for manual Reflexology.
Prescribe or administer remedies, herbs, supplements, essential oils or other products unless their training and qualifications entitle them to do so.
A member shall practice only within the limits of his/her professional training and competency. No unqualified advice shall be given.
Members shall not give the impression of medical training or other qualifications unless they possess them
A member who suspects that a client/patient is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, should advise the client to consult their medical practitioner.
A member who suspects that they may be suffering from a communicable condition shall not continue to treat clients until such time as this is shown not to be the case.
4. Publicity
Members shall seek to attract business fairly and professionally at all times.
Advertising shall be moral, ethical, truthful, and remain within the boundaries of this Code of Practice and Ethics.
Publicity shall be confined to drawing attention to the therapy available, the qualifications of the member and the offer of the member’s service(s) together with such details as are necessary for that purpose.
Within member publicity no claim shall be made to cure or diagnose medical conditions.
Members shall not seek to mislead, or to abuse the trust of, existing or potential clients / patients or to exploit any lack of knowledge.
5. The Practitioner
The member must ensure that his/her professional practice is fully covered by insurance against possible claims made against him/her in respect of public liability and malpractice.
The treatment environment must be clean, safe, and appropriately equipped, with access to handwashing and toilet facilities.
Premises and equipment must be regularly sanitised, hygienic and suitable for the practice of reflexology
Members should ensure that they themselves are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practise.
Members shall adhere to, and conduct their practice within, the law both national and local pertaining to the country in which their practice is based.
6. Tutors and Training Standards
Tutors must have a minimum of five years of professional reflexology practice before establishing an accredited Practitioner Training Course.
Assistant tutors must have at least three years of professional experience.
All tutors and training providers affiliated with Professional Reflexology must be qualified members and hold a recognised teaching qualification.
7. Professional Membership and Complaints
This Code complements the ethical requirements of other professional or regulatory bodies with which members may also be affiliated.
Members are encouraged to join relevant national professional associations for other therapies they may practice.
Any complaints or concerns regarding a member’s conduct will be reviewed in accordance with this Code and the organisation’s disciplinary procedures.
