Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Reflexologist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Reflexology is based on the belief that points in the feet and hands are joined to all the major organs and parts of the body by 'energy pathways'.
A reflexologist works with clients to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries and chronic back pain.
Work would involve:
- Explaining the treatment to the client
- Taking a medical history which covers issues such as health, diet and lifestyle
- Examining the client’s feet and hands for possible ‘blockages’ and problem areas
- Applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client’s feet and hands
- Keeping treatment records
- Referring clients to their GP, if necessary.
Practitioners may focus just on reflexology, or combine this with other complementary therapies, such as massage therapy.
Further Information
- Reflexologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Reflexologist
People in this job role need to have good communication and listening skills. You would also need to have good co-ordination and be able to work accurately with your hands.
Interests - Reflexologist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Reflexologist
There are a number of recognised courses that can help you get into this work, from Level 5 to diploma, degree and postgraduate qualifications.
Qualifications are essential if you wish to work as a therapist in the spa sector. Courses in Beauty Therapy and Complementary Therapy can help you get started. Level 4, 5 & 6 courses can be found at the Further Education Institutes (e.g Beauty Therapy) and ETB centres nationally. Level 7 & level 8 Degree Programmes are available in related Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality areas, See also: list of hospitality courses from getalifeintourism.
Irish Massage Therapists Association
National Association of Reflexologists
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: beauty therapy, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: holistic body massage, personal trainer with sports massage, sports injury and massage therapy, alternative health and wellbeing therapies, beauty, complementary therapies.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, health and Leisure with massage, recreation and leisure management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Reflexologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €36k - €36k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. Salary & income may vary if in sessional or full time private practice, allied to other disciplines of therapy.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Payscale
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Reflexologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech and language therapists, Therapy professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).
Employment in this occupation has been growing annually since 2022, with an additional 1,200 persons employed since 2023. Over three-quarters of those employed were women and almost a third were working part-time.
Employment permits issued spanned various therapist roles (e.g. physio, occupational, speech & language) and chiropractors. The delivery of Sláintecare, particularly in terms of community care and mental health services, will require additional staffing in these occupations as will the Education Therapy Service outlined above.
The number of awards relating to therapy and rehabilitation have remained stable in recent years, at approximately 1,200 awards annually between 2019 and 2023; with enrolments levels largely unchanged in recent years, output is not expected to increase in the short-term.
A new tertiary occupational therapy degree was announced in May 2025, although the number of places is unlikely to be sufficient to meet demand.
Although demand is evident, the numbers employed in each of the therapy categories are too small to allow for detailed analysis and to determine the extent to which shortages exist. A new workforce plan, as detailed in the Programme for Government, will help to determine the extent to which shortages are occurring in these roles.
Shortage:
Inconclusive
Useful Contacts - Reflexologist
-
Association of Registered Complimentary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI)
- Ballydaniel, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
- 087 316 8381
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Reflexologists' Institute
- Tara House, 1. Preston Place, 38. Trimgate Street, Navan, Co. Meath
- 085 2153475
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Federation of Holistic Therapists
- 18 Shakespeare Business Centre, Hathaway Close, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4SR, England
- +44 (0)23 8062 4350
- [email protected]
- Click Here
