Reflexology is one of the fastest growing holistic therapies now gaining worldwide acceptance. It is based on the scientific principle that every organ in the body is reflected in certain reflexes in the feet.

The feet are a microcosm of the human body. By manipulating the reflex areas on the feet, energy congestion in the body is released. Correct stimulation of the feet reflexes, while the client is relaxed, improves the energy flow and the blood supply.

This results in an overall feeling of well-being and this enables the body to function efficiently. Reflexology is a completely safe, natural aid to restoring the body's healthy balance.

• Theory of Reflexology
• Meridians & the five element chart
• Counselling skills
• Practise management & code of ethics
• Location of reflexes & mapping of the feet
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Basic understanding of the pathological disease process
• Conditions which should not be treated by Reflexology
• Recognition of states of health & ill health
• A working knowledge of the structure and functions of the human body
• Advanced techniques
• Current theories
• Procedures & techniques
• History of reflexology
• Detailed knowledge of the charts
• Reflexology & stress

1. Introduction to reflexology.
   1. Explain the history of reflexology.

1. Describe a working definition for the practice of reflexology.
2. Explore the concept of reflexology today.
3. Discuss stress and reflexology.
4. Identify the importance of touch.
5. List the qualities of a good healer.

1. Meridians.
   1. Explore an introduction to meridians.
   2. Identify the pathway and disorders of the heart meridian.
   3. Identify the pathway and disorders of the bladder meridian.
   4. Identify the pathway and disorders of the small intestine meridian.
   5. Identify the pathway and disorders of the stomach meridian.
2. Cells and Tissues and the Skin.
   1. Describe the general characteristics of a composite cell.
   2. Describe the cell nucleus and its parts.
   3. Explain how substances move through cell membranes.
   4. Describe the life cycle of a cell.
   5. Describe the general characteristics of connective tissue.
   6. List the types of connective tissue that occurs in the body.
   7. Describe the structure of the various layers of the skin.
   8. List three general functions of each layer of the skin.
   9. Explore how body temperature is regulated.
   10. Describe the accessory organs associated with the skin.
3. Support and movement systems of the body - Skeletal system.
   1. Describe the general structure of a bone and list functions performed by these parts.
   2. Explore the four major categories of bones.
   3. Define some of the common anatomical terms associated with the skeletal system.
   4. Explore the vertebral column (spine).
   5. Discuss the functions of the thorax.
4. Support and movement systems of the body - Muscular system.
   1. Identify and describe the locations of major skeletal muscles.
   2. Explain how the positions of skeletal muscles are related to the movements they produce and how muscles interact to produce these movements.
   3. List three types of muscle tissue.
   4. List the parts of a muscle fibre and the function performed by each part.
   5. Distinguish between a muscle's origin and its insertion.
5. Integration and co-ordination systems - Nervous system.
   1. Describe the general structure of a neuron.
   2. Name the major parts of the brain and describe the function of each part.
   3. Name the cranial nerves and list their major functions.
   4. Distinguish between the parasympathetic and sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
6. Integration and co-ordination systems - Endocrine system.
   1. Explore the characteristics of the major endocrine glands.
   2. Describe the general functions of the hormones secreted by endocrine glands.
   3. Explain the 28-day menstrual cycle in females.
   4. Explore the various diabetic conditions and processes.
7. Integration and co-ordination systems - Special senses.
   1. Describe the structure of the eye.
   2. Explain the function of the eye.
   3. Describe the structure of the ear.
   4. Explain the function of the ear.
8. Processing and transporting functions - Digestive system.
   1. Name and describe the essential foodstuffs needed on a daily basis.
   2. Describe the general function of the various digestive organs.
   3. Describe the functions of the liver.
   4. Describe the structure of the alimentary canal wall.
   5. Explain how the contents of the alimentary canal are mixed and moved.
   6. Discuss the swallowing mechanism.
9. Processing and transporting functions - Respiratory system.
   1. Describe the functions of the key organs of the respiratory system.
   2. Explain how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air and the blood.
   3. Identify some of the common disorders of the respiratory system.
10. Processing and transporting functions - Circulatory system.
    1. Identify the components that make up blood.
    2. Describe the primary functions of the blood.
    3. Name and describe the locations of the major parts of the heart and discuss the functions of each part.
    4. Explore the notion of blood circulation within the human body.
11. Processing and transporting functions - Lymphatic system
    1. Explain the general function of the lymphatic system.
    2. Explore a lymph node and its major functions.
    3. Discuss the functions of the thymus.
    4. Describe the functions of the spleen.
12. Processing and transporting functions - Urinary system.
    1. Name the organs of the urinary system and list the general functions.
    2. Describe the location and structure of the kidneys.
    3. List the functions of the kidneys.
    4. Describe a nephron and explain the function of its major parts.
    5. Describe the structure of the ureters, urinary bladder and urethra.
13. The reproductive system.
    1. Name the parts of the male reproductive system and describe the functions of each part.
    2. Name the parts of the female reproductive system and discuss the functions of each part.
    3. Review the structure of the mammary glands.
14. Understanding the pathological disease process.
    1. Describe the study of pathology.
    2. Identify the three groups of specialised tissue cells.
    3. Explore the factors that cause Atrophy.
    4. Explore the factors that cause Hypertrophy.
    5. Discuss neoplasms within the human body.
15. Anatomy of the subtle body.
    1. Describe what is meant by the subtle body.
    2. Discuss the aspects that characterise the Etheric body.
    3. Discuss the aspects that characterise the Emotional body.
    4. Discuss the aspects that characterise the Astral body.
    5. Explore the structure of the Chakra system.
16. Stress related illnesses.
    1. Explore the concept of stress.
    2. Identify the primary areas of the human body that are affected by stress.
    3. Describe the characteristics of 'burnout'.
    4. Discuss the importance of managing stress.
    5. Explain how stress affects the immune system.
17. Value of sound nutrition to the therapist.
    1. Discuss the five basic considerations for good health.
    2. Explore the factors that contribute to a good diet.
    3. Explain how protein affects our health and stress levels.
    4. Explain how carbohydrates affect our health and stress levels.
    5. Explain how fat affects our health and stress levels.
    6. Explain how vitamins and minerals affect our health and stress levels.
    7. Explain how water affects our health and stress levels.
18. Zones of the body.
    1. Explore the ten energy zones of the human body.
    2. Discuss the main characteristics of the respiratory system.
    3. Discuss the main characteristics of the skeletal system.
    4. Discuss main characteristics of the digestive system.
    5. Discuss main characteristics of the endocrine system.
    6. Discuss main characteristics of the lymphatic system.
    7. Discuss main characteristics of the urinary system.
    8. Discuss main characteristics of the reproductive system.
19. Client contact.
    1. Identify the aspects associated with initial client contact.
    2. Describe the procedure of for taking a client history.
    3. Identify the importance of treatment facilities.
20. Reflex - relaxation.
    1. Explore the initial concerns before client treatment can begin.
    2. Identify the four basic working techniques.
    3. Discuss toe rotation.
    4. Describe wringing the foot.
    5. Explain ankle rotation.
21. Basic reflexology techniques.
    1. Explore the basic holding technique.
    2. Describe the basic thumb technique.
    3. Identify the index finger technique.
    4. Discuss the hooking technique.
    5. Explain reflex rotation.
    6. Explore some of the common ailments of the foot.
22. Treatment processes.
    1. Introduce the treatment process.
    2. Describe the reflexes of the left and right feet.
    3. Identify the reflexes that need attention when dealing with common ailments.
23. Organs and related conditions
    1. Discuss some of the more common reflexology techniques.
    2. Identify the importance of the Solar Plexus with respect to reflexology.
    3. Explore the characteristics of the adrenal and lumbar reflex regions.
    4. Identify and describe the treatment processes for kidney stones and gout.
24. Situations and conditions.
    1. Explore some of the normal responses that a client may have to reflexology.
    2. List the symptoms and treatment area for candida.
    3. List the symptoms and treatment area for cystitis.
    4. List the symptoms and treatment area for diabetes.
    5. List the symptoms and treatment area for migraine.
    6. List the symptoms and treatment area for depression.
    7. List the symptoms and treatment area for vertigo.
25. Starting a business
    1. Describe the importance of the self-assessment questionnaire when considering whether or not to set up a business.
    2. Discuss measures that can be employed to analyse the questionnaire.
    3. Identify a procedure that can be used to assess the viability of setting up a therapy practice as a business opportunity.
26. Codes and ethics
    1. Explore the codes and ethics a practitioner should abide by towards their clients.