Recognised qualification.

Level 5 Course content

• Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Reflexology

  Studied to Level 4, we take a holistic and applied approach to understanding how our bodies are organised, and how they work. We focus on stress and the physical and psychological effects it has on us, and we consider how our body will strive to naturally bring itself back into balance and what we can do to encourage this. We also look at healthy eating as part of our module on the digestive system, as good health cannot be achieved if we do not first consider how we are fuelling ourselves. Assessment is mainly by workbooks and a few essays. There is no end of year exam!

• Reflexology Skills in Practice

  In this module you are introduced to your toolkit of reflexology techniques and skills. We discuss and analyse theories of how reflexology works, and you undertake 6 observed practicals. Clinical skills (e.g. communication, ethics and professionalism) are thoroughly covered.

• Incremental Development of Applied Reflexology Skills in Practice

  This module further develops your skills and techniques. You will give 100 treatments outside of class hours, and write them up as case studies, providing detailed rationale and analysis. This is all about developing you as a practitioner and you will learn further varied and advanced techniques. This module will include hand reflexology, linking and other energy techniques, light touch reflexology, "Inner Intent" reflexology, and so much more.

• Business Skills for Reflexology Practice

  In this module you will write a business plan, choose a name and logo, and draft leaflets and content for a website, as well as set up a cash flow forecast. We cover legal requirements for running your own business so that by the time the course is completed your new reflexology business is up and running.

• Providing Reflexology for Specific Conditions

  Within this module we evaluate existing research in reflexology and what makes a good piece of research, plus you propose your own reflexology research. We look at reflexology throughout a person’s lifespan, from using reflexology with babies and children, through issues of fertility, maternity and menopause, to palliative and cancer care. As part of our palliative sessions, we spend a day in the Complementary Therapy Department at Claire House Children's Hospice and find out how they use complementary therapies to support the children and their families. This complementary therapy service was set up at the hospice by a graduate of the Gaia School of Natural Health and we are thrilled to provide many of their volunteers and work so closely with them.

• Additional Gaia School modules

  Each Level 5 school provides their own additional topics, dependent on the specialisms of the tutors. As well as additional specialist techniques in fertility and maternity work, Gaia learners benefit from Carolyn's knowledge and interests in energy techniques. As a Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Therapist and Sound Healing Practitioner, Carolyn brings many additional energy based aspects to the course. These include:

  • introduction to working with subtle energy in reflexology, including how to protect yourself (half day),
  • chakra balancing (half day),
  • using meridians in reflexology (full day workshop),
  • and a short introduction to crystals etc.

  The Gaia School also has a specialist emphasis on advanced musculoskeletal techniques (one and half day workshops). We include special protocols on how to work with foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, and we provide an introduction to Adapted ReflexTherapy techniques (AdRx), developed by physio Gunnel Berry, which can be used on clients experiencing spinal pain and the effects of whiplash injuries. These techniques have been found to be measurably effective in increasing spinal mobility and reducing pain.

  You will also have the option of attending a workshop certifying you to use aromatherapy essential oils in your reflexology treatments, and a workshop on crystal reflexology: selecting and working with crystals in your reflexology session.

How much study time is required and how will I be assessed?

Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology has a minimum number of contact hours of 160 over an academic year. You will be required to complete 100 case study treatments outside of class-time and 6 observed practical assessments within class. Learners should be expected to undertake approximately 10-15 hours per week of self-study (including case studies).

The course is assessment based so there are no written exams to sit.