FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reflexology Association of California (RAC)?
RAC is a nonprofit state professional reflexology organization that promotes the scientific and professional advancement of the study and art of reflexology and the safety of the public on behalf of its members and society. Membership in RAC is open to all reflexologists and other interested parties regardless of educational program attended or techniques used or location.
Is it possible to join your association and/or do I need a recommendation from another association or school?
Anyone can join RAC. Those who wish to be a member of RAC must make an application for official recognition and acceptance; no recommendation is needed.
What are the benefits of membership with RAC?
As a RAC member, you will receive our Roundup newsletter four times a year. It includes events, member interviews, upcoming classes, etc. We also send out occasional emails as the RAConnections with information, surveys, updates on legal issues, and more. in between issues of the Roundup. You are entitled to have a listing on our website - www.reflexology-ca.org/members.htm in the Association membership section. This will be happen automatically when your membership is processed, unless you request not to be listed. Members often are given discounts at RAC sponsored conferences and workshops.
Are their membership levels in RAC?
Once a student has finished 200 hours of reflexology training (with certificates) or is nationally certified with the American Reflexology Certification Board, or other national reflexology certification program, a person is eligible to become a Professional member. At that level, you will be listed under the Professional members on our web site (the public will usually call the Professional members first). You will also have an opportunity to vote and to serve on the Board of Directors.
Anyone who wishes to support the growth and development of reflexology may join RAC as an Associate member. This includes students, reflexologists without 200 hours of training, vendors of related products, clients, and friends. Associate members receive newsletters with updates on seminars and other events.
Both applications are online at www.reflexology-ca.org/joinRAC.htm
Does RAC have conferences?
RAC generally holds a conference in the odd years. Our fall conference will be October 2-3, 2010, in Burbank, CA. Everyone is invited to attend conferences. It is really fun to spend some time with other reflexologists and hear well-known national and internationally speakers. Check out the RAC web site
www.reflexology-ca.org/conference.htm for more details.
From time to time RAC may sponsor continuing education workshops. As an ARCB approved provider, RAC grants continuing education credits.
I’m not listed on the members site, please let me know why?
Being listed on the RAC web site is a benefit of membership in the association. You must be member to be listed. Applications are online at www.reflexology-ca.org/joinRAC.htm
What are the legalities of practicing reflexology in California?
California does not require state certification or licensure of reflexologists. Each city or county decides on their own business license requirements.
RAC doesn't determine whether you can practice reflexology or not, but works to support our members’ right to practice as a separate discipline and provides current information about our profession. RAC has been involved with legislation at the State level for years, working toward exemption for reflexology if a statewide massage law is passed. In general, practitioners in California are able to work in the State under the Senate Bill California Health Freedom Act - SB577. There is a copy of the bill and a Disclaimer Form on our web site under Legislation. www.reflexology-ca.org/legislation.htm This information is available so that reflexologists can share it with the city or county when applying for a business license. It is not a guarantee, but may make a difference under which category you are licensed.
Being a member is not required to practice in the State, but we recommend that reflexologists join our Association to stay on top of current profession news. Information on joining RAC is available at http://www.reflexology-ca.org/JoinRAC.htm. National ARCB certification information is available at www.arcb.net.
Is it possible to start my own practice? Or can I work in a Spa-center?
The answer is yes to both questions. However, success as a reflexologist will depend on your entrepreneurial skills and determination to succeed. Networking with other reflexologists through RAC will also help you be successful.
Realistically it will take several years to make reflexology your primary source of income. In California you are free to build your own practice or to work for someone else, usually as an independent contractor. For instance this could be a spa, beauty salon, complementary health office with therapists of other disciplines, chiropractic office, etc. To do so you would need to satisfy the owner’s educational requirements.
Does any city require that you be a CMT (Certified Massage Therapist) to practice reflexology only?
Some cities may still require massage licenses, but many others are more informed.
We want to open a reflexology spa in California. Other than normal business/tax licenses, etc. would the reflexologists require any special licensing/certification by the city, county or state? (Please understand that they would all be completely trained and schooled in reflexology. So, this is not a question of their training or competence, but only a question of what sort of licensing/certification is required by the municipality.)
Although each city/county decides on their own business license requirements as well as the licensing of practitioners, the location of the business would also need to honor local zoning laws/ordinances. Beyond this, generally no special licensing is required.
I am moving to California from another country. Will I be allowed to work according the visa we have. Can you tell me what the possibilities are to work as a reflexologist in California and within your association?
California does not require a state license for reflexologists. Each city decides on their own business license requirements. If your visa does not restrict you from working, you are free to develop your own reflexology practice. RAC does not assist member in finding employment as a reflexologist, although it does offer a web site listing to help the public find a practitioner.
RAC would welcome you as a member. RAC, nor membership in RAC, determines whether you can practice reflexology in California. You are free to develop your own reflexology practice with your qualifications as long as you abide by any local business ordinances.
How does one begin building a reflexology business?
The best advice is to just get started. Word of mouth is the best advertising. You can start with basic business cards and brochures that can be purchased or made by yourself. At VistaPrint.com you can get quality cards for free (except shipping). Just start handing your business cards out to family, friends, Chamber of Commerce meetings, or any groups you are interested in or a member of. Give free sessions at expos, health fairs, give out gift certificates. It is up to you to market your business by letting others know you are seeing clients. You may also want to have a brochure which explains what reflexology is.
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and meet possible clients. I'm sure the walkers at the Relay for Life will be thrilled to have you work on them. Randy Osuna has done quite a few Relay for Life events. You can contact him at Thumbwalkertherapy@cs.com or 562-665-3069 if you have questions about the event.
In addition, RAC would love to have you join us at any of our World Reflexology Week (WRW) events that are part of an international program to bring recognition to reflexology at the local level. Contact Stefanie Sabounchian at racreflexology@yahoo.com for details. You can also do something personally for WRW. Stefanie can help you with ideas or you can visit the WRW page on our web site www.reflexology.org/events.htm or check out the International Council of Reflexology web site (www.icr-reflexology.org).
Could RAC tell me of any really good schools that teach reflexology here in California?
RAC does not accredit schools, instructors, or curricula and is not making a recommendations or endorsement of any program. The following list is provided as a public service. Please check out any program that interests you thoroughly before registering and paying for training.
Advanced Body Wellness and
Integrative Reflexology
P.O. Box 3236
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-318-3353
www.painfreepath.com
info@painfreepath.com
Advanced Institute of Reflexology
3591 Dwight Street
San Diego, CA 92104
619-282-4580
www.sole-to-soul.com
ariel@sole-to-soul.com
American Academy of Reflexology
725 E. Santa Anita Avenue #B
Burbank, CA 91501
818-841-7741, 818-841-2346 fax
www.americanacademyofreflexology.com
AAReflex@aol.com
California Healing Arts College
12217 Santa Monica Boulevard #206
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-826-7622
www.chac.edu
csp@chac.edu
International Institute of Reflexology
5650 – 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 12642
727-343-4811, 727-381-2807 fax
www.reflexology-usa.net
iir@tampabay.rr.com
Western Regional Offices
6437 Coral Lake Avenue
San Diego CA 92119
Bobbi Warren, Instructor
619-469-1694
bobbi@thefootladies.com
or
Evelyne Huegi436 Heliotrope Ave. #1E
Corona Del Mar CA 92625
949-720-1138
Swissclinique2@yahoo.com
Head First for Health
1157 S. Robertson Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
310-417-8668
headfrst@ucla.edu
Healing Arts Institute
7525 Auburn Blvd, #9
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
916 725-3999
www.abundanthealth.com
healingartts@rsvl.net
McKinnon Institute
2940 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94609
510-465-3488
www.mckinnonmassage.com
info@mckinnonmassage.com
Phillips School of Massage
101B Broad Street
Nevada City, CA 95959
530 265-4645
www.handsinharmony.com
info@handsinharmony.com
Vitality College of Healing Arts
243 N. Highway 101, Suite 5
Solano Beach, CA 92075
858-259-9491
www.vitalitycollege.com
Does RAC link with other web sites?
RAC does provide a link to our members' websites and to paid sponsors.
Is there a wall chart or poster that I may acquire from you?
No. RAC is an Association for members in the profession, so it does not have charts available. There are several versions of charts that are available online or through schools. There are many excellent reflexology books. Another source would be your local library.
I need to obtain insurance, if I am allowed to practice, are you affiliated with a particular insurance company? Does RAC recommend any particular company for reflexology professional liability insurance?
No. However, most members use either ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals) www.abmp.com. RAC does not recommend one over the other. If you are also a massage therapist it is possible to obtain insurance through the AMTA www.amtamassage.org.
