Course at a glance
Introduction
Reflexology is a popular, non-intrusive complementary health therapy based on the concept that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face, or ears correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work holistically to promote better health for their clients. Millions of people around the world use Reflexology to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis. The Oxford College conducts accredited reflexology courses online that qualify as Level 3 reflexology diploma awards.
Reflexology is growing increasingly popular across Europe and Asia as both a complement to other treatments and as a preventive measure. One example is Denmark, where various municipalities and companies have employed reflexologists since the early 1990s.
This Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology aims to provide sufficient instruction to enable the successful student to understand and safely implement the techniques of this healing art. The course will be appealing to anyone looking for a new career path or to extend their own knowledge in the subject area.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Benefits of the Course:
Students will expect to derive the following benefits from the diploma course:
- Students will have an opportunity to learn about what reflexology is
- To review the language of touch in relation to techniques
- Look at different parts of the nervous system
- A review of how to use different methods of treatment
- The course encourages the development of reflexology and healing aids
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Course Content
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 1: Introduction to reflexology and the language of touch
This unit reflects on the historical background to reflexology. This includes brief summaries of other therapies relevant to reflexology such as acupressure, acupuncture, massage (including Shiatsu), Yin and Yang, meridians and zone therapy. The language of touch is discussed in terms of human interaction as well as the art of healing and importance of therapists’ self-awareness and confidence in order to transmit and rebalance energy flows.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 2: Anatomy and physiology. Muscular-skeletal and central nervous systems
A basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential in order for the reflexologist to assess and treat the client efficiently. Successful reflexology treatments are dependent upon pressure points and nerve pathways; this unit describes the skeleton, muscle groups, how messages are conveyed to and from the brain – and how this relates to touch.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 3: Anatomy and physiology. Circulatory and other body systems
Continuing from unit 2, this unit presents descriptions of the remainder of the body systems and functions. Detailed attention is paid to specific body systems which hold relevance to the reflexologist during client assessment and treatment.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 4: Immunity, endocrine glands and contra-indications of treatment
This unit explores how the body deals with disease; what role hormones play in homeostatic balance, and in what circumstances the therapist should be cautious about treatment delivery. Some specific and common disorders will be outlined and discussed. Students will learn how to link their knowledge of anatomy and physiology with certain medical conditions. Effective response to medical emergencies is also outlined.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 5: Psychology of relaxation, treatment environment and approach
This unit focuses on the important psychological features of interaction between the practitioner and client. The approach of the therapist is of utmost importance in gaining the respect of the client, and in order to help the individual to relax. Relaxation and massage techniques will be explained, together with details of suitable equipment and essential oils for consideration during treatment. The treatment environment will be addressed as an important part of the session itself.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 6: Reflexology pathways and responses
Description, location, application and responses of pressure points and reflexology pathways will be explained in this unit. Reflexology charts and footprints will be described, including the preparation of specific charts for use in individual treatment plans.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 7: Reflexology techniques
The main techniques of treatment will be explored in this unit, together with diagram examples. There are many techniques specific to reflexology such as ‘thumb walking’ which will be dealt with in detail. Greater confidence with relating areas of the feet with charts will be promoted.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 8: The whole treatment
In this unit, the theory will be applied to a hypothetical practical treatment situation from beginning to end. This will form a template around which individual treatments can be designed. The basic format of the reflexology session contains several common sections which will be relevant to all clients. When therapists are familiar with the timing, content and order of general treatment sessions, individualised sessions can be planned with confidence.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 9: Client assessment, treatment planning and therapists’ responsibilities
The initial consultation and client questioning will be examined in depth. An example of a consultation form will be given. Areas surrounding legal issues, client forms, client confidentiality, when to refer and when how to obtain medical practitioner authority, will be discussed. Professional organisations and public liability insurance are briefly addressed.
Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Unit 10: Hand reflexology, and treatment for special circumstances
This unit explores situations when reflexology involving the hands, ears and other parts of the body may be employed in reflexology; for example, when a client has a lower limb missing, or there is evidence of injury, infection or other contra-indication to the application of reflexology to the foot. Charts will be described accordingly.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Reflexology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
