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.
Upon completion of each unit in the course the student will be provided with an assignment, based upon short questions and answers or essay questions, to test the understanding of the course presented. This will enable the tutor to offer guidance and feedback to show how well the student has understood the content of each unit. The assignments don’t count toward the final grade as the course will be assessed by online examination.
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
Level 3 Reflexology Diploma Entry Requirements
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enrol onto our Level 3 Reflexology Diploma course.
Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.
Course Hours
Approximately 20 hours per unit.
Assessment
Optional coursework and final examination.
Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.
Course Length
1 Year.
Endorsed By
Students at the college have the option to choose the awarding body of their course.
This course has been endorsed by :
Accord : https://accord.ac/
This course awarding body are recognised for their high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit Accord website.
Course Content
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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

