This unit may apply to work in reflexology in a range of settings and contexts

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Demonstrate a commitment to the central philosophies and principles underlying reflexology practice

1.1 Define reflexology and the reflexology system of treatment

1.2 Explain the historical development of reflexology

1.3 Describe the zone/meridian theory basis of reflexology

1.4 Identify other philosophies relating to reflexology

1.5 Draw on reflexology philosophy to interpret wellness

2. Identify the practices of reflexology

2.1 Describe a method of applying foot reflexology

2.2 Describe a range of relaxation and reflexology techniques

2.3 Introduce additional specialised reflexology techniques

2.4 Discuss associated reflexology techniques used in reflexology

2.5 Discuss reflexology assessment techniques

3. Develop an awareness of complementary therapies

3.1 Provide information on other complementary therapies

3.2 Identify relationships between complementary therapies

4. Present reflexology to the community

4.1 Explain practices and principles of reflexology in an easily understood way in a one to one and group setting

4.2 Clarify enquiries and provide appropriate information

5. Work within regulation guidelines

5.1 Observe clinic guidelines

5.2 Access and abide by legal and regulatory guidelines

5.3 Undertake relevant documentation

5.4 Adhere to professional ethics

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

A range of complementary therapies

Ethical issues in reflexology

Occupational health and safety requirements in the workplace

Philosophical tradition of western and eastern body therapies

The history and development of reflexology

The philosophies, principles and tools of reflexology practice

The qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in reflexology

The rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Appropriately record details of client enquiries according to clinic guidelines

Communicate in a one to one and group setting

Correctly identify client information needs

Explain relevant services

Provide clients with required information

Work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the reflexology framework

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender

Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:

interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holistic/integrated assessment including:

working within the practice framework

performing a health assessment

assessing the client

planning treatment

providing treatment

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Relevant texts or medical manuals

Relevant paper based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Qualified assessor who is recognised by an Australian reflexology peak association

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Short tests and essays

Oral questioning and discussions

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting
If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision.

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:

HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients

HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Historical development of reflexology may include:

Ancient civilisations

Zone theory and/or meridian theory

Modern history of reflexology from the 19th century onwards

Present day developers and proponents of reflexology

Philosophies relating to reflexology may include:

TCM Five Element theory

Yin/Yang

Indian charka system

Interaction of mind-body systems

Holographic theory

Quantum mechanics of healing

Polarity

Wellness can be interpreted through:

Taking client history including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of being

Visual, tactile, biomechanical assessment of feet

Questions relating to scale of discomfort/pain experienced by client

Assessment of discomfort/pain experienced by client when reflexology is worked

Assessment of energy imbalances in the body

Methods of reflexology must be:

Holistic in approach using a range of techniques and pressures to work all reflexology relating to the whole body and all body systems

Associated reflexology therapies/techniques in which the practitioner may be trained include but are not limited to:

Hand reflexology

Maternity reflexology

Chi reflexology

Colour/light reflexology

Auricular therapy

Vertical reflexology

Metamorphosis

Language of the feet

Sports reflexology

Precision reflexology

Meridian Theory

Rhow Shur Method

Ingham method

Universal Reflexology

Dougans' method

Asian reflexology

Advanced techniques

Relaxation techniques:

Must include:

Stroking and effleurage techniques

Friction light and deep

Holding

Rotation and loosening

Stretching

Kneading

Twisting and wringing

And may include

Diaphragm relaxer

Spinal twist

Toe rotation

Breathing

Percussion

Knuckling

Reflexology techniques:

Must include:

Thumb and finger walking

Microrotation with thumbs and fingers

Sedating light or deep

Hook in and back up

Palpating

And may include

Knuckling

Sweeping

Rocking

Holding/balancing

Sliding

Special techniques may include:

Bimanual flush

Endocrine balance

Lymphatic drainage massage

Brazilian toe hold

Meridian balance

Reflexology assessment techniques may include:

Client history

Observation

Discussion

Noting of temperature

Pulse taking

Palpation

Range of motion tests

Observation of variations of posture

Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard

Procedures that are conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Information on other complementary therapies may include:

Current availability

Tools and techniques

Interactions between different therapies

When therapies may be used

Underpinning philosophy

Complementary Therapies which may be discussed may include:

Shiatsu

Acupressure/TCM

Polarity therapy

Reiki

Cranio sacral/Myofascial Release

Touch for Health

Magnetic therapy

Horstman technique

Alexander technique

Kinesiology

Integration therapy

Aromatherapy

Remedial Massage

Therapeutic Massage

Flower essences

Subtle Energy therapy

Relationship between the therapies may include:

Effects of one treatment over or with another

Treatment according to stage of condition

Appropriate information may include:

Confirmation of appointment date and time

Clinic location and directions

Cost of initial consultation

Payment options

Availability of health fund rebates

Work cover eligibility

Estimated costs of treatment

Professional status of practitioner

Availability of home visits

After hours service

Provision for hospital visits

Guidelines may include:

Procedures and guidelines

Purpose or mission statement

Code of ethics or practice

Level of competency and degree of supervision

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:

Occupational health and safety

Anti-discrimination

Privacy Act

Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:

Nature of enquiry

Client contact details

Recording of incidents

Appointment details

This unit contains Employability Skills