Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide relaxation treatments using reflexology techniques.
It requires the ability to consult with clients, select products and techniques, and provide manual reflexology relaxation according to client needs and agreed treatment plan. Reflexology can be an individual treatment, or form part of a series of treatments.
This unit applies to beauty and spa therapists who work in beauty salons, massage clinics and spas. In this environment they work in a team but make independent treatment decisions. They have knowledge across a range of reflexology relaxation techniques.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client priorities. | 1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available. 1.2 Discuss treatment requirements with client. 1.3 Identify contraindications to treatment, and refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.4 Explain principles of reflexology, treatment sequence and factors that may restrict treatment. 1.5 Confirm revised treatment plan, record updates and obtain client consent. |
2. Prepare for reflexology treatment. | 2.1 Prepare treatment area and self. 2.2 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. 2.3 Prepare client and select treatment products. |
3. Provide reflexology treatment. | 3.1 Drape client for warmth, with feet and hands exposed as required. 3.2 Ensure client comfort and modesty throughout treatment. 3.3 Select, apply and sequence reflexology relaxation techniques according to treatment plan. 3.4 Use leverage and pressure to apply reflexology techniques while holding and supporting the foot adequately. 3.5 Work on reflexology points of both feet according to treatment plan. 3.6 Monitor client reactions and adjust reflexology technique and duration as required. 3.7 Allow post treatment recovery time in a relaxing environment. |
4. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 4.1 Evaluate treatment with client. 4.2 Record outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 4.3 Provide aftercare advice and recommend products and future treatments. 4.4 Update treatment plan and rebook client as required. |
5. Clean treatment area. | 5.1 Remove used towels and gown and clean treatment area and surfaces according to organisational policies and procedures. 5.2 Replenish treatment area for next treatment. 5.3 Dispose of general waste to minimise negative environmental impacts according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
communicate, follow and adjust treatment plan to provide four safe and appropriate reflexology relaxation techniques to different clients suitable for the established client treatment objectives
maintain treatment plans and records for each of the above clients specifying the details of:
client feedback
contraindications
products used
outcomes of previous and current treatment
post treatment information and advice provided
products used
reflexology relaxation techniques applied
relevant medical history and medications
treatment duration, areas treated and areas not treated
treatment objectives
design and provide treatment routines that demonstrate appropriate selection, application and combination of the following reflexology relaxation techniques:
breathing
diaphragm relaxer
holding
kneading
knuckling
light and deep friction
rotation and loosening
spinal twist
stretching
stroking and effleurage techniques
toe rotation
twisting and wringing
pressure techniques:
light
average
heavy
leverage techniques using:
fingers
heels of hands
thumbs
apply reflexology relaxation techniques to work reflexology points on both feet
identify major bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the feet through light palpation
present self, according to organisational policy
comply with health and hygiene regulations and requirements
clean, prepare and maintain treatment area according to organisational policy.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
state or territory and local health and hygiene regulations and requirements relevant to reflexology treatments
organisational policies and procedures relevant to reflexology treatments:
client record management
equipment and product use and maintenance
incident reporting
linen use and laundry procedures
personal hygiene and presentation
presentation of treatment area
waste disposal
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication
limitations to reflexology
history, philosophies and beliefs of reflexology
relationship between muscles and organs to reflexology zones
factors that interfere with the effectiveness of reflexology treatment
anatomy of the foot:
bones:
calcaneus
cuboid
metatarsal
navicular
phalanges
talus
ligaments:
plantar fascia
location of muscles:
anterior tibial
extensor
flexors
peroneal tibial
posterior tibial
tendons:
achilles
contraindications which prevent treatment being undertaken or require clearance from a medical practitioner to proceed:
bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
cancer
clients with symptoms of infectious disease
contagious skin diseases
heart diseases and disorders
extreme fatigue
extremes of body temperature
pregnancy
localised contraindications that restrict reflexology relaxation treatment and appropriate modifications:
blisters, corns and calluses
broken bones
bruising
cuts
inflammation
lesions
lumps and tissue changes
medical treatments being undertaken
sprains
rashes
recent scar tissue
severe oedema
skin trauma
principles of reflexology:
body zones
reflex areas
pressure points
reactions to relaxation reflexology and appropriate remedial action:
discomfort
emotional reactions
verbal, visual and tactile feedback
muscular spasms
body temperature discomfort
alleviation of presenting symptoms
possible post treatment adverse effects:
cold-like symptoms due to detoxification
disturbed sleep
headaches
increased urination and bowel movements
sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water and power
aftercare advice, products and future treatments to maintain client treatment objectives.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a beauty industry environment; this can be:
a beauty industry workplace or
a simulated beauty workplace set up for the purpose of skills assessment, that provides services to paying members of the public.
Assessment must ensure access to:
paying clients, both new and regular, with different reflexology requirements, who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business
hand washing facilities:
basin
hot and cold running water
liquid soap
single use towels or hand dryer
relevant workplace documentation:
blank client records
organisational policies and procedures relevant to reflexology treatments
product instructions and safety data sheets.
Assessment must ensure use of:
adjustable massage table or chair with safe working access at both ends and sides
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
client gown
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
provide relaxation reflexology treatments within commercially realistic speed, timing and productivity
demonstrate competency in an environment reflective of real work situations
manage tasks and contingencies in the context of the job role.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors and:
hold a qualification as a beauty or spa therapist
have worked as a beauty or spa therapist for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
Skills | Description |
Writing skills to: | record treatment using basic anatomy and physiology terminology. |
Oral communication skills to: | select and use appropriate terminology in consultations with clients. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment cost and timing. |
Technology skills to: | use client software to update client notes, rebook future treatments, record stock data and product purchases. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Body Services