Distinctions Between Reflexology & Massage

The Relationship Between Reflexology and Massage

Since, in Florida, the Department of Health’s Board of Massage Therapy regulates reflexology, it is easy to think of reflexology as a form of massage – when it really isn’t.

Just like Reiki, Polarity and Shiatsu, which also fall under the broad umbrella of massage, reflexology has its own

•  body of knowledge

•  scope of practice

•  history

•  terminology

•  hands-on techniques

•  intent

•  educational standard

•  national certification (since 1992) and

•  research studies.

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Reflexology is not a subset of massage. Like massage therapy, it is a somatic practice; a discipline of bodywork.

Reflexology and massage share both similarities and differences. The chart below – in very broad terms – describes the primary differences and similarities in very simple terms. There are, of course, overlaps in their effects on the body.