REFLEXOLOGY: Practice has mainstream acceptance

Re: "'Out of This World' psychic" (TNT, 3-2).

Reflexology was listed in the article along with modalities the author said most of which “mainstream science and medicine scoffs at.”

Readers might want to know that reflexology developed within the U.S. medical system and is recognized by the National Institute of Health as a Complementary & Alternative Medicine. That’s the same classification as acupuncture, therapeutic massage and traditional Chinese medicine.

Hundreds of evidence-based studies show reflexology has helped to reduce pain and other symptoms of disease. Many of these studies have been conducted by doctors, and the NIH is currently running studies for reflexology for breast cancer patients and for diabetic neuropathy. Some of the studies can be found on the “Info” tab of the Reflexology Association of America website.

There is serious and legitimate reflexology. The state Legislature created a rigorous certification process for reflexologists in 2013 to eventually eradicate the human trafficking and other illicit activities that have become prevalent practice at some of the low-fee “foot massage” and “reflexology” salons across Washington.

All practitioners of massage and reflexology in Washington must display their state license, or they can and should be reported to the state Department of Health.

(Frank is a state-licensed and National Board Certified reflexologist.) 

This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 4:48 AM with the headline "REFLEXOLOGY: Practice has mainstream acceptance."