Last Updated: 12/01/2022

Privacy Policy:

     No client health information or client health records will be stored online.  Those records will be kept via offline charting, notes, and documentation and be made available to the client or the client's legal representative.  I follow the guidelines of HIPPA noted here http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/ .  All client charts are kept in manual form locked up in my file cabinet at my place of residence.  

Referral Policy:

     If the client does not currently have a primary care provider (PCP) or health insurance, then I will refer the client out to available MDs, NP's, D.O.s, Functional Medicine Doctors, or PA's to establish a primary care provider relationship. 

     Ideally, the best and most responsible health care is integrated care and ideally, all referrals should start with the primary care provider's full knowledge and awareness, recommendations, and input.  The PCP sees the overall picture of a person's health and knows the existing medical conditions of their patients.  They also have the appropriate power and authority to issue referrals to appropriate licensed health care professionals for specific treatments.

     I cannot receive referrals from any staff, faculty or student of UCSF as I work there and it would be a conflict of interest.  I cannot receive payment for any services from any UCSF staff, faculty or student as it would be a conflict of interest.  I can provide free services to UCSF staff, faculty and students in the form of volunteer events as there is no conflict of interest where there is no money or referrals received.

Sanitation and Covid-19 Policy:

     Standard Precautions including fresh/disposable surgical 3 ply masks are used for direct contact or if less than six feet apart with all my students/clients.  I screen all students/clients for Covid-19 symptoms using the same screening an inpatient hospital would, guided by the CDC.  If a student/client has a positive Covid-19 test or is diagnosed with Covid-19, the appointment/class will be rescheduled until the student/client has a negative Covid-19 test and is clear of symptoms.

ARCB Professional Business Standards & Conduct:

     As a professional reflexologist who is certified and registered with the ARCB I shall:

• Adhere to the ARCB code of ethics and all other rules and regulations.
• Work within the guidelines of the federal, state and local laws.
• Not claim to cure or heal ailments or to treat for any specific illness on my business cards or in other printed materials.  This applies to any verbal statements I may make.
• Display my reflexology certification and association certificates in my office along with the ARCB Code of Ethics.
• Display on the wall a full and fair disclosure of services, a disclaimer, and a notice of complaint.
• Know a definition of reflexology.  Explain what reflexology is and what the client can expect before or during the first session.
• Relate to the client my policy regarding fees, scheduling procedures, hours, the result of tardiness on the part of the client, and missed appointments.
• Keep an appointment book and record of all clients' names and telephone numbers.
• Keep financial records and bills in order, up-to-date and neat.
• Have the client fill out a history form.
• Have the client read and sign both a consent to session form and client disclosure/informed choice statement before the first session begins.
• Make a visual observation of the feet before beginning and adhere to contraindication guidelines.
• Document each session.
• Furnish a written receipt upon request.
• Wear suitable professional attire that is neat and clean.
• Wash my hands and under my nails thoroughly before and after a session.
• Use clean linens for each client.
• If using another discipline with reflexology, clearly state that it is not reflexology.
• Never take advantage of the client/practitioner relationship, nor misuse it by dating or participating in sexual activity with a client.
• Only advertise in a proper and professional manner for the purpose of informing the public, about reflexology, my qualifications, areas of specialized practice and the address of my office.
• Not use titles or descriptions which give the impression of medical or other qualifications to which I am not entitled.
• Never prescribe, diagnose, prognosticate, treat for a specific illness or adjust medication.
• The use of tools and/or mechanical devices not approved by the FDA for use in reflexology is discouraged because of legal liability and their use falls outside the scope of ARCB certification.

ARCB Terms

     Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts.  The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction which causes a physiological change in the body.

     In order to create a united definition with the Reflexology Association of America (RAA), ARCB adopted as a general definition: 

     Reflexology is a non-invasive, complementary modality involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears.

Scope of Practice

     The scope of practice for hand reflexology is generally agreed to be from the wrist to the finger tips.  Although with many of the muscles in the hands originating in the forearm at some point the scope of practice may be extended from the elbow down.

Theory of Practice

     Foot and hand reflexology is based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts.

Areas of Emphasis 

     Reflexologists do not treat for any specific illness.  The most the reflexologist can do is to help the client's body return to a state of balance through the relaxation process.  Still, the reflexologist does not do the 'healing.'  The reflexologist is there to give service by always working both hands entirely or a combination of feet and hands and in this way helping the client to reduce their stress so the healing process can occur.  Acknowledging this healing process, Areas of Emphasis are based on the interrelatedness of the systems and their function.  These are the areas you spend extra time on during a session.  If you wish to study about areas of emphasis in more detail please refer to the authors:  Lynne Booth, Dwight Byers, Mildred Carter, Kevin and Barbara Kunz, and Laura Norman whose books include charts relating to conditions and areas to work based on the interrelatedness of body systems and pathologies.

ARCB Code of Ethics

     A Reflexologist communicates with an open mind and a peaceful presence while recognizing his/her/their relationship to the client is a serious responsibility.  The art and science of Reflexology is an Honorable one!  Therefore, as a professional reflexologist I shall:

• Conduct myself in a professional, honest, and ethical manner at all times.
• Adhere to the ARCB Professional Business Standards.
• Not infringe on any other professions' scope of practice, and perform only those services for which I am qualified and/or licensed to provide.
• Accurately represent my competence, education, training and experience.
• Not present myself as a medical practitioner.  I shall refer clients to appropriate medical or other health care professionals when appropriate.
• Treat other reflexologists and health care professionals in a courteous and respectful manner at all times.
• Establish and maintain trust in the client-practitioner relationship.
• Treat every client with the same kind, ethical attitude.
• keep all client information and conversations strictly confidential.
• Work within the client's comfort zone and pain tolerance.
• Keep the standard of my professional work current and as high as possible by continuing my reflexology education and training and attending conferences.
• Ensure that anyone employed by me or working in my office shall also adhere to this Code of Ethics.