IIR Diploma Course

To educate and train students to a standard of competence and confidence that enables them to work upon members of the public, safely, ethically and professionally to the benefit of the patient’s quality of life, general health and well-being.

To provide a thorough training in practical techniques of the Original Ingham Method® of Reflexology as applied to the feet and hands.

To provide a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology to a competence level commensurate with the efficient and safe practice of foot and hand reflexology and enveloping the interdependence and balanced working of the body systems listed under the sub-headings below.

The Course

• 1 year duration
• Leads to an International Institute of Reflexology® Diploma
• Graduates are eligible to join as a full member of the Association of Reflexologists and use the letters IIR, MAR
• IIR Graduates with AoR full membership are recognised by all major insurance companies, the NHS and many private healthcare companies.

Introduction

• The history of reflexology. What is reflexology?
• Do’s and Don’ts of the therapy
• Anatomy of the foot and of the hand
• Natural health philosophy and practices, ie. where reflexology fits amongst other therapies
• Relationship between anatomy, physiology and reflex areas relative to reflexology of the feet and hands
• Basic techniques and relaxation techniques applied to the feet and to the hands

Anatomy & Physiology
The following body systems are studied. There are study handouts for each topic:

Digestive system, Immune/Lymphatic system, Central nervous system and autonomic nervous system, Endocrine System, Urinary and reproductive systems, Musculoskeletal system, Sensory system, Cardiovascular system, Respiratory system

Additional Topics
Hygiene, Chiropody for reflexologists, An introduction to nutrition, An introduction to dermatology, Tax planning for private practice, Marketing and public relations, Starting a private practice – public liability/professional indemnity – why it is essential, typical costs, quality of cover etc.

Practical Training
Great emphasis is placed upon the acquisition of the correct holds and thumb and finger techniques that, together, form the Original Ingham Method® The Institute’s tutors are the only people licensed to teach this method – to safeguard its originality.

At each seminar, approximately half the time or more is spent perfecting these practical aspects of competent reflexology treatment. The tutor/student ratio does not exceed 1:10 – to enable personal attention to be given at all times.

Students are encouraged to buy Dwight Byers’ instruction DVD’s I and II which provide a ‘home tutor’ backup between attendance at the respective seminars.

What is Required of You
We require your genuine desire to improve the health and the quality of life of other people through Reflexology. You will have to study anatomy and physiology and the skills and techniques of the therapy. The study is broken down into a step-by-step approach that assumes no previous knowledge, although applicants with a nursing background are especially welcome.

Our standards are high and training requires time and commitment. The Institute is keen to sustain a long-established, excellent reputation. The tuition is designed for the person who aspires to reach the highest standards of a true professional. Training combines intensive hard work with rewarding enjoyment and satisfaction.

Attendance at 100 tuition hours, one/two-day seminars spread over twelve months. (Note that some courses are held over weekends, others are held over individual one-day seminars either during the week or at a weekend).

• Attendance at a one-day First Aid Certificate course (“Appointed Person” level)
• 8-10 hours of home study per week
• 6 case studies are submitted for assessment
• 100 Client studies (all written up)
• 3 hour written examination at the end of the course
• 1 hour practical/oral examination at the end of the course
• Our minimum pass mark is 80%. Our standards are high and the training intensive, but our reputation is second to none. Our tuition is designed for those who aspire to reach the highest standards of a true professional. Training combines intensive hard work with rewarding enjoyment.
• Minimum entry age is 18 year. There is no upper age limit.

IIR graduates can become full members of the AoR and are eligible for entry onto the NHS Register of Reflexologists, used by Primary Care Trusts.