Newsflash!

An exciting development in South Africa has been the registration of Private Higher Education Institutions by The Department of Education. The International School of Reflexology & Meridian Therapy has been conditionally registered for the qualification/s as shown on certificate number 00HC19. This affords this training institute Higher Educational Status on the National Qualifications Framework at Tertiary Diploma Level (Level 5). Registration at this level could be viewed as a milestone in Reflexology education and training, as it is probably the first time in the world that a Reflexology training institute is given Higher Education Status.

For the learner, this inevitably ensures that the program of the school is of the highest standard.

The International Academy of Reflexology & Meridian Therapy Pty Ltd. (IARAMT) was established in 1983 by Inge Dougans. Its pioneering work in uniting Western with Eastern insight into the Meridians and the Five Elements has given the academy a high reputation world wide for its unique approach.

NOTE: On the 21 October 2004 – The International School of Reflexology & Meridian Therapy previously known as ISRMT - turned 21 years – and with this in mind we did a minor name change to that of Academy.

The Academy’s expertise in reflexology, combined with its approach to Chinese meridian philosophy, enables it to share in the vast growing interest of complementary therapy. The directors and lecturers are highly qualified and experienced therapists in their specialized fields, ensuring that an outstanding level of tutoring is maintained.

IARAMT provides professional training and development in the field of therapeutic reflexology, so as to equip the qualifying learner with competent skills as a health professional, who would evidence an exemplary ethical and professional code of conduct.

On completion of a course in Therapeutic Reflexology the qualified health professional will be able to practise as a Therapeutic Reflexologist in private practise, in community facilities and in various health related fields.

In its training program IARAMT encourages data gathering and recording in case history documentation so as to increase knowledge and to encourage awareness for the need for research in the field of Reflexology.

IARAMT strives to make Reflexology as a health promoting and preventative therapy, available to as many persons as possible, so that people of all ages and background can benefit from this cost effective therapy. In doing this, IARAMT can assist in improving the health of the people of South Africa and in other parts of the world.

Detailed information relating to training campuses and methods of study can be found under the sections of Tuition Guide & Teaching Systems, together with Distance Learning Worldwide.

Vision for Reflexology in the Future - Why is it becoming such a vital therapy?

Up to 90% of modern diseases are said to be a direct result of prolonged stress. Stress coupled with poor eating habits, food devoid of nutrients, and a hectic pace of life with little time for relaxation are leaving most people listless, with nagging health conditions that cannot be relieved.

Reflexology is relatively new in the Western world, but has found many devotees. Patients of chronic conditions such as asthma, infertility, arthritis and the like, who have tried every conventional medical treatment without success are resorting to therapeutic reflexology to find relief – and with great success too.

Good health depends on balance, equilibrium and the natural functioning of all the body systems. Reflexology achieves this by working on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

The future in health will evolve to prevention of disease and stress conditions rather than cure. People are slowly becoming more comfortable with this idea, and IARAMT believes that this will become an entrenched way of thinking in the future – a bright future is ahead for Therapeutic Reflexology!

World Wide

Currently the bulk of the IARAMT training program is based on various laws recently passed in South Africa, as this is the only country worldwide where Therapeutic Reflexology has received recognition as a health science modality on government level. (See our section on Tuition Guide)

Should similar laws be passed and promulgated in other countries, our training program will be adjusted so as to allow for any additional requirements to be incorporated. Please take the time to read the section below on South Africa, which will give you some insight into recent developments and the commitment of IARAMT to this extent.

During 2003 the Academy was awarded approval as a Continuing Education Provider (CEU) for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) USA.

The Academy has campuses in the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Greece and Denmark.

South Africa

Therapeutic Reflexology has become a popular way of relieving the symptoms of stress. Recognition as a health profession has long been sought after in the reflexology industry, and qualified Reflexologists can now proudly offer patients a treatment that has received recognition as an alternative health science modality on government level.

IARAMT is one of the few the institutions that are keeping abreast of new developments and regulations that are arising in the reflexology industry in SA, by having a proactive approach to education. The curriculum covers the subjects deemed mandatory in order for a Therapeutic Reflexologist to apply for registration by The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Being at the forefront of new developments in SA ensures a high standard of training is maintained worldwide. This in effect means our learners are receiving the best possible training, and will not be disappointed. Learners qualifying from the IARAMT can practice in the industry immediately, being both competent and confident in their abilities as a Reflexologist.

Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (Statutory body)

The Health Professions Act (Act no. 63 of 1982, as amended in 2000) was promulgated on 12 February 2001. These new amendments allowed for the inclusion of Therapeutic Reflexology, amongst others, as a health science modality. This act now affords all qualified Therapeutic Reflexologists to apply for registration with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. Once a Therapeutic Reflexologist receives his/her registration number from the above mentioned council, the therapist will be allowed to set up his/her own legal practice.

This council was put in place so as to control the practice of all the Allied Health Professions modalities placed under its auspices. It stipulates the minimum qualification requirements that a practicing therapist must obtain, as well as define and regulate the scope of practice.

CONTACT ADDRESSES FOR