Inspira
Premier Academy of Reflexology and Reiki

The ~Inspira~ Reflexology Room

How long is the ~Inspira~ Reflexology Course?

* The course is part-time spread over nine months in order to allow sufficient time to perfect techniques, complete case studies and prepare fully for exams

How many students are in each group?

* There are a maximum of 8 students per group (to ensure quality learning)

How often will I have to attend classes?

* The course is 18 days plus a half day ABC Awards written exam
* Each day runs from 10am until 6pm

How much time needed for studying at home?

* This will vary depending on the individual, but on average about 4/5 hours per week

What is the qualification?

* DUE TO GOVERNMENT LED INITIATIVES FROM THE 1ST JULY 2010 INSPIRA AND ITS TUTORS (FORMERLY AWARDED ACCREDITATION BY THE (AoR) ASSOCIATION OF REFLEXOLOGISTS) WILL BE SOLELY ACCREDITED BY ABCAWARDS IN READINESS FOR THE NEW QUALIFICATIONS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN JANUARY 2011. PLEASE NOTE ANY EXISTING COURSES OR COURSES ENROLLING BEFORE JANUARY 2011 WILL BE UNAFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES

* The Inspira course conforms to the ABC Awards specification for LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN REFLEXOLOGY (ABC)

* Approved by the Government's QUALIFICATION & CURRICULUM AUTHORITY (QCA). Working closely with the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and supported by the Skills for Health sector

* Follows criteria for NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS (NOS) set out by the House of Lords Report 2000

What happens when I qualify?

* On completing and passing all assessments you will be entitled to use the initials M.A.R. after your name. This will indicate to the general public and to the Health Sector that you have become a Member of the internationally recognised Association of Reflexologists - signifying excellence at all levels


We recognise that choosing the right course for you can seem like a minefield. Please go to "Standards of Training & Qualification" page to help you decide and understand why you will choose to study with Inspira Academy

What are the entry requirements?

* Foremost is the desire and commitment to learn reflexology and no prior knowledge is necessary
* Minimum age is 19, but there is no maximum
* For some modules it is necessary to assess any prior learning i.e Anatomy & Physiology. This will be done in class to ensure that there is then quality of opportunity to learn - regardless of what you know (or don't know!) already

How do I enrol?

* Contact Inspira by email or telephone to receive your application form

Who will teach me?

* 2 Reflexology lecturers in order that you have widest knowledge and expertise possible
* 1 Naturopath/Nutritionist Tutor
* 1 First Aid provider (St.John's Ambulance Certificated)

~INSPIRA~ The Personnel

* Sue Evans BA(Hons), MAR, PGCE - Director & Principal Tutor
* Paul Steward BSc - Director & Administrator
* Ann Strange - HND, MAR, DIpN, RGN - Main Course Tutor

Sue and Ann are both MAR - these are the letters that you can use after your name when you have qualified and become members of the Association of Reflexologists. They both still run busy clinics so their knowledge is current. We are all Reiki Masters too.

Sue and Paul are the Directors of Inspira and they live at Inspira House which is where the course is held in a dedicated, fully equipped training room -including multi-media, cameras and projector (so that you may view your own feet!).

Ann was formerly a District Nurse for the NHS and after qualifying as Reflexologist/Therapist became amongst one of the first therapists to be succesfully employed by the NHS in Wales working at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff. Ann runs a thriving clinic as well as lecturing for Inspira.

How much does the course cost?

* Please go to Dates/Fees page for full details.

What are my employment opportunities after qualification?

* Complementary Therapies and Reflexology in particular, is a growth industry and because Sue and Ann - the two main tutors - have been reflexologists for many years, and because Inspira has such a good reputation, potential employers contact us directly enabling us to match working opprtunities with qualified Inspira reflexologists

* Many past Inspira students have gone on to achieve wonderful things and here is a sample of some of the specialist areas:

> Providing therapy to children with Cerebral Palsy in a Special School
> Working with children and youngsters within a mainstream school
> Controlling stress levels to band members prior to performing live on stage
> Private fertility clinic
> Peripatetic bus providing treatments for the carers of those with Alzheimers (the person who set it up, as well as the reflexologists employed on the bus, were trained at Inspira)
> Working in mental health
> Working in the NHS (hospices, hospitals & GP surgeries)
> Dental Practices
> As well as numerous self-employed opportunities available!

Are there any opportunities for academic progression?

* Yes! The awarding body ABC Awards state "This qualification is designed principally to lead directly to employment as a reflexologist. It will also enable progression to a First Degree in Health Sciences in a number of Higher Education Programmes in the UK universities."

What is Reflexology? - A Definition

* Reflexology is a complementary therapy that is used in an ever increasing number of working environments.

The roots of reflexology are ancient, although it is in the last century that it has once again found its place as a respected means of promoting health and well-being.

Reflexology is both an art and a science. It is an art because a relexologist must be adept, skilful and sensitive, and a science because it is based on physiological and neurological study and is an ever increasing subject of research.

The feet are a mirror image of the body itself - If you imagine looking at the feet together, then the head is represented by the big toes, the chest and lungs are the balls of the feet, the insteps are the main torso and the heels become the bottom of the body. You have to imagine someone sitting on the floor, with their arms and legs crossed - then look at the pair of feet ... the shape is the same!

Within the feet are reflexes for all the body's organs and systems and with a precise thumb and finger pressure these reflexes are accessed in order to promote and aid the body's own healing system. So although the reflexologist will activate the healing process, it is the receiver of reflexology who will be in control of their own health and well being, a really positive way in which to look after yourself!