Hi.
I am learning a basic introduction to reflexology, to practice on family and friends.
I am the only bloke in my class and wondered, if any more chaps out there are learning reflexology.
I get the impression that people think you must be gay; to do this type of work, I can assure you I am not !.
I love women,, and my usual work is construction, but I enjoy learning reflexology so much, it is as much relaxing giving it as receiving it.
Just wondered if other blokes felt this way..
I get on brilliant with the ladies at class and we have a good time practicing on each other.
And I would love to learn this as a career and give up construction.
steve.
You know what? It doesnt matter! As long as you are doing something positive! I was the only guy in my aromatherapy class at night school - I just got on with it and learnt as much as I could. If you like the course that much I would say go for it and get the qualification so you can treat people. And it a good way and an additional source of income!
Good luck
Hi Jay.
Thanks for the advise, I see what you mean, don't let other peoples negative views put me off doing what I love.
cheers mate.
I am a lady - but have a reflexologist who is a man and it had never even crossed my mind that he might be gay. I agree with Jay - he is a wonderful therapist so gay or otherwise, wouldn't care!
Good luck with your course.
I want to clear something up, I am not having a go at gay people..
I actually have a gay cousin and we get on really well, its how the ignorant public perceive male therepists, and at the end of the day I don't give a damn about their views anyway...
Hello, I have worked in a very male dominated world for the last 30 odd years and I do get some strange looks but I dont care, some have even come for treatment. I shall be retiring from that soon at the age of 50 so I have new workling life opening up, it's great. I have been a Reflexologist for 10 or so years. I practice Reiki, Holistic Massage and am currently studying Aromatherapy. What I love about my therapies is that I find it extremely expressive. Its just the same for me as if I were creating a fine piece of art or producing a wonderful piece of music. Thats what we do, we are holistic artists and it sounds as if you are on your way to becoming one too. I have often been the only bloke in training.
It can be difficult to make a living from therapies but its not impossible if you are good at selling yourself and know how to run the business side of things.
Good luck and go with your inner feelings.
Hiya
There are more and more blokes (I use that word advisedly) studying holistic therapies these days. I trained with two, and they had female clients queueing up for them! Sometimes you need a firm man's touch.
Power to the blokes!!:)
Men tend to make very good Reflexologists as they naturally have a firmer touch !!
meridianmoon xx
Hi
In fairness, it is those other fella's who don't know what they are missing, in themselves and in interactions with others. Having run that gauntlet for years I do love the 'gay' me ... HaHa ... you DO get that reaction for sure.
Really, tho' it is funny ... straight guys (anyone actually) have a lot of advantages, having studied therapies. Look at what it puts you in touch with? And who it puts you in touch with.
Regards
Jim
Personally (being female), I would chose a male therapist if I had the choice. I have found that even when it comes to hairdressers, they are less afraid to be hands on. I like that!
I suppose the macho men who wouldn't like another man touching them may not be sort of guy to go & see any kind of alternative therapist anyway. Good luck to you! Enjoy!
~jay~
x
Hi ya Steno
Complementary/Holistic Therapies does seem at times to be female orientated, but of course man can be healers as well. Most of my work these days is the deeper aspects of massage with firm pressures. Some female colleagues can do the same, but not so common.
Also consider that some of the great pioneers of reflexology have been male: Dwight Byers, Tony Porter, Dr. Fitzgerald, Joseph Corvo, Father Joseph and many others.
It is quite common to be the only male in the class, which is usually me! But no one forgets your name (being the only bloke), and get more female attention (nice) :011:!
Sometimes being male can be a disadvantage, some men don't like being worked on by another bloke (that's their silly 'gay' issue) or sometimes women prefer a woman as they may have a 'pervy' man issue. When I started reflexology 11 years ago, I did meet some feminist types who couldn't believe men can be healers (they must of been reading too many Diane Stein natural healing books:005:). Luckily that attitude is dying or even dead.
Another aspect of male / female professional relationships is a subtle exchange of yin and yang energy. That's what ~Jay~ may like from it (cheeky pixie joke).
If in your heart reflexology is the way to go - go for it!
My personal advice if you wish to be a therapist, do reflexology but study other therapies as well, if you wish to make a living.
Best Wishes
Reflex Pixie
Another aspect of male / female professional relationships is a subtle exchange of yin and yang energy. That's what ~Jay~ may like from it (cheeky pixie joke).
Reflex Pixie
Absolutely right there!......Human nature, of course!
~jay~