I am just about to embark on an ITEC Reflexology course - having surprised myself with a credit pass on the ITEC Holistic Massage. I know there was much bad feeling about the Louise Tucker books we had to study for massage and just wonder whether or not the same applies to her book on reflexology.
Having bought that one and some others I notice discrepancies and sometimes totally contradictory information. Is it just a case (like driving lessons) that we learn how to pass the exam and then learn how to drive?
If anyone out there has any advice it would be extreeeeeeeeemely helpful.
Ta
RE: Reflexology Course
Hi. I think you will find discrepancies in all books to be honest, not just hers. Try reading books on aromatherapy and see how many different ways the oils can be used! Every book will also give different chemical components and even different country of origin and differing effects also! It is very confusing when you are studying for an exam.
The same applies with reflexology, though not quite so bad. Different schools teach different methods and say that different parts of the foot denote certain areas of the body.
I think her books are poor to be honest, but they are useful for the course as they are so simple that you don't get tied up in knots. Accept her books for what they are, useful learning tools for ITEC courses and nothing more. She doesn't go into any depth so for the serious student they are very, very basic. But it will get you through the exam.
RE: Reflexology Course
Thank you Candie - just the sort of advice and comment I needed. How hard would life be without this site and its discussion forums!!
RE: Reflexology Course
Andromeda
Candie is absolutely right: the Louise Tucker books are a great introduction, they are great for the ITEC examination, and because of that, they are great as a revision guide.
However, they are not going to give you the detailed knowledge that comes with working with the modality, and reading widely.
Candie is right when she says aromatherapy books differ widely on the uses of the oils. But for my Aromatherapy certification here in the USA (minimum 200 hours of instruction vs ITEC's), I turned to Louise Tucker (ITEC book) and Frances Gould (VTCT book) for a handy, small exam primer.
Reflexology is also one where each school/teacher/trainer has their own foot chart. But as one author put it, the exact locations of the organs on the feet are different because people are different. As reflexologists, we don't diagnose, so the mapping is an aid, or a tool, but should not bind our thinking as we help our clients. It's more important to be able to cover all areas, and work on the specific sore points found.
Anyway, I wish you well on your course. Just remember, at the end of the day, it's the therapist, not so much the therapy.