The Barefoot Dragonfly

Foundations in Reflexology
2026-01-20 08:00 - 2026-03-08 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Registration is now open for our first introductory course in reflexology of 2026!
Discover the healing art of reflexology in this introductory course. Reflexology is a therapeutic bodywork modality that involves applying pressure techniques to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and support overall well-being. This course is designed for beginners who are interested in exploring the fundamentals of reflexology, its benefits, and practical techniques.
What to Expect
This course delivers 12 hours of live lessons via Zoom, and 16 hours of practicum here in the Austin studio. Each week you will have reading and homework assignments to complete at your own pace; it’s recommended to set aside 2-4 hours for these self-paced studies. Neurodivergent learners may find they need to budget a bit of extra time – classmates are encouraged to coordinate homework body doubling via the group chat.

Zoom Classroom
Lectures:

Origins of Reflexology – we’ll look at the history of foot therapies spanning some 5,000 years of healing arts from India, China, Egypt, Europe and today’s modern approaches in North America.
Theories of Reflexology – next we’ll look at the theories of how foot, hand, and ear therapies work and what sets reflexology apart from massaging these maps.
Reflexology Maps – an introduction to the Zones, Body Regions, and Guidelines mapped out on the foot, hand, and ears.
Reflexology for Every Body – a discussion on the benefits of authentic reflexology treatments, common reasons folks utilize this therapy, as well as cautions, and contraindications when reflexology is not advised.
Structure and Function of the Foot and Lower Leg – a deep dive into the arches, bones, and tissues of the feet lay a framework of understanding the mechanics of foot functionality and movement.
Setting Up Your Treatment Area – are you ready to give your first reflexology treatment? In this session we’ll talk about industry best practices, public health, and have you feeling confidant to give that first practice session after practicum!

Practicum
Day One:

Observing the Feet – we’ll interact with each other’s feet to explore stress cues, longitudinal zones and guidelines, as well as the four main types of foot shapes;
Gait and Footwear Analysis – observing each other’s feet to put our anatomy into practice we’ll see what stress cues we can pick up on – bring your most comfortable shoes you wear often!
Introduction to Reflex Techniques – we’ll practice finger, thumb, and knuckle techniques unique to the field of reflexology;
Reflexing the Spinal Cord and Column – partnering with a classmate, we’ll map out the spine on the feet and put our new reflex techniques into practice;
Preparing the Feet – we’ll practice a routine to prepare the feet for a comprehensive reflexology session.

Day Two:

Reflexing Body Regions – partnering with a classmate we’ll map out body regions and apply reflex techniques to them;
Taking a Health History – partnering with a classmate, we’ll practice taking a basic health history using our new session documentation skills;
Thirty Minute Foot Routine – we’ll pull together days one and two to give and receive a ~30 minute foot reflexology treatment with classmates;
Areas of Emphasis – armed with a ~30 minute general routine we’ll dip our toes into session planning skills to hone in on areas that need a bit more attention than others.

January 20260000Days00Hrs00Min00SecEnrolling Now
By the end of this first course participants will have a ~30 minute foot reflexology routine using the American Standard method of reflexology. This can readily be used on friends and family, in an existing field of practice like massage or physical therapy, or can be a foundation to launch into the intermediate course in our Reflexology Program.
Zoom lectures are scheduled as follows in Central time:

Tuesday, January 20th, 8am-10am
Tuesday, January 27th, 8am-10am
Tuesday, February 3rd, 8am-10am
Tuesday, February 10th, 8am-10am
Tuesday, February 17th, 8am-10am
Tuesday, February 24th, 8am-10am

Practicum days in the Austin, Texas studio will be held on:

Saturday, March 7th, 9am-5pm
Sunday, March 8th, 9am-5pm

Tea and snacks are provided for during scheduled times, students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. The onsite kitchen provides a microwave, toaster oven, and gas range.
Registration
To register, visit the Foundations in Reflexology page on our user portal over on Practice Better. Pay the $320 tuition (in one payment or two) and respond to application questions during the online checkout process. You will receive a confirmation via email (check your spam folder!) and an invitation to create an account in the student portal. You can use the contact form to send an email if you have questions or schedule a Student Advising via Zoom with Amy.
Registration is open to all with seating for ten (10) participants working on classmates during the practicum. This level is offered a couple times a year for folks to learn a 30 minute routine to practice on loved ones or integrated into an existing bodywork or acupuncture practice.
Tuition
$320 for Foundations in Reflexology
Class Refund Policy
Class payments are non-refundable, but may be used towards future classes within a twelve month period if you contact us to withdraw within two weeks (14 days) BEFORE the start of class. If you withdraw with less than two weeks (14 days) from the start of class all payments made are non-refundable or transferrable and any balance owed is still due if your payment plan is not complete. Your tuition covers the cost of a seat in the course, whether or not you are in attendance. If you have to miss classes we will help you make up the missed material. We know that circumstances change and life challenges come up, but we cannot make exceptions.
Course Materials
You will need the following three books for Foundations in Reflexology:

The Complete Guide to Reflexology by Ruth Hull (second edition or higher)
The Original Works of Eunice D. Ingham
Human Anatomy Coloring Book by Margaret Matt

Who Should Attend:

Individuals interested in holistic and wellness therapies
Aspiring reflexologists and massage therapists
Health and wellness practitioners seeking to expand their skills
Anyone looking to improve their personal well-being through reflexology

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Reflexologists
2026-01-21 08:00 - 2026-04-20 10:00 | Online Event
Now enrolling for Spring 2026 class attendees!
Study the wonders of the human body, and how the healing art of reflexology supports each organ, gland, system, and part in this 100% online course. You’ll enjoy self-paced learning, live lectures, and study groups with classmates.
What to Expect
This course delivers 25 hours of self-paced A&P, 24 hours of live lectures via Zoom, and 10 hours of live study group via Zoom. Each week you will have reading and homework assignments to complete at your own pace; it’s recommended to set aside 2-4 hours for these self-paced studies. Neurodivergent learners may find they need to budget a bit of extra time – classmates are encouraged to coordinate homework body doubling via the group chat.
This course is fully online and can be taken at any point in your reflexology training.

1. Introductory Human Physiology
We have adopted the Duke University online certificate course through Coursera to meet the ARCB and NCRE education guidelines on basic human anatomy and physiology.
The course fee is $45, paid to Coursera, and includes a digital certificate you can share when you have successfully completed the course. Registration is via Coursera at http://coursera.org/learn/physiology
Those who have documentation of prior A&P training may submit to Amy to skip this portion of the course.

2. Zoom Classroom
Lectures:

Overview of the Human Body – Anatomy and physiology begins with an understanding of the human body in terms that are relatable and easy to understand.
Skeletal – Bones are the framework of our body house – offering support, protection, shape, and movement, as well as mineral homeostasis.
Muscular – Muscles create movement for the bones and joints of the body as well as internal organs like the digestive tract.
Nervous – The nervous system picks up on what’s happening inside and outside the body and integrates this information to form a response.
Endocrine – The chemical messaging system of the body regulates many functions ranging from how deep tonight’s sleep will be to how tall you grew.
Respiratory – Respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through inhalation and exhalation.
Cardiovascular – A 6,000+ mile network of vessels transports nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products like carbon dioxide and cellular waste around the body.
Lymphatic & Immunity – The lymphatic and immune system is part of our body’s built in maintenance that transports fats and fat-soluble vitamins as well as providing a surveillance and defense mechanism against pathogens.
Digestion – The digestive system is designed to break down food into usable macro and micro nutrients in order to provide fuel for every cell in the body.
Urinary – Our built-in water treatment facility, the Urinary System filters the blood and controls pH, volume, composition, and pressure.
Reproduction – The reproductive system is unique in that it doesn’t come online until puberty and maintains function until midlife when menopause/andropause bring a decline or halt to proliferative processes in the gonads.
Integumentary and the Special Senses – Sense of touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste allow us to experience the outer world, bringing data from the skin, eyes, ears, tongue, and nose to the central nervous system.

Zoom lectures are scheduled as follows in Central time:

Monday, January 26th, 8am-10am
Monday, February 2nd, 8am-10am
Monday, February 9th, 8am-10am
Monday, February 16th, 8am-10am
Monday, February 23rd, 8am-1oam
Monday, March 2nd, 8am-10am
Monday, March 9th, 8am-10am
Monday, March 16th, 8am-10am
Monday, March 23rd, 8am-10am
Monday, March 30th, 8am-10am
Monday, April 6th, 8am-10am
Monday, April 20th, 8am-10am

3. Wednesday Study Group Zooms
Join us weekly on Wednesday mornings at 8am central for a live study group via Zoom to discuss each of the learning units in the Duke University course.
These will not be recorded but will count towards your live hours needed to graduate.
Wednesday study groups are scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, January 21st, 8am
Wednesday, January 28th, 8am
Wednesday, February 4th, 8am
Wednesday, February 11th, 8am
Wednesday, February 18th, 8am
Wednesday, February 25th, 8am
Wednesday, March 4th, 8am
Wednesday, March 11th, 8am
Wednesday, March 18th, 8am
Wednesday, March 25th, 8am

This learning unit has three primary components of study:

12 Body Systems on the Reflexology Maps;
Common pathologies and their Areas of Emphasis in Reflexology;
Study group for self-paced Introductory Human Physiology through Duke University.

In this learning unit we will have a study group via Zoom while working through Duke University’s Introductory Human Physiology.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Reflexologists is made up of 25 hours of self-paced A&P, 18 hours of live lectures via Zoom, and 10 hours of live study group via Zoom.
This learning unit is taken once and can be applied to all of our certification pathways. Students who have recently completed an A&P coursework may be able to apply their prior education towards national education standards and attend the live areas of emphasis for common pathologies and helper reflexes on a case-by-case basis. Please speak to your instructor ahead of enrolling in this course.
