The Barefoot Dragonfly

Foundations in Reflexology
2026-05-13 08:00 - 2026-06-28 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.

Summer 20260000Days00Hrs00Min00SecNow Enrolling
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:

Wednesday, May 13th, 8am-10am
Wednesday, May 20th, 8am-10am
Wednesday, May 27th, 8am-10am
Wednesday, June 3rd, 8am-10am
Wednesday, June 10th, 8am-10am
Wednesday, June 17th, 8am-10am

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

Saturday, June 27th 9am-5pm
Sunday, June 28th, 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 twelve (12) 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
