Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Historical development of reflexology may include:
Ancient civilisations
Zone theory and/or meridian theory
Modern history of reflexology from the 19th century onwards
Present day developers and proponents of reflexology


Philosophies relating to reflexology may include:
TCM Five Element theory
Yin/Yang
Indian charka system
Interaction of mind-body systems
Holographic theory
Quantum mechanics of healing
Polarity


Wellness can be interpreted through:
Taking client history including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of being
Visual, tactile, biomechanical assessment of feet
Questions relating to scale of discomfort/pain experienced by client
Assessment of discomfort/pain experienced by client when reflexology is worked
Assessment of energy imbalances in the body


Methods of reflexology must be:
Holistic in approach using a range of techniques and pressures to work all reflexology relating to the whole body and all body systems


Associated reflexology therapies/techniques in which the practitioner may be trained include but are not limited to:
Hand reflexology
Maternity reflexology
Chi reflexology
Colour/light reflexology
Auricular therapy
Vertical reflexology
Metamorphosis
Language of the feet
Sports reflexology
Precision reflexology
Meridian Theory
Rhow Shur Method
Ingham method
Universal Reflexology
Dougans' method
Asian reflexology
Advanced techniques


Relaxation techniques:
Must include:
Stroking and effleurage techniques
Friction light and deep
Holding
Rotation and loosening
Stretching
Kneading
Twisting and wringing

And may include
Diaphragm relaxer
Spinal twist
Toe rotation
Breathing
Percussion
Knuckling


Reflexology techniques:
Must include:
Thumb and finger walking
Microrotation with thumbs and fingers
Sedating light or deep
Hook in and back up
Palpating

And may include
Knuckling
Sweeping
Rocking
Holding/balancing
Sliding


Special techniques may include:
Bimanual flush
Endocrine balance
Lymphatic drainage massage
Brazilian toe hold
Meridian balance


Reflexology assessment techniques may include:
Client history
Observation
Discussion
Noting of temperature
Pulse taking
Palpation
Range of motion tests
Observation of variations of posture
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedures that are conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements


Information on other complementary therapies may include:
Current availability
Tools and techniques
Interactions between different therapies
When therapies may be used
Underpinning philosophy


Complementary Therapies which may be discussed may include:
Shiatsu
Acupressure/TCM
Polarity therapy
Reiki
Cranio sacral/Myofascial Release
Touch for Health
Magnetic therapy
Horstman technique
Alexander technique
Kinesiology
Integration therapy
Aromatherapy
Remedial Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Flower essences
Subtle Energy therapy


Relationship between the therapies may include:
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition


Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of initial consultation
Payment options
Availability of health fund rebates
Work cover eligibility
Estimated costs of treatment
Professional status of practitioner
Availability of home visits
After hours service
Provision for hospital visits


Guidelines may include:
Procedures and guidelines
Purpose or mission statement
Code of ethics or practice
Level of competency and degree of supervision


Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:
Occupational health and safety
Anti-discrimination
Privacy Act
Infection control


Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client contact details
Recording of incidents
Appointment details

EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Qualified assessor who is recognised by an Australian reflexology peak association


Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussions
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical settingIf successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision.


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients
HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health