WRA History

In the spring of 1997, internationally renowned Reflexologist Bill Flocco and Seattle Reflexology & Massage Center owner Geraldine Thompson-Villanueve spearheaded the movement to determine how Reflexologists in Washington State could legally practice Reflexology. At that time, the State health board considered Reflexology as a sub-category of massage therapy, subject to the same licensing regulations.

At that time a dedicated group of reflexologists formed the WRA. Over the next five years, our membership grew dramatically, private monies were raised, lobbyists were hired, friends and colleagues were gained and lost, and political mountains were moved. In 2002, the State officially recognized Reflexology as an independent bodywork modality separate from massage.

Since then, the focus of the WRA has been to unite Reflexologists across the State under a common vision, to promote reflexology to the public, to uphold the highest standards of practice and professionalism, and to inspire a similar level of integrity and leadership in other organizations nationwide.

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Reflexology History

American physician William Fitzgerald, credited with being the father of zone therapy, is not the beginning and end to our history. Research indicates that the history and scientific basis of reflexology actually links Russia, the United States, England and Germany. It includes pioneering work by medical doctors, knighted physicians, and Nobel Prize winners. At present, not enough is known to determine with certainty the exact history of reflexology. The story is filled with gaps, but it has been established that cultures including those in India, Japan, China and Europe have left traces of foot work. Since no early written record has yet been discovered, the earliest evidence of the practice of reflexology is found in the form of pictures or statues. The oldest possible documentation of the use of reflexology was found in Egypt... about 5,000 years ago.

American doctor William Fitzgerald is usually credited with being the founder of reflexology [in the early 1900's... however] zone therapy [as it was called] was known in Europe in the 1500's so Fitzgerald cannot be the discoverer... perhaps re-discoverer would be more appropriate... Fitzgerald can be credited with the woodcut of the body divided into ten zones that is familiar to most of us... From 1915 into the early thirties the subject of zone therapy was controversial, but did meet with a certain amount of success with doctors and dentists.

One physician who did believe in Fitzgerald's work was Dr. Joe Shelby Riley of Washington, D.C. Riley, who was personally trained by Fitzgerald, was one of the most untiring developers and practitioners of zone therapy. Riley's work with reflexes and zones also included the ear.

During the 1930's Eunice Ingham worked with Dr. Riley as his therapist in St. Petersburg, Florida. Eunice made two major contributions. Her first was that she found alternating pressure, rather than having a numbing effect, stimulated healing. Secondly, with encourage-ment from Riley and other drugless doctors she took her work to the public and non-medical community. For forty years she lectured and traveled back and forth across the United States. She wrote three books in the process. [Today, the] International Institute of Reflexology... is run by Ingham's nephew, Dwight Byers.

(This history has been excerpted from Reflexology: Art, Science & History by Christine Issel. Used by permission of the author.)

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Join WRA
Membership is open to Reflexologists, students of Reflexology, colleagues and friends of the Reflexology community. Visit our Membership  page for more info.

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Board of Directors

Board Job Descriptions (click to download PDF)

Current officers:

President: Tina Bystrom, NBCR

tina@reflexologynw.com

Tina Bystrom is a nationally certified reflexologist with a full-time practice in Bothell. She is the owner and director of Reflexology Northwest, the region’s first reflexology center. Tina served as WRA Secretary in 2007, and has acted as Newsletter Editor since Fall 2005. As President, Tina's goal is to maintain a strong, unified voice for reflexologists in Washington State.

Interim Vice President: Amy Goetz, NBCR

amy@barefootphoenix.com

Amy describes herself as a wanderer on a path of self-discovery, and she delights in meeting new people who are willing to share their stories. Her path has lead her through teaching reflexology, spirit circles, junior high art and environmental education. In each reflexology session, Amy strives to mirror back clients’ innate perfection. Her goal is to help clients remember at a cellular level that they are meant to thrive and that their very presence is healing to this world. Amy currently serves as WRA's interim Vice President and Chair of the PR & Events Committee.

Administrative Secretary: Marty McKay, CR

cmckay9812@msn.com

Martha "Marty" McKay has practiced massage for 15 years, and reflexology for 5. She graduated from the International School of Reflexology & Meridian Therapy in 2003. She currently practices reflexology in Olympia. Several years ago, Marty switched the focus of her entire practice from massage to reflexology because her clients simply had better results with reflexology.
As a Board member, it is Marty's goal to increase the participation level of WRA members, and to make our organization more well-known to the public.

Treasurer: Mary Ellen Rutter, CR

merutter@msn.com

Mary Ellen is a Charter Member of WRA and a Certified Professional Reflexologist. Before becoming a reflexologist, she ran a successful non-profit organization for the National Park Service and Forest Service for over 15 years. It is Mary Ellen's goal to help WRA grow toward becoming one of the most sought after professional associations in the state.

Interim Membership Secretary: Diana Khoury, CR

After 10 years as a professional marketer, Diana left the business world to answer the call to be a healer. She achieved her reflexology Certification in 2003. Diana helps her clients find healing through reflexology by creating greater levels of self-awareness and balance in their lives. She actively volunteers with the Washington Reflexology Association as its Marketing Chair, Webmaster, and Newsletter Editor, and now Interim Membership Secretary.

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Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to volunteer with the WRA, and membership is not required to do so.

Committees include:

• Mentorship
• Membership
• Scholarship
• Education
• Special Events
• Newsletter & Promotions

Call (425) 818-4785 or email us for more info.

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Standards of Practice
Reflexologists shall:

1. Know the client’s objectives and provide reflexology to benefit accordingly.
2. Make their individual statement of policies regarding scheduling, fee structure, etc. available to the client at the time of the first appointment.
3. Assume responsibility for individual judgments and actions in the course of a reflexology session or series of sessions.
4. Maintain their physical and mental well being in such a way as to promote the profession.
5. Abide by all laws governing reflexology practice.
6. Truthfully and accurately represent their education, training and experience relevant to their education, training and experience relevant to their practice and be able to provide verification.
7. Report to WRA officers incompetent, unethical or illegally practicing reflexologists.
8. Participate in efforts to guard the public from misinformation and maintain the integrity of reflexology.
9. Respect all health care practitioners who operate ethically and help them in their understanding of reflexology.
10. Obtain informed, written consent from clients before videotaping, audio recording or permitting third party observation.

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Code of Ethics
The practice of good ethics is not limited to the welfare of the individual client, but also to the reputation of the art and science of Reflexology.

As a professional Reflexologist I will protect the standard practice of reflexology as a body of work, and I shall:

1. Keep the best interest of the client in mind.
2. Show respect to the individual’s dignity, and practice reflexology with honesty and integrity.
3. Keep the standard of my professional work current and as high as possible by continuing my education and training and attending conferences.
4. Perform only that for which I have been specifically trained.
5. Not diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any specific problem or condition unless specifically trained and permitted by law.
6. Keep all client information and conversations strictly confidential.
7. Work within the client’s comfort zone and pain tolerance.
8. Not engage in sexual activity with any client.
9. Not discriminate against or refuse service to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or sexual orientation.
10. Ensure that anyone employed by and or working with me shall adhere to this code of ethics.

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