Only massage therapy licensed individuals in the state of New York may advertise reflexology services. This recent ruling by the New York state massage board raises issues about the regulation of professions in that state. In the state of New York thirty-eight professions, including massage, are regulated by scholars at the State University of New York. For many years, the profession of reflexology has been regulated by standards that are not acceptable in academic circles.
Professionalism is a distinctive area of study with specific thoughts about professions.
Any profession, for example, has basis in definition. A state regulated profession has basis in a scope of practice. None exists in New York state regulation of reflexology. One wonders if the consumers in New York state are aware that their government allows advertising of reflexology services only by individuals who aren't necessarily trained or experienced or practicing legally or ethically. When licensing a professional, a state certifies the competence of that individual.