As the years have gone by, reflexologists have infused their reflexology work with a variety of extensions. Whether or not these extensions will be generally accepted by the reflexology community is a matter of ongoing discussion within the profession. Whether or not any addition to the reflexology belief system will be accepted by formal community sanctioning bodies, such as city councils and state legislatures, is another issue. Information in this issue of Reflexions is the result of ongoing study of professionalism and reflexology by Kunz, Kunz, and Schneider that has spanned fourteen years. One must be created to ensure the survival of the professional practice.
Scope of practice describes the activities included in the professional's practice.
A professional, as defined by sociological studies, receives training about and practices a unique body of knowledge within ethical and legal boundaries. A profession as a whole is granted the right to provide services by the community as a whole. Community sanctioning is conferred informally as well as formally. Formal approval may come in the form of legislation, licensing, and an examination system, all enforced by the police power of the community. Informal may come in the form of prestige and status accorded the professional by the community.