2 Day Feet and Hand reflexology Seminars

Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Illinois

Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Illinois

At Raynor Massage, we uphold both holistic wellness and professional compliance. In Illinois, reflexology and foot massage—when involving intentional soft tissue manipulation—are exempt from state massage licensure, allowing practitioners to legally offer these services with clear boundaries.

✅ Is Reflexology Legal in Illinois?

Yes! Under 225 ILCS 57/25(h) of the Illinois Massage Therapy Practice Act, “practitioners of other forms of bodywork who restrict manipulation of soft tissue to the feet, hands, and ears, and who do not have the client disrobe, such as reflexology, are exempt from this Act.”

️ What the Exemption Means

Effective January 1, 2022, reflexologists who:

  • Work only on feet, hands, or ears

  • Ensure clients remain fully clothed

  • Do not advertise massage, massage therapy, or use protected titles

…are not required to hold a massage therapist license under Illinois law.

⚖️ What’s Still Regulated

Be aware that:

  • Massage therapists (working on any other body areas or using massage techniques) require a state massage license, which includes:

    • 600+ hours from a state-approved school

    • Passing the MBLEx

    • Applying through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Background checks and continuing education (25 hours, including domestic violence/sexual assault awareness)

  • Only licensed massage therapists may legally use terms like “massage,” “massage therapist,” or “massage therapy” in advertising or business names

Local Business Considerations

Illinois law centralizes massage licensing at the state level—home-rule municipalities cannot override the state exemption ilga.gov+1ilga.gov+1.

Some cities may require business or bodywork establishment permits (e.g., permits for spas or wellness centers), so always check with your local municipality.

Want to Learn Reflexology?

Raynor Massage offers comprehensive training in Foot & Hand Reflexology, perfectly suited to Illinois’ exemption framework:

➡️ Foot & Hand Reflexology Course
➡️ Browse All Raynor Massage Courses

Ideal for:

  • Certified reflexologists operating legally within Illinois law

  • Massage therapists looking to deepen their reflexology skills

  • Holistic practitioners seeking ethical, compliant bodywork techniques

✅ Illinois Reflexology Compliance Checklist

  • Work only on feet, hands, ears

  • Keep clients fully clothed

  • Do not use “massage” terminology in promotion

  • Verify with your city or county about business permits

  • Ensure you are not crossing into regulated massage therapy territory

⚖️ Disclaimer

This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations may change—always consult with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and your local municipality before offering services.

Raynor Massage
Holistic Training for Reflexology & Natural Bodywork
www.raynormassage.com