1. State Overview of Reflexology
Michigan does not require a state license for reflexology. Under the Michigan Public Health Code, an individual may engage in practices such as “the use of touch, words, or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body”—including reflexology—so long as those services are not designated or implied to be massage therapy legislature.mi.govraynormassage.com. In practice, this means:
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Reflexologists may offer foot-oriented reflexology statewide without obtaining a Michigan massage therapy license.
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If you apply any techniques defined as “massage therapy,” you must be licensed (see Section 2).
2. Michigan Massage Therapy Licensing
Only those performing massage therapy must hold a state license from the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. Key pathways:
Designation | Requirements | Renewal & CE |
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Licensed Massage Therapist | • 500–625 classroom hours from an approved school • Pass the MBLEx (or NCBTMB exam taken before 11/1/2014) • Background check & fingerprints • Liability insurance |
Renew every 3 years with 18 CE hours, including ethics and pain management michigan.govjumozy.com |
Registered Massage Practitioner | • Similar 500–600 hours curriculum • Transitional status, limited new registrations |
Same renewal requirements as LMT |
For full application details:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/massage michigan.gov
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Reflexology: Focused pressure on reflex points of the feet (or hands), intended to support overall well-being.
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Massage Therapy: Systematic manual manipulation of soft tissues (kneading, stretching, vibration, etc.) as defined in MCL 333.17951.
If you practice only reflexology, no massage license is needed. Offering any massage-therapy modalities requires a valid LMT or RMP license.
4. Local Jurisdiction Requirements
While Michigan has no county-wide “bodyworks” license, many cities and townships regulate body-work establishments under local health or business ordinances. For example:
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Detroit: Massage establishments (including reflexology businesses that advertise “massage”) require a city business license and compliance with health-department inspections.
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Grand Rapids: Bodywork practitioners must register their practice with the local health department; building inspections and zoning approvals may apply.
Tip: Always check your city or township clerk’s office or local health department for specific permit and zoning requirements before opening a reflexology-only practice.
5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in Michigan
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Raynor-trained reflexologists may offer reflexology services anywhere in Michigan without state massage licensure—so long as you do not claim to provide massage therapy.
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If you operate from a commercial location, verify any local business or health-department permits required.
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Raynor curriculum and course links remain fully applicable—just be sure your website clearly states “Reflexology Only (No Massage Therapy).”
Link to Raynor reflexology courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/
6. Quick Reference Table
Service | State License Required? | City/Town Permit Often Required? |
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Reflexology Only | No | Yes (local business/health permit) |
Massage Therapy (LMT/RMP) | Yes | No |
Raynor Reflexologists (only) | No | Yes, if operating commercially |
7. FAQs
Q: Can I call my service “foot massage” without an LMT license?
A: No—advertised “massage” implies massage-therapy techniques. Use “reflexology” in your marketing unless you hold an LMT/RMP license.
Q: Do I need state licensure to teach Raynor reflexology?
A: No state license is required, but check local zoning and business-license rules for teaching in a commercial space.
Q: Where can I find Michigan’s reflexology regulations?
A: Reflexology is exempt at the state level (see MCL 333.17957). For local rules, contact your city or township clerk’s office.
8. Resources
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Michigan Board of Massage Therapy (laws, forms, licensing guide)
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/massage -
Raynor Massage – State Overview
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us -
Local Business & Health Departments
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Detroit Business Licensing: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department
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Grand Rapids Health Department: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Health
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Michigan Massage Therapy Licensing Guide (PDF)
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Massage-Therapy/Licensing-Info-and-Forms/Massage-Therapy-Licensing-Guide.pdf
For more information about upcoming Raynor Massage Courses see our Worldwide Course Calendar
Here are some testimonials about Raynor massage and reflexology courses and here is Part 2
Disclaimer: Laws and local ordinances change. Always verify with the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy and your local municipality before opening or advertising services.