Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in New Mexico
1. State Overview of Reflexology
Under New Mexico law, reflexology is generally regulated alongside massage therapy by the Massage Therapy Practice Act. However, Section 61-12C-5.1 of the 2006 Statutes provides a key exemption:
NM Stat § 61-12C-5.1 (2006) – Nothing in the Massage Therapy Practice Act shall be construed to prevent “reflexologists whose practices are limited to hands, feet and ears” from practicing those skills, so long as they do not present themselves as massage therapists and comply with certification requirements law.justia.com.
In practice:
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Reflexologists who limit their work strictly to hands, feet, or outer ears may practice without obtaining a New Mexico massage license.
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All other soft-tissue modalities require full massage-therapy licensure (see Section 2).except for certain activities like Rolfing etc… and traditional healing methods. See https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-61/article-12c/section-61-12c-5-1/
2. New Mexico Massage Therapy Licensing
To perform any massage-therapy modalities (beyond the reflexology exemption), you must hold a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) credential from the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum 650 hours from a Board-approved massage school (anatomy, techniques, ethics, practicum) legis.state.pa.us |
| Examination | Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam) and the New Mexico jurisprudence exam |
| Other Prerequisites | ≥ 18 years old; criminal background check & fingerprints; liability insurance; current CPR/First Aid certification |
| Renewal & Continuing Education | Renew biennially with 16 CE hours, including at least 4 in ethics rld.nm.gov |
Apply & Learn More →
https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/massage-therapy/ law.justia.com
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Pure Reflexology (Hands/Feet/Ears Only)
Exempt under NM Stat § 61-12C-5.1 when limited in scope and professionally certified. -
Massage Therapy
Any deeper or broader soft-tissue work—including detailed foot massage—requires a valid LMT license.
4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits
Even with state exemption or licensure, most cities and counties in New Mexico require general business licenses or health-department permits for public body-work establishments. Examples:
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Albuquerque: Must obtain a City Business Registration and pass Environmental Health inspections.
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Santa Fe: Requires a Health Department permit under “Personal Care Services.”
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Other Municipalities: Confirm zoning, building, and health-department rules with your local clerk’s or health office.
Tip: Always verify local requirements before opening a practice.
5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in New Mexico
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Raynor-trained reflexologists who restrict their work to hands, feet, or ears can practice statewide without a massage license—thanks to the § 61-12C-5.1 exemption.
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If you provide any additional massage modalities, secure your LMT credential.
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For commercial operations, obtain any necessary local permits, and clearly advertise:
“Certified Raynor Reflexology – Hands, Feet & Ears Only”
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6. Quick Reference Table
| Service Type | State License Required? | Local Permit Often Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Reflexology | No (exempt § 61-12C-5.1) | Yes (business/health-dept license) |
| Foot/Hand Massage (any modality) | Yes (LMT) | Yes (establishment/business license) |
| Raynor Reflexologists (exempt) | No (exempt § 61-12C-5.1) | Yes (for commercial operations) |
| Massage Therapy (LMT) | Yes | Yes |
7. FAQs
Q: Can I call my service “foot massage” without a license?
A: Only if your work is strictly reflexology on hands, feet, or ears and you meet the § 61-12C-5.1 certification rules. Any broader modality needs an LMT license.
Q: How do I claim the reflexology exemption?
A: Maintain current professional reflexology certification, limit services to designated areas, and clearly communicate your scope in marketing.
Q: Does Raynor certification satisfy New Mexico’s requirements?
A: Raynor training prepares you expertly, but you must still hold the appropriate professional certification for exemption—or an LMT license for full massage practice.
8. Resources & Links
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New Mexico Massage Therapy Board (Licensure & Regulations)
https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/massage-therapy/ law.justia.com -
NM Stat § 61-12C-5.1 (Exemptions for Reflexologists)
https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-61/article-12c/section-61-12c-5-1/ law.justia.com -
Raynor Massage State Overview (All States)
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us -
Raynor Massage Courses
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/ -
Testimonials – Read why clients rave about Raynor!
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials
Disclaimer: Laws and local regulations frequently change. Always verify current requirements with the New Mexico Board of Massage Therapy and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.
