Reflexology Regulations and Laws in North Carolina

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in North Carolina

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in North Carolina

1. State Overview of Reflexology

  • In North Carolina, reflexology is treated as bodywork only and is not separately licensed at the state level.

  • The North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy explicitly regulates massage therapy, but reflexology practitioners who limit their work to foot, hand, or ear reflex points may operate without a state license—so long as they do not represent reflexology as “massage.”

  • Always clarify your scope on your website: “Reflexology Only – No Massage Therapy.”

Full state-by-state reflexology guide →
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us

https://youtu.be/PoPkBZ9qzB0

2. North Carolina Massage Therapy Licensing

If you wish to perform massage therapy (beyond reflexology’s scope), you must hold a license from the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy:

Designation Key Requirements Renewal & CE
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMBT) • 500 hours of approved massage training
• Pass the MBLEx or NC jurisprudence exam
• Background check & fingerprinting
• CPR certification		 Renew biennially with 16 CE hours

Apply & Learn More →
https://www.ncblmbt.org/licensure/individual-licensure/

https://youtu.be/v1ypfzKmXiE

3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy

  • Reflexology: Focused pressure on reflex points in feet, hands, or ears—unlicensed if not marketed as massage therapy.

  • Massage Therapy: Systematic soft-tissue manipulation—requires a valid LMBT license.

4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits

While North Carolina lacks county-level “bodywork” licenses, many cities and towns require general business licenses or zoning approvals for reflexology or massage establishments. For example:

  • Charlotte: Personal care businesses must register with Mecklenburg County Environmental Health.

  • Raleigh: Bodywork services need a Wake County business permit and health inspection.

  • Wilmington, Asheville, Greensboro: Check local clerk’s or health department for specific requirements.

Tip: Always verify local rules before opening your practice.

https://youtu.be/J-qjx9BmsVo

5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in North Carolina

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists may practice reflexology statewide without state massage licensure—provided they strictly limit services to reflexology techniques.

  • If you offer any massage modalities, secure your LMBT credential.

  • For brick-and-mortar or mobile services, obtain any necessary local permits, and clearly advertise:

    “Certified Raynor Reflexology – Reflexology Only (No Massage).”

Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/

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6. Quick Reference Table

Service Type State License Required? Local Permit Often Required?
Reflexology Only No Yes (business/health permit)
Massage Therapy (LMBT) Yes Yes (business/health permit)
Raynor Reflexologists (Exempt) No Yes (for commercial operations)

7. FAQs

Q: Can I advertise “foot massage” without a license?
A: No—advertising “massage” implies massage therapy. Use “reflexology” unless you hold an LMBT license.

Q: Do I need a state license to teach Raynor reflexology?
A: No state license is required, but check local business and zoning permits for teaching in a commercial space.

Q: Where can I find North Carolina’s statutes?
A: See North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90B (Massage & Bodywork Therapy Practice Act).

8. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Laws and local ordinances change. Always verify current requirements with the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.

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