2 Day Feet and Hand reflexology Seminars

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Oregon

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Oregon

1. State Overview of Reflexology

  • Reflexology is expressly exempt from massage‐therapy licensure in Oregon under ORS 687.031 (1)(i):

    “Practitioners of reflexology who do not claim expressly or implicitly to be massage therapists and who limit their work to the practice of reflexology through the application of pressure with the thumbs to reflex points on the feet, hands and ears … are not required to have a massage license.” oregon.gov

  • Important: Any reflexology work beyond the feet, hands, or ears (e.g., lower legs or arms) is considered massage and requires licensure. All reflexology work must be done with the thumbs only in Oregon.

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

2. Oregon Massage‐Therapist Licensing

If you perform massage therapy or reflexology outside the exempt scope, you must hold a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) credential from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists:

Requirement Details & References
Statute ORS Chapter 687 governs massage‐therapy licensure (including non‐exempt reflexology) oregonlegislature.gov
Education & Examination Completion of a Board-approved program (typically 500 hours) and passage of a Board-approved exam
Continuing Education 12 hours of continuing ed every 2 years per administrative rules oregon.gov
Application & Renewal Apply via the OBMT website; renew biennially with proof of CE and fees
Board Website https://www.oregon.gov/obmt/ – licensing, forms, FAQs oregon.gov

Apply & Learn More →
https://www.oregon.gov/obmt/Pages/default.aspx

3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy

  • Pure Reflexology (Feet/Hands/Ears Only):
    Exempt from licensure under ORS 687.031 (1)(i) when limited in scope and unrepresented as massage.

  • Massage Therapy (All Other Bodywork):
    Requires a valid LMT license; includes any reflexology beyond the exempt areas, full-body reflexology, or foot massage advertised as “massage.”

4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits

While Oregon has no county‐specific “bodywork” license, most cities require:

  • A general business license from your City or County Clerk.

  • Compliance with Health Department or Building inspections for public body-work establishments.

Tip: Check your municipal website (e.g., Portland, Eugene, Bend) for exact permit, zoning, and inspection requirements before opening.

5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in Oregon

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists who restrict services to feet, hands, and ears can practice statewide without an LMT license—leveraging the ORS 687.031 exemption, as long as they only use their thumbs.

  • To offer any massage modalities or extended footwork, secure your LMT credential.

  • On your site, clearly advertise:

    “Certified Raynor Reflexology – Feet, Hands & Ears Only (No Massage Therapy).”

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 (feet/hands/ears) No (exempt ORS 687.031 (1)(i)) Yes (business/health-dept permit)
Foot/Hand Massage (other work) Yes (LMT license) Yes
Full Body Reflexology Yes (LMT license) Yes
Raynor Reflexologists (exempt) No Yes

7. FAQs

Q: Can I market “foot reflexology” without a license?
A: Yes—if you limit work to reflex points on feet, hands, or ears and do not present your service as massage oregon.gov.

Q: What if I use tools on the arch or calf?
A: That is outside the exempt scope and legally counts as massage therapy—an LMT license is required.

Q: Where can I find official Oregon statutes?
A:

  • ORS 687.031 (Reflexology Exemption)

  • ORS Chapter 687 (Massage-Therapy Practice Act)

8. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Laws and local ordinances evolve. Always verify current requirements with the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists and your municipality before opening or advertising your practice.