Reflexology Laws and Regulations in Washington DC

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in the District of Columbia

1. D.C. Overview of Reflexology

  • Under D.C. law, reflexology is explicitly included in the definition of “massage therapy.” DCMR Title 17 § 7501.1 defines massage therapy to include techniques such as “reflexology” involving pressure on the feet, hands, or other body parts dchealth.dc.gov.

  • No separate reflexology license exists—practitioners must hold a D.C. Massage Therapist license to offer reflexology for compensation.

2. D.C. Massage Therapist Licensing

To legally provide reflexology or any massage services in D.C., you must be licensed by the Board of Massage Therapy (DOH):

Requirement Details
Education Minimum 500 hours of in-class training from a Board-approved school, including at least 3 hours of professional ethics dchealth.dc.gov
Examination Passing score on a Board-approved national exam (e.g., NCETMB, MBLEx) dchealth.dc.gov
Clinical Training If >2 years since schooling, complete 50 hours of supervised clinical practice, including 25 client-contact hours dchealth.dc.gov
CPR/First Aid & Background Check Current CPR/First Aid certification; FBI and D.C. criminal-history checks; submission of fingerprints dchealth.dc.gov
Continuing Education & Renewal Biennial renewal by January 31 of odd-numbered years; 12 hours of Board-approved CE dchealth.dc.gov
Application & Fees Submit application packet to D.C. DOH with required fees (see DOH website) dchealth.dc.gov

Apply & Renew Your License →
https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/massage-therapy-licensing dchealth.dc.gov

https://youtu.be/C8AOBPD-Huo

3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy

  • Reflexology: As defined in DCMR Title 17 § 7501.1, reflexology is a subset of massage techniques involving pressure on reflex points.

  • Massage Therapy: Encompasses reflexology plus all systematic soft-tissue work.

All reflexology services—even foot-only work—require a D.C. Massage Therapist license.

4. Local Establishment & Business Permits

In addition to state licensure, D.C. practitioners must:

  • Register their practice with the D.C. Department of Health as a Massage Establishment.

  • Obtain a Basic Business License from the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

  • Comply with health-department inspections, sanitation, and zoning requirements for body-work facilities.

Tip: Contact D.C. DOH and DCRA before opening to confirm all local obligations.

https://youtu.be/6vUb8nnvteY

5. Raynor® Reflexology Guidance in D.C.

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists must secure a D.C. Massage Therapist license to legally practice reflexology within D.C.

  • When operating, clearly state:

    “Certified Raynor Reflexology – Performed by Licensed Massage Therapist, D.C. Board #_____”

  • Combine our world-class reflexology curriculum with your D.C. credentials to stand out.

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

https://youtu.be/0ER_X2lEchQ

6. Read Our Testimonials

Read more success stories →

https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials/

7. Quick Reference Table

Service Type D.C. License Required? Local Permit Often Required?
Pure & Broad Reflexology Yes (Massage Therapist license) Yes (establishment & business license)
Massage Therapy (all modalities) Yes Yes
Raynor Reflexologists Yes Yes

8. FAQs

Q5. Do reflexologists need a massage license to practice in D.C.?

A: Yes—D.C. includes reflexology under massage therapy. A D.C. Massage Therapist license is mandatory dchealth.dc.gov.

Q6. Can I advertise “reflexology” separately?

A: You may use “reflexology” but must hold a massage license and comply with all massage-therapy regulations.

https://youtu.be/WtL0DOZTGqs

9. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Regulations and local ordinances evolve—always verify current requirements with the D.C. Department of Health and your local authorities before opening or advertising your practice.