Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in the U.S. Virgin Islands
1. Territory Overview of Reflexology
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In the U.S. Virgin Islands, reflexology is regulated as a modality of massage therapy under DPHSS and the Department of Licensing, Consumer Affairs & Commerce (DLCA). There is no separate reflexology license—all reflexology services must be performed by a licensed massage therapist doh.vi.gov.
2. U.S. Virgin Islands Massage Therapist Licensing
To legally provide reflexology or any soft-tissue foot-massage services in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must obtain a Massage Therapist license:
Requirement | Details |
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Education | Minimum 500 hours of class work at a recognized massage school |
HIV/STD Training | Completion of at least 3 hours of approved HIV/STD/AIDS training |
Health Clearance | Health clearance letter signed by the Commissioner of Health to DLCA |
Background Check & Registration | Register with DPHSS; license issued via DLCA, including criminal-history checks and fingerprinting as required |
Business & Health Permits | Massage businesses must obtain an annual Health Permit from DPHSS Environmental Health Division and a DLCA business license |
Continuing Education & Renewal | Renew annually with proof of meeting DPHSS and DLCA requirements |
Detailed Requirements →
https://doh.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Massage-Therapy-Requirements-2023.pdf doh.vi.gov
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Reflexology: Targeted pressure techniques on the feet, hands, or ears—but under USVI law, this is always performed as part of licensed massage therapy.
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Massage Therapy: Broad soft-tissue manipulation, including reflexology techniques—requires the same Massage Therapist license.
There is no exemption for reflexology-only practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits
Beyond territory licensure, all establishments must also secure:
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A DLCA Business License (all health-related services)
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An Annual Health Permit from the DPHSS Environmental Health Division, including routine inspections
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Zoning and occupancy approval from your municipal government (e.g., St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John)
Tip: Verify local requirements with DLCA and DPHSS before launching your practice.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q5. Can I practice foot reflexology without a massage license in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
A: No—U.S. Virgin Islands law classifies reflexology as massage therapy. A current Massage Therapist license is mandatory abmp.com.
Q6. What training is required for reflexology?
A: You must complete a full 500-hour massage-therapy education program plus 3 hours of HIV/STD training as part of your licensing requirements doh.vi.gov.
6. Raynor® Reflexology Guidance
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Raynor-trained reflexologists must first secure their U.S. Virgin Islands Massage Therapist license—then apply our specialized reflexology techniques for superior client outcomes.
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To clearly communicate your expertise, advertise:
“Certified Raynor Reflexology – Performed by Licensed Massage Therapist, U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/
7. Read Our Testimonials
Read more success stories →
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials
8. Quick Reference Table
Service Type | Territory License Required? | Local Permit Often Required? |
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Reflexology (any modality) | Yes (Massage Therapist license) | Yes (business & health-dept permit) |
Massage Therapy (all modalities) | Yes | Yes |
Raynor Reflexologists | Yes | Yes |
9. Resources & Links
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USVI Massage Therapy Requirements (DPHSS/DLCA)
https://doh.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Massage-Therapy-Requirements-2023.pdf doh.vi.gov -
ABMP: State & Territory Licensing
https://www.abmp.com/practitioners/state-requirements abmp.com -
Raynor Massage State & Territory Overview
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us/ -
Raynor Massage Courses
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses -
Testimonials
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials
Disclaimer: Regulations and local ordinances evolve—always verify current requirements with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health and DLCA before opening or advertising your practice