Everyday I have the opportunity to make a huge difference in people's lives in a natural, healthy, and positive way, to help people learn ways they can help themselves through lifestyle changes - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - using Foot, Hand, Ear and Face Reflexology and Life Wellness Coaching. I also offer Reflexology education, from Introductory classes through Professional Reflexology Certification in the Laura Norman Method.

EDUCATION | Three Master's Degrees in Education. Internationally Certified in Reflexology, Licensed Massage Therapist, Skin Care Specialist and Certified Life Coach.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Read my book 'FEET FIRST: A Guide to Foot Reflexology,' and watch my DVD. Both will give you a great understanding of Reflexology and how it can be used to improve health and well-being. As a leader in the field, my book has become an indispensable guide for Reflexologists. Also, practice Reflexology on friends and family. Then if you want to pursue it, start educating yourself and taking classes. I offer classes in NYC, Stockbridge, MA, and south Florida. My programs offer everything from 3-day introductory courses through an 18-day Professional Certification program. Some states require a massage license in conjunction with Reflexology certification in order to practice. Expand your services by studying other methods, as this will increase your client base and income. My website, www.lauranorman.com, offers a wealth of information for anyone considering Reflexology as a career.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Caring and nurturing disposition. Positive and optimistic attitude. Interest in facilitating better health and well-being.

how I got started | While studying for my Bachelor's degree, I started taking classes in Reflexology and practicing on my family and friends. Anytime someone like my dentist or hairdresser complained about aches and pains, I would offer to work on them and I got such positive feedback. People were having amazing results, so I just started reading everything on the subject. I studied other forms of complimentary health care, like massage, shiatsu, polarity, acupressure, and of everything I studied, I loved Reflexology most, and saw the best results with it. I then developed my own unique method of Reflexology, a holistic approach that integrates other wellness methods with Reflexology, as well as working with people on an emotional and spiritual level.

why this job?| I've always been interested in healing, health, and consciousness work, and when I experienced Reflexology myself, it was so powerful. I had experienced many kinds of body work and Reflexology was profoundly healing and relaxing. The more I had Reflexology myself, the more I wanted to learn how to share all the benefits I was experiencing with others. I felt such a clear, focused, grounded energy that was so strong and so healthy, I was inspired to give others this experience, to make a difference in their lives, health and well-being. I developed Laura Norman Reflexology because I wanted to simplify the study of Reflexology while providing comprehensive training, and enhancing the experience with relaxation and other soothing, effective techniques.

why I love this job!| First of all, it's so personally fulfilling to work with people and make such a huge difference in their lives, literally within minutes, whether it's watching stress vanish, relieving pain or muscle tension, or just getting someone relaxed and centered. It's financially rewarding in that Reflexologists can earn -200 an hour giving private Reflexology sessions. I love that it's a natural, healthy, and positive way to help people, plus I can show people ways they can help themselves through lifestyle changes - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

my typical day| A typical day for a Reflexologist involves doing private sessions, spending time educating clients and the community, booking sessions, and continuing your education through coursework and extensive reading. After 40 years in this career, what I do has expanded so much. For me, I work to build and develop an awareness of Reflexology. I also do private Reflexology sessions, teach and develop educational programs from introductory classes through Professional Certification, train my Reflexology instructors, develop wellness products like DVDs and CDs, coordinate courses in different cities, and seek out people who can set up Laura Norman Reflexology centers across the country. I also spend time promoting my book. Recently, I've devoted a lot of time to launching a new line of natural, therapeutic products for the feet, hands and face using 100% pure essential oils, as well as developing an affiliate/referral program.

what they are | The biggest challenge is to educate and raise awareness about the power of Reflexology, as many people have yet to understand that their choices in health care include alternative wellness therapies like Reflexology. You need to really commit to educating the public about the facts and benefits of Reflexology, to continue to learn and grow, and put in a lot of time and energy practicing, like with anything you would want to be good at. And know that these challenges are far outweighed by the sense of fulfillment you will experience, both personally and professionally.

all about growth | Reflexology is growing rapidly, and there's so much interest in complimentary health care because people are now choosing to take more charge of their lives and health, and discovering complementary methods beyond medications and operations. The National Institutes of Health report that nearly 40% of Americans now turn to complimentary health care, and the World Health Organization predicts that Reflexology will be the leading complimentary health care option of the 21st Century. Plus, there's lots of opportunity for expansion into other wellness methods, publishing, education, and wellness products.

my website| http://www.lauranorman.com