Featured Meridian Massage Institute Graduate: Carol Horton

After working for nearly 20 years in the banking industry, Meridian Massage Institute graduate Carol Horton realized she needed a change.

“I was so unhappy where I was, even so much that my son—who was 10 at the time—told me that I had anger management issues,” Carol said. “I knew then that I needed to be doing something different and more rewarding.”
After having the chance to spread her wings, Carol went on to pursue massage therapy at the Finger Lakes School of Massage. Since becoming a massage therapist, Carol says she’s a much happier and calmer person and that she rarely gets mad anymore. Read our interview with her below as to why she loves her work and why she thinks massage therapy is a necessity.

How long have you been practicing?
I graduated from FLSM in December 2006 and started working under a limited license immediately in Cortland, New York until receiving my license in February 2007.
What modalities do you integrate into your work?
I integrate Meridian Massage, of course, along with general Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Reiki, KAM, and whatever else comes to me in the moment.
What do you do to maintain your own health and well being?
I make sure I receive a weekly massage from various LMT’s. I also try to eat healthy, go for walks in nature, and do Jazzercise and gym workouts.
How has Meridian Massage impacted the way you practice massage?
In so many ways! I think about which meridian is flowing through a particular area of the body that is in discomfort, and I pay more attention to moods, emotions and things like that. I think about the organs more and what emotions are held there, and what meridian can directly affect that organ, balancing the energy affecting an area of the body and emotion easing discomfort for both.
What inspires you about your work?
The fact that I don’t consider it work—it’s more like play time, and I get to explore and experiment! The reason I enjoy being a Massage Therapist is that I have the opportunity to help people feel better physically and emotionally. In a world that is ever increasing with pain, sorrow, anxiety and stress, I get to help people escape from that, even if for just an hour or so. I find that so rewarding!
What kinds of issues, symptoms or conditions do you specialize in?
I don’t think I specialize in anything—I just do my thing and that seems to be enough!
In terms of overall health care system, what role do you see massage therapy playing?
I see it as a huge stress reliever. When people are less stressed and more relaxed, their immune system is stronger and people are healthier and in less pain.
What do you wish everyone knew about massage therapy?
That it isn’t an indulgence. It’s vital for a healthier and happier life.
What was your favorite part about studying at Meridian Massage Institute?
The laidback approach to learning the information. Cindy made it so easy to absorb and understand the information taught. Not to mention the lovely naps in the afternoon!
What recommendations do you have for anyone interested who hasn’t started earning his or her certification in meridian massage?
Don’t hesitate. It certainly will be worth the time and effort to take the class!

To learn more about Carol’s practice, visit www.CarolHortonMassage.com.