Featured Meridian Massage Institute Graduate: Lenore Anderson

With more than 20 years of experience as an educator and practitioner in the healing arts, Lenore Anderson is a true believer in hands-on healing.

A graduate of The Massage School in Easthampton, Mass., Lenore believes that our spirit bodies strive for balance and harmony. This is why her profession has been an ongoing journey of integrating the wisdom and practice of Chinese medicine.
As a holistic health practitioner, she educates and supports her clients to become more aware of the importance of the spirit-body connection. Lenore is a Clinical Herbalist graduate of The Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies. In 2000, she started Natural Vitality, which is her pathway for providing holistic healthcare, natural healing classes and retreats.
Lenore is also a graduate of Meridian Massage Institute, and has been able to integrate Meridian Massage into her practice. Read on to learn more about Lenore and her experience as an educator and healer.

What motivated you to pursue massage therapy as a career?
I wanted to practice acupressure, but I needed a license to do hands-on work, so I became a massage therapist. Now, I can integrate these modalities with Meridian Massage.
How long have you been practicing?
I have over 20 years of professional experience as an educator and practitioner in the healing arts including: Acupressure, Shiatsu, and Cranio Sacral Therapy. I have been working for 8 years as a Massage Therapist.
What modalities do you integrate into your work?
Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Acupressure, Shiatsu and Meridian Massage.
What do you do to maintain your own health and well being?
I do trade for bodywork with other massage professionals to maintain my overall health and well-being. I also apply self acupressure techniques and practice yoga.
How has Meridian Massage impacted the way you practice massage?
Meridian Massage has given me a form of acupressure that works on the massage table. I also do Shiatsu on the mat. Many people do not know or understand how acupressure and Chinese medicine can help them. Meridian Massage introduces them to Chinese medicine in a way that always achieves positive results.
What inspires you about your work?
My work is integrated bodywork, and I like that flexibility.
What kind of issues, symptoms or conditions do you specialize in?
Everything from pain in the body, tonifying internal concerns, and balancing emotional and spiritual aspects.
In terms of the overall health care system, what role do you see massage therapy playing?
Massage therapy from a knowledgeable therapist is extremely effective. Hands-on work helps people make that body-mind connection which allows them to heal. I feel that it should be covered by insurance! Physical Therapists should also refer out to professional Massage Therapists.
What do you wish everyone knew about massage therapy?
How it works! It is not just for relaxation. Your body can tell you what it needs. When you understand the acupressure points and the meridian system, you can help people release the root causes of their conditions. This not only works for chronic pain, but also for the old patterns and stories that are held in their tissues and energy fields.
What was your favorite part about studying at Meridian Massage Institute?
Learning from Cindy! I could relate to her approach to practicing acupressure and the theories of Chinese medicine. She will point you to the element and say, “What do you see and feel when you’re in it?”  If her students give her a blank slate, then she takes them outside to connect with the earth, the sun, the trees, or any of the Five Elements found in nature.
What recommendations do you have for anyone interested who hasn’t started earning his or her certification in Meridian Massage?
If you like integrating eastern and western approaches into bodywork, then Meridian Massage is a must-do and must-know when it comes to training. You will not only have effective techniques to use, but you will also have a system to pull from to deepen your understanding of how people get out of balance. And you will know the pathways to help them return to greater balance.

In addition to being a Licensed Massage Therapist, Lenore is also a M.A. Educator, Holistic Health Coach and Practitioner, Acupressurist and Clinical Herbalist.

To learn more about Lenore’s practice, visit www.natural-vitality.com and connect with her on her social media pages!