Meeting Your LMT (Taylor Bickel)

Why Massage Therapy?

Since I was young, my parents raised me to be an active child from a range of Arts to Athletics, as well as giving back to the community. My journey toward Natural Health began as an 8th grader when my stepfather was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal brain cancer (Glioblastoma). During that time, my family gradually switched over to a plant-based lifestyle within after his diagnosis. The lifestyle switch not only assisted him in still being alive for 20+ additional years, it also introduced me to an interest in holistic medicine. He recently passed away this past January of 2024. His pursuit and testimony for natural holistic health continues to inspire me to wake up everyday and help others accomplish their wellness goals. 

Prior to attending Heidelberg University, I considered a career in Physical Therapy, Chiropractic or Naturopathic Medicine. It was not until I attended my Alma Mater at Heidelberg University (Class of 2011) that my personal research and former Advisor from Athletic Training (before Psychology) helped me choose a focus in Oriental Medicine: Acupuncture. I had obtained my Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology, but was aware that I needed to further my education.

I ran cross country throughout elementary school to collegiate level. Since I was a child, I suffered from bunions and hammer toes. I was taught by a podiatrist to tape my feet before running each and every day. This was my temporary tactic to cope with limited foot pain and dysfunction in high school through college. In high school, I was told I would need extensive reconstruction on both feet (break each toe joint and shave each bunion). I refused to do so, and continued to tape my feet until I met Jeff Magno, LAc, LMT in the fall of 2011 in Acupuncture School at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (www.aiam.edu) in Columbus, Ohio.

 After college, I worked as an office manager for an Acupuncturist (Chris Aul, Former AIAM Graduate) who was also a licensed massage therapist as well. In my Acupuncture courses, I had a colleague, Jeff Magno LAc, LMT that was a major impact to switching programs over from Acupuncture to Massage Therapy at AIAM. In one 15 minute session during a lunch break in class, he was able to release my hammer toes on one foot and the bunion started to shift as well. I was in awe. Afterwards I pulled out my cell phone and sent a photo of my foot to my mother. She was shocked as well. Through his craftsmanship and receiving additonal massage, I have not taped my feet to go running since.

 (If you are around the Columbus area, I highly recommend both of them.)

Continuing Education

As a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist, My Liability Insurance and State Licensure encourages continuing education in order to maintain my practice at the highest ethical and professional standards. Gaining Knowledge and ethically applying it is the best way I can administer to my clients to meet their current and future needs. Here's a listing of the Education Background I have obtained so far:

• Bachelors of Science Degree (4 years) Psychology from Heidelberg University on May 15, 2011

• Diploma of Massage Therapy (750 Hours) from the American Institute of Alternative Medicine on March 23, 2013

• Integrative Reflexelogy Certication (30 hours) from Claire Marie Miller Seminars on August 10, 2015

• "Neural-Fascial Rebalancing: Utilizing Neural & Fascial Mechanoreceptors to Increase Parasympathic Outflow & Relieve Pain" (Certificate of Completion 6 Hours) from Cross Country Education on January 28, 2016

• "(Re)Defining the Core: The Key to Functional & Corrective Exercise" (Certificate of Completion 6 Hours) from Cross Country Education on May 18, 2016

• Ethics Certificate of Achievement (4 hours) from Nirvana Massage CE National on February 7, 2017

• Basic CPR, First Aid & AED Certification from American CPR Care Association on February 9, 2017 (Exp. 2019)- has been renewed since and up to date. 

• "Lymphedema & Complete Decongestive Therapy: What Every Clinical Needs to Know"(Certificate of Completion 6 Hours) from VYNE Education on April 11, 2017

• RECENT UPDATE (2024): I am currently working on obtaining a certification (160 credit hours) for a certification in myoskeletal alignment therapy.