Mel Ratcliffe, as well as being the founder of Bare Health, is also a fully insured Complementary Therapist and registered with The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
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She has gained over 20 years experience in the field of holistic therapies originally qualifying as a Sports Massage Practitioner in 1997. Over the years Mel's curiosity and passion for natural health and well being grew and she gained additional qualifications in Hopi Ear Candling, Naturopathic Nutrition and No Hands Massage. For over 12 years Mel had a busy practice in Staffordshire which perfectly complemented her role as an advisor in a chain of independent health stores. It was here that her dream of opening her own health store and holistic treatment centre blossomed.
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Having had a sabbatical from practice whilst putting her passion and energy into establishing her 'dream' ... Bare Health, Mel recently felt the desire to return to practice once again and embarked on a Traditional Thai Massage Course, qualifying in May 2017.
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Mel is now embracing and fully enjoying the opportunity to see clients on a one to one basis from Bare Health. Not only helping and supporting others in finding their healthy balance but also at the same time working to bring about her own healthy life balance. She finds that Thai Massage is 'reciprocal' in nature - not only does the client benefit from this wonderfully nurturing and restorative treatment but the therapist receives too. What could be better?
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Client Testimonial:
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I have been going to this wonderful shop since it opened and have recently been having regular Thai massage with Mel, I can not recommend this highly enough. Mel is a very gifted therapist and treatment room a beautiful calm space , I come out feeling wonderful, you will not be disappointed!
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Maxine S
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Traditional Thai Massage
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Traditional Thai massage is an ancient system of healing with its roots in Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Buddhist spiritual practice. This unique and complete system of Yoga therapy combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, gentle twisting, deep stretching and meditation in a flowing harmonious full body massage.
By incorporating deep muscle work, acupressure and meridian work and exquisite yoga like stretches within the massage, it means that specific problems can be addressed and the whole body is balanced. This releases powerful healing forces which ease pain and stress and you leave feeling energised, relaxed and usually taller! Traditional Thai Massage is a fully clothed massage carried out on a comfortable mat on the floor.
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Enjoy regular Thai Massage for enhancing sports performance,increasing flexibility and maintaining a pain free healthy body.
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What to expect:
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There is no oil used in a Thai Massage, so you can remain fully clothed throughout. You should wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing and avoid heavy meals and alcohol 2 hours before your treatment.
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Thai Massage is a floor massage, so expect to lie fully dressed on a futon mattress on the floor. As you lie on your back your therapist starts working on your feet with a gentle rocking motion from one side to the other using palm pressure. The combination of the gentle rocking and rhythmical pressure during a thai massage can often induce a meditative state and may even make you lose track of time.
As the massage continues the whole body is carefully moved, loosened and stretched, working on the entire musculo-skeletal system to release tension and open the energy channels. The therapist will use their thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees as they work on your body, but often you will be unaware as you will be in a blissful state of deep relaxation. Thai massage uses deep progressive pressure applied slowly, so your body is able to relax into the technique or stretch and therefore receive the enormous therapeutic benefit from this unique type of massage.
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Is It Suitable For Everyone?
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Except for those with the usual conditions that would contraindicate any kind of massage, treatments are tailored to suit your individual needs. If in doubt as to your suitability for massage please check with your GP.
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To book a treatment with Mel, please call Bare Health on 01260 408413.
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