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• Holistic Therapies

Holistic Therapies

Melanie is a fully trained Holistic therapist who has been practicing since 2001 developing her own style for working with her clients by tailoring her therapies to meet her client’s needs.  She is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapies and keeps building upon her professional development and self reflective skills on a yearly basis.

Melanie specialises in Aromatherapy (organic), Indian Head Massage, Body Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology and Reiki.  Melanie completed a Certificate in Counselling in 2007 that gave strength to her communication skills (person centered approach) enabling to give a better quality service for her clients.

Melanie keeps a professional and confidential relationship with her clients at all times.

Therapies are available to all Keele University members of staff.  Appointments can be made on Tuesdays and Fridays (including vacations) and take place in the Staff Support Service, Room DH017, Dorothy Hodgkin Building on Keele Main Campus.

In addition appointments can be made on Wednesdays in IC1 and IC4 at Keele University Science and Business Park.

To make an appointment please contact Melanie direct on: 07990552935 or e-mail at Mel@clearchannels.info

Please note

Melanie works in a Holistic way and can combine the various therapies.

Try not to arrive for your massage on a full stomach; instead eat a light meal after your treatment.

Drinking water moderately before a treatment will also help the systems of the body, as the body’s circulation will be influenced by the massage.

Therapies available:

Indian Head Massage ‌This Ayurvedic massage technique is an ancient Indian treatment which can be received anywhere and the treatment can be undertaken fully clothed; this is the massage of the Head, Neck, Shoulders, Upper Arms, Upper back and face. Pressure points are also applied to release energy blocks and tensions that can be caused by work related repetition. This wonderful touch therapy facilitates the elimination of toxins, boosts circulation, and aids the lymphatic system, relaxing the muscles which in turn release ‘feel good hormones.’     This therapy helps with concentration, stress headaches, insomnia, emotional problems and lethargy.   A full treatment lasts forty-five minutes.
Reflexology Reflexology is a health maintaining treatment of the feet with the benefits of supporting the bodily systems such as the endocrine, skeletal system and organs of the body from stress related problems. This treatment allows a time to be still while the therapist works on specific pressures points using fingers and massage techniques to apply pressure to the many nerve endings within the feet, sending sensations throughout the various corresponding areas of the body, enabling a sense of awareness about them-selves. Reflexology ultimately is deeply relaxing and energizing.     A full treatment lasts for around 1 hour.
Body Massage This massage therapy is an essential treatment for stressed muscles.  Regular massage will decrease stress, (releasing pain relieving hormones), lower blood pressure, support the lymphatic system and help prevent bad posture and restore tired muscles to their normal position, ultimately, aiming to bring back a working synergy to all muscle groups. Body massage communicates self awareness to the body and its tensions throughout, bringing benefits to help various physical problems. A full treatment lasts for 1 hour. Deep Tissue Massage Deep tissue massage works on specific areas of the body; realigning deeper muscle groups, connective tissue and ligaments. This massage is very helpful for chronic muscle pain by breaking down adhesions to relieve pain and restoring normal movement, this in turn releases pain blocking endorphins contributing to pain relief. This restorative massage is also a preventative treatment which is the main aim of massage. Benefits include: Normal blood flow to muscles and elimination of toxins from muscles, helping headache and migraine sufferers, muscle spasms, stiff necks, lower back pain, and recovery from injury, postural problems, and fibromyalgia. The difference this type of massage has on the body is remarkable.
Reiki ‌This gentle healing system is received whilst you are fully clothed.  This treatment can help the body to attain its natural balance on a physical, mental and an emotional level.  Reiki is a healing energy system where the practitioner’s hands are placed over various points of the body encouraging the body and mind into a deep state of relaxation.
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the massage and use of organic essential oils that are derived from plants and trees.  A personal blend will be created by choosing oils that the sense of smell is attracted to. Each essential oil has different chemical components that are stimulating, calming, sedative or balancing.  Through a consultation and ‘inhalation’ of separate essential oils a synergy is created and combined by the therapist. Essential oils are absorbed through the mucus membranes within the olfactory and the respiratory system; nerve receptors within the olfactory system uptake odour molecules to the limbic system which influence mood and hormones.    The respiratory system (lungs) is another medium for the oils to be absorbed helping to support the immunity. The skin also benefits from the healing properties of certain oils. The limbic system influences the emotions, hormones and nervous system, influencing stress levels, blood pressure and breathing and mood.  The odour molecules will travel to their limbic destination through the olfactory system to create the appropriate chemical response.

Price List

Prices depend on length of session; treatments can be combined

Testimonials

Thank you Mel for a wonderful massage I feel restored and able to face the world again – “you really do have healing hands!”  Sue

I’ve been visiting Mel every two or three weeks for the last two years, for an aromatherapy massage of my neck, shoulders and back. The treatments have made a huge difference to my experience of stress and low-level depression. I used to feel the tension building up in my neck and arms, but Mel applies just the right amount of pressure to dissipate the knots and bunches in my muscles.More than that though she is also a friend who will listen to my troubles big or small and whose discretion is cast-Iron! I’d recommend her to anyone –This woman can transform your life!

When I came to see Mel for the first time, I was aware that I was fairly stressed (my hair was falling out) but she began to work on my back, the full extent of the tension that I was holding became clear, amazingly by using a mixture of massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Reiki (in the same session!) Mel managed to release a significant amount of tension and after three visits I’m aware of what normal feels like again and I’ve changed my posture, breathing and jaw clenching habits..  I’ve visited many practitioners over the years, but Mel is undoubtedly the most skilled, professional and accommodating that I have met so far.  A session with Mel isn’t just a relaxing moment;-it’s a complete MOT for your body – helping you to become aware of what needs attention. I can’t recommend her services highly enough. What a precious resource for Keele University! Jessica

Physical and Mental well-being  I was initially sceptical about the benefits of massage, but having been coaxed into it I now would thoroughly recommend it! I have found Mel’s massage really beneficial for both my physical health (recovering from surgery, and general deep tissue massage), and for my mental health (depression). I would really recommend Mel for deep tissue massage – I am always surprised about how powerful her massage is able to be and it really gets rid of the niggly aches and pains.  I have found the massage relaxing as well and this has really helped my mental health a lot.

The massage yesterday was fantastic if a little painful at times! However the pain was worth it!  The stiffness in my neck, shoulder and arm is so much better. Nicky

Excellent for Pregnancy  I have been having regular massages with Mel at Keele for the last 3 years. I started when I got pregnant with my first child, when the massage really helped me deal with pregnancy tiredness and aches particularly in my leg and lower back. During my second pregnancy, I found the massage really invaluable for relaxation – it helped me deal with the strains of juggling full time work, toddler and pregnancy - the only down time I got! Mel has an amazing talent for identifying exactly where my back needs it the most and I can really feel my body relax and loosen up. As well as massage on my back, neck, legs, I have enjoyed reflexology, which seems to help in lots of ways. Mel is also really caring and an excellent person to talk to. I would recommend Mel without hesitation.

Melanie is a very intuitive person and works with you as well as the oils that she uses for her aromatherapy.The truth is sometimes it can be very relaxing and sometimes it can be painful.  What I will tell you is that my migraines are now less frequent and less severe since I’ve been treated by Melanie which is about 2 years.I cannot praise her enough for what she has done for me and what she continues to do for me. I will say do not be dismissive in regards to these treatments as they work and that is a fact.All of her treatments are nothing short of excellent and even if you need more than one treatment you will feel the benefit after the first session, so please come along and see what she can do to help you, and take it from someone who knows, you will not be disappointed. Julie Bailey

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