Rachael Castell

Intro

I set up Scintilla Touch Massage Therapy after I sold my bakery business and decided to change direction to an area that had always interested me. I chose this name as it's the smallest spark that starts a fire. The smallest step leads the road to recovery. Why touch? Because touch is so important. A simple touch shared between two living beings has the most profound biological impact. It activates the vagus nerve which is intimately involved with our compassionate response , leading the body to release hormones such as oxytocin (the bonding hormone). It also stimulates the realise of our happy hormones - dopamine and serotonin. Studies have also shown that touch helps to reduce blood pressure, calm your heart rate and reduce the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) within our bodies. I am a big believer in balance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The mind and body are one and should both be looked after so that they work in harmony with one another, supporting and strengthening each other and regular massage helps the two, in so many ways.

Qualifications

• Level 4 in sports science and massage therapy
• Pre natal massage
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Shockwave qualifies

Memberships

• FHT
• SMA

I work along side the Bangor Football Team as a sports therapist and doing pitchside first aid. I also work along side the Belfast Giants during their recovery days.

Approach to practice

I take a Global Assessment Approach, where we look at your individual body, as a whole, and pay attention to real world contexts like personal load, posture and health conditions, recognising that dysfunction in one area can lead to compensatory patterns elsewhere. I use various modalities during my treatments such as infrared therapy and cupping therapy along-side different soft tissue techniques allowing me to promote healing both from a practical and holistic approach (physical, emotional and mental). This provides me with a more comprehensive view allowing me to recognise individual variability so I can work with you as an individual, customise my massage treatments and follow up treatment plan.

I'm also dedicated to continuous education so I can learn a new adopt more effective treatment strategies.