A KEARSLEY massage therapist who is well aware of the benefits of holistic treatments will soon be sharing her knowledge with others.

Angela Dean began training in No Hands Massage in February 2013 and is one of the first people in Bolton taking a further course so she can teach others.

The form of massage sees therapists using forearms instead of hands and was developed by Gerry Pyves after he suffered Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Mother-of-three Angela, aged 43, says holistic therapies help the body do what it does best — release, repair and replenish.

As people strive to stick to New Year resolutions, such as hitting the gym or eating more healthily, Angela says her brand of massage can also be beneficial.

She said: "I’m yet to figure out why the New Year often makes us focus on our health more — even though I've made three big batches of soup since last week.

"Being healthy can mean different things for different people.

"As a holistic massage therapist, I know its value first hand — the value of cherishing yourself and of receiving positive human touch.

"It can seem that the world has become 'touch phobic' at times, with many shying away or unsure about the context of touch yet the most powerful of languages is often underrated.

"I began training in No Hands Massage in February 2013 because delivering the traditional form of body massage resulted in my back, wrists and thumbs hurting and also because I wanted to bring 'more to the table' as a therapist.

"The No Hands Massage approach works the psychology of the human body, the very cells that hold our emotions, the very essence of our being.

"It does this by working the depths of the tissues, right to the very core in a pain free way, releasing not only the soft tissues, but also by allowing the skeletal system to naturally realign without the use of force.

"I am excited to be bringing training in No Hands Massage to Bolton."

Angela originally trained as a holistic massage therapist after being diagnosed with ME, a condition which causes long-term disabling tiredness and left her unable to walk.

She also offers other treatments including one which uses Japanese massage techniques, reflexology and acupressure to give a natural facelift.

To try out an introductory No Hands Massage for £20, including free consultation, phone Angela on 07872 515365.