Health: Healing hands (From Free Press Series)

Health: Healing hands

A Monmouthshire woman who suffered from a chronic illness for 12 months, but found relief after visiting a therapeutic masseur, is dedicating her life to helping others facing similar problems.

Wendy Cleal spent years suffering from listlessness and a lack of energy and was eventually diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis).

But after Wendy received a massage, she found the effects of the treatment had worked so well that she undertook various courses at the Royal Forest of Dean College to become qualified in Therapeutic Massage.

Wendy said: "The effects of that massage changed my whole outlook on life and I realised that other people suffering in similar ways could be helped.

"I then resigned from my job as client manager for a Monmouth company and signed up for the relevant courses. I didn't really have a clue what to expect, but soon I was learning a great deal about the body and later I diversified into sports and Indian head massage, which aids relaxation and stress."

While studying at college, Wendy set herself up in business to put her new skills to work and relieve the suffering of others. People with long-term illnesses like cancer have found that a therapeutic massage is sometimes better than going under the surgeons knife.

One of Wendy's patients, in a testimonial, said that her expertise at providing a therapeutic massage enabled her to once again face life.

Another patient, a sportsman with a torn muscle in the left shoulder, found that a massage helped his shoulder and neck improve beyond all expectations - preventing another visit to the surgeon.

Wendy added: "The experience of training and putting this knowledge into practice has been hard work, but at the same time very enjoyable.

"My reward is seeing somebody suffering when they come in for their treatment, leaving as if they were a whole lot better.

"I've taken to reliving the suffering of cancer patients. Each case is different and I adapt my techniques to what would benefit the needs of each individual patient after consultation with their GP."

Wendy is involved with the Monmouthshire Well Being Group and works out of the Monmouth Natural Health Centre at Bridges Community Centre on 01600 772622.