Look, no hands

WHEN people learn that Gillian Wright practices no-hands massage, their first response is usually to make a joke. "They ask me what I do - levitate?" says Gillian. But this type of massage is no laughing matter. Since she started treating clients about a year ago, Gillian has been able to help people suffering from all sorts of ailments, including back ache, arthritis and stress.

No-hands massage is exactly that: a massage without using the hands. Instead, practitioners employ their forearms, legs and even elbows to give muscles a good workout and leave the body feeling rejuvenated but relaxed.

This type of massage has been developed by Yorkshire-based masseur Gerry Pyves during the past ten years as a way to prevent therapists from damaging their wrists. Indeed Gillian, who had been practising mainstream massage, was beginning to develop some signs of repetitive strain injury before she learned how to do no-hands massage.

Also trained in aromatherapy, reiki and Indian head massage, Gillian has been working in the complementary medicine field for five years, and has recently begun offering massage sessions at the Healing Clinic, Fulford Cross, York.

No-hands massage is still a relatively new therapy, with no more than 80 trained practitioners in the UK. Gillian says the technique blends the best of what massage has to offer. "It is a deep massage - but it is gentle as well as powerful," she explains.

By using her forearms, she is able to cover a greater surface area of the body with each stroke. Clients also lie on a lower couch, which makes it easier for therapists to apply their body weight to the massage.

Gillian uses sunflower oil for the massage but can also apply aromatherapy oils, depending on the need of the client.

No-hands massage is as much a work-out for the therapist as it is for the muscles of the client. It's a very physical technique and Gillian wears appropriate clothing: leggings and a sports vest. A petite 5ft 1ins in her bare feet, her size belies her strength. "Some clients have a nickname for me - Mighty Mouse," she confesses.

And after an hour's back massage I can vouch that the name is highly fitting. Gillian expertly moves around the couch, combining a series of gentle moves and touches with powerful pulling and stretching, which not only irons out all my knots and achy spots but seems to kick-start my circulatory system and get the blood pounding around my body.

I feel deeply relaxed, but also incredibly happy. It's difficult to stop grinning. My body feels like it's had a huge charge of energy zapped through it. It's a fantastic feeling and I really don't want to get up from the couch and leave the room.

Before treatment, Gillian carries out a careful medical consultation with clients. She also asks them how they want to feel so she can decide which type of massage to offer. So whether you have back or neck ache, are feeling stressed, worn-out, in need of a detox or simply want a bit of pampering, Gillian will tailor-make the massage to meet your needs.

And you needn't wait until you have a crick in your neck to seek treatment, says Gillian. Massage is a powerful way to keep health problems at bay.

"There are two types of people who come for massage: the first have problems and the second come to switch off and prevent problems from occurring. Massage keeps the body supple and keeps the toxins flushed out and helps keep the body pain free.

"Everybody benefits from massage. You certainly don't have to be crippled with pain before you decide to have one."

Mum-of-two Gillian lives in Sherburn-in-Elmet and has a diploma in anatomy, physiology and massage, for which she gained the college ITEC Student Of The Year award. She is also a member of a select development group which is led by Gerry Pyves every month and helps further her no-hands massage skills.

Gillian says she gets a lot of job satisfaction from helping people feel better through massage. "I have a client who had a neck injury from parachuting. Through no-hands massage I have been able to gain release in the tissues around his neck and he says he feels 100 per cent better."

Some of her regular clients also swear by the treatment.

Businessman Ian Easterbrook, of Hambleton, has been having no-hands massages for about a year. He said: "Gillian's care and attention to my many aches and pains have enabled me to cope much better with my personal and business activities, especially the long-distance travelling."

Patricia Brooksbank, a 56-year-old trainee florist from Sherburn-in-Elmet, suffers from arthritis and spasms in her neck and has treatments from Gillian fortnightly. "It makes a big difference to my quality of life," she says.

"You don't realise that she isn't using her hands. It is very thorough and I prefer this type of massage."

Dawn Fryer, of Biggin, near Church Fenton, is another devotee. Dawn, a training consultant who has multiple sclerosis, has no-hands massage every week, mostly to help ease pains caused by poor posture. "It doesn't help MS, but it does make you feel energised, revitalised and relaxed. If I could afford it, I would have it every day."

u Gillian Wright will be offering no-hands massage and Indian head massage at the Healing Clinic, Fulford Cross, York. She also runs a mobile service. Prices are from £20-£30. For more information, contact Gillian on 01977 681546 or 07985 584267

Updated: 09:21 Monday, April 07, 2003