My journey began with the arrival of my son and his affliction with a severe form of atopic eczema. The physician's prescribed treatment with steroids did not sit right with me, so I sought the answer in alternative medicine. Fortunately, I encountered a proficient homoeopath who guided a plan of action. His illness made me more aware of the potential of natural healing and spurred me to investigate further the concept of “body talk”.

During the same period, one of my closest friends who was learning about therapeutic massage persuaded me to try it out. After a few treatments, I recognised the potential of this practice, which made me avid to discover how to perform therapeutic massage. I began performing it on family and friends and noticed its positive effects on them and me; I observed that my inner energy was rising.

I enrolled in the Wellington School of Massage Therapy when I relocated to New Zealand. This enabled me to finish my training and be awarded the “massage therapist” diploma. I was delighted: I had accomplished my aspirations and refined my therapeutic massage comprehension.

I am increasingly persuaded of the significance of massage and the healing power of the touch I provide to others. I am also cognizant of the importance of my emotions and mental states. When I look after myself, I can give others the same degree of attention. When I perform massage, I direct my focus to each muscle to ensure the pressure of the massage is just right. I aim to massage firmly but gently so the muscles can relax.