Far East skills help new west business

Emma Wintle worked for London investment management firm Baring Asset Management for four years, marketing to high profile clients.

But earlier this year she left the city behind and, after taking a course in massage, she set off for Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in January to learn new massage techniques and pass on her skills.

The newly qualified

massage-therapist went to

Wat Po medical school in Thailand to extend her skills, learning traditional Thai foot massage.

She then moved on to Cambodia, for almost a month. She soon discovered they had a massage centre and went along to help out.

She discovered the 10 masseurs at Seeing Hands massage centre, who are all blind, specialised in Japanese massage and she offered to teach them her newly learned Thai foot massage skills.

She said: "The opportunities for people in Cambodia are very bleak especially for blind people. There are a lot of blind people there because of the Vietnam War and the land mines."

But she said massage is very popular with tourists.

"They have got a heightened sense of touch," she said.

"They are absolutely fantastic at their jobs.

"They were just fantastic people," she added.

"I just loved every minute of it."

Now she has set up Revivingtouch, a massage parlour in Silver Street, Bradford, where she offers holistic massage, Thai foot massage and will soon offer Thai yoga massage, which can last up to two and a half hours per session.

Ms Wintle, who did a French degree at the University of Birmingham, said: "Massage lowers stress levels and I was a stressed out bunny so I am hoping to help people like myself."

But she realises she may have to vet some of her clients and will turn away anybody who makes her feel uncomfortable.

"I am preparing for some dodgy phone calls," she said, "but hopefully there will be some kosher ones as well."

Revivingtouch is open every day except Monday and bookings can be made on (01225) 864323.