A PROFESSIONAL holistic therapist has self-published a book to raise awareness of the benefits holistic health and wellbeing, in particular the importance of looking after the mind as well as the physical body.

Respected reiki master, Christine McHale, 55, has been a professional holistic therapist for the past 16 years. Many years ago, she found reiki through personal illness. She surprised the medical world by healing herself from chronic back pain and arthritis using holistic therapies, including reiki, massage, reflexology, qigong, meditation and nutrition.

Christine said: "I healed myself from diagnosed arthritis about 20 years ago and my book Put It On A Duck is about my personal and spiritual journey over the past 25 years. I want to share it with others because I think most people will relate to the content. I feel it is a very positive and inspiring read. It includes my work, over a period of five years, in a Romanian orphanage, and reflects on a life-changing trip to India. The book also includes a simple 'energy' technique which can be used to bring mindfulness into everyday life."

She added: "This book is intended for anyone who is looking for peace of mind. Impossible you may say, in this frantic world. However, I believe anything is possible if we learn to look within and listen to our own mind and our own heart. I learned this invaluable lesson when I started my spiritual journey over 25 years ago; however, a recent trip to India reaffirmed this. Inspired by my trip, I decided to self-publish Put it on a Duck, hoping to maintain a sense of humour whilst addressing an often taboo subject. Being aware of the stigma attached to mental health issues, I want to be open about my own experience of life struggles, to allow others to become more self-aware and accepting without fear, shame or guilt.

"Put It on a Duck is a collection of personal poetry, stories and some of my favourite photographs, reflecting many happy times in my life; also difficult and challenging times too. This book is dedicated to letting go of negativity and celebrating life."

Talking about her attachment to Ilkley, Christine said: "I will be exhibiting and offering taster treatment sessions at the next Ilkley Complementary Medicine Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 29/30. I will also be offering workshops for Meditation and Mindful Movement in Adel near Otley, in the near future. I have met a few of the therapists working in Ilkley and sometime in the future I hope to move to Ilkley to live and work there, because it is my favourite place. There is something special about Ilkley it has a great 'energy' and I love how open-minded people are to alternative and complementary health."

To buy the book (£5.00 plus £1.50 postage) email: christinemidgley@btinternet.com or contact her at www.facebook.com/christinemchale.com