Ann-Marie Swaby – Specialist Holistic Therapies
My Journey into Therapeutic Touch
Some of you may already know my story, but for those who don’t, let me share how I got here.
Back in the 1990s, I worked at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, one of the oldest and most respected teaching hospitals in the world. I was a support worker on a busy Oncology ward, where I witnessed firsthand the power of kindness, presence, and human connection.
One day, staff were invited to attend a weekend introductory massage course to help support patients. I jumped at the chance. That weekend changed everything. I enjoyed the training so much that I knew, one day, this would be my path. Decades later, after training both internationally and in the UK, that “one day” has finally arrived.
Since then, I’ve studied and practiced a wide range of therapeutic techniques: Reflexology, Reiki, Western Massage, Tuina (Traditional East Asian Medicine), Oncology Massage (Jennifer Young), Kinesiology (Touch for Health), Korean Hand Therapy (KHT), and Gua Sha (Ecology in Motion). Each modality has deepened my understanding of the body, energy, and the healing power of touch.
Working in spas over the years, I’ve seen how often people carry silent burdens, stress, grief, fatigue, anxiety, physical discomfort, and how easily these are overlooked. Many clients arrive feeling disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by life, or simply in need of a moment to breathe. My role is to help them come back to themselves.
Touch is a basic human need. A hand held, a moment of stillness, these simple gestures can profoundly uplift someone’s wellbeing. My treatments are not just about technique, they’re about creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported.
So here I am. Ready to give. Ready to support. Whether it’s you or someone you care about, I’m here to offer healing through touch, because everyone deserves care, compassion, and connection. If you’re feeling depleted, stuck, or simply in need of renewal, this is your invitation to begin your recovery.
