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Joanna Swedish Massage

Hey!

I'm Joanna

Your Yoga Teacher & Massage Therapist

I have practiced Yoga since I was 19 years old. I went travelling at 20 years old, for 14 months in Australia and Southeast Asia, continuing my daily Yoga practice, and discovering other holistic therapies, such as Thai Massage. I undertook a Thai Foot Reflexology Diploma course at the Old Medicine School, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Once destined for an academic degree, then having a place at University for Fashion Design, I finally studied Anthropology and Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, attaining a First Class Honours in 2008.

 

Returning back to Bath after working in London and then a few years in Bath, I went to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language for a year, and then to India, in 2013, to train to be an Ashtanga Yoga teacher. In India, I also studied Ayurveda at Absolute Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu philosophy of the principles of healthy daily living. I studied Abhyanga Body Massage, and Ayurvedic Head Massage. Following my studies I travelled across parts of India with friends, which I loved! I have been teaching Yoga in Bath since the beginning of 2014. I have taught at the renowned Sports Training Village, at the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath Yoga Studio, Fitness First Bath, and various other studios in Bath. I also undertook a CELTA course, a Cambridge qualification, to teach English as a foreign language, and have taught at language schools in Bath. 

I have always had a caring nature and have tried to help people who were struggling. This was emphasised strongly when my grandfather was dying of cancer, and for a long time, as my father suffered with addiction, which he died from in 2016; I also helped care for his son, my younger half brother, who is now, thankfully, doing well.  It feels right that I am now putting all that energy in assisting my clients on a recovery and restorative journey to wellbeing: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I have been practising Thai Foot Reflexology since 2001. I later massaged at UK festivals, including Yoga Connect and Wilderness Festival. I was inspired to continue developing my alternative therapies interest and carried out the ITEC Diploma in Holistic Body Massage at The London School of Massage in 2016, carrying out many case studies. I have since carried out Diplomas in many Massage techniques. I worked at The Gainsborough Bath Spa as a Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher in 2017, where I developed professionalism and gained important experience in Massage and client care.

I decided to practice teaching Yoga privately and developing my private massage clientele in 2019, officially starting Metta Yoga and Massage at the beginning of 2020.

ashtanga YTT.jpeg
Counselling and Psychotherapy Certificate receiving

I treat the client holistically and focus on therapeutic remedy, maintenance and prevention. Holistic therapies have helped me with a number of ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, aches and muscle tension. Not only has Yoga and Massage treated these disorders, but they have also offered me a host of additional benefits. It is from a place of personal experience, I authentically bring these therapies to my clients.

I love travel, culture and to learn and build new skills!! Most years I am studying a new course, and travelling somewhere I have not been before. I loved India with all its colour, food, rituals and festivities and intend to go back. I continue to study more Massage, Yoga and Holistic Health courses. I am currently studying a Counselling and Psychotherapy Diploma at the BCPC, to establish a professional talking therapy and enhance the holistic benefits of client treatments'.

Main Qualifications:

  • Yoga Alliance 200 hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training, Abhijna School of Yoga, Varkala, India

  • Yoga Alliance 200 hour Hatha yoga Teacher Training, Bath Yoga Studio, Bath, UK

  • Yoga Alliance 40 Hour Art of Adjustments Yoga Teacher Training, Bath Yoga Studio, Bath, UK

  • Yoga Alliance 27 hour Yoga Therapy Teacher Training with Vesselify School of Yoga, at Triyoga, London

  • Yoga Alliance 40 hour Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Bath Yoga Studio, Bath, UK

  • 182 hour Foundation Certificate BACP and UKCP Counselling and Psychotherapy Training

  • ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Body Massage, London School of  Massage 

  • 50 hour Basic Ayurveda and Massage Course, Absolute Ayurveda, India

  • Certificate in Deep Tissue Massage, London School of Massage

  • Diploma in Advanced Deep Tissue Massage with Trigger Point Therapy, Gateway Workshops

  • Diploma in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Gateway Workshops

  • Diploma in Myofascial Release Technique, Gateway Workshops

  • Diploma in Facials and Facial Massage, Gateway Workshops

** For my further relevant qualifications go to Additional Qualifications

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