NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this talk helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this as a substitute for medical advice. This talk only represents the speakers personal views and understanding of touch and health which remains an ongoing field of research. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf

Judith Ashton talks about the negative effects of touch deprivation on peoples wellbeing especially during times of isolation. Positive touch is vital for healthy function and beneficial for the immune system. At a time when everyone is missing aspects of touch that we took for granted, we can can find ways to cope at such times. Judith Ashton has been working with massage and touch for the last 40 years. Her main interest being the emotional effects of touch as a powerful healing tool. She has a wealth of experience in this area and has trained many nurses and carers both here and abroad .She has worked with many cancer support services and people at the end of life.She is also a psychotherapist,funeral celebrant and teacher of meditation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx