Massage in Bear-Road, Brighton
If you live in Bear-Road, Brighton, come visit us at Natural Balance Therapies for a great massage experience. Brighton, a relatively small city on the south coast, is fast becoming the UK’s number one centre for therapeutic massage. Well known for its progressive open-minded population, the city now has a high density of massage centres and massage schools offering a wide range of services from clinical massage to pampering spas. Whilst not completely scientific if you compare the number of listings on Yelp for say Manchester vs Brighton, Manchester lists 1 massage business per 5000 population compared to Brighton’s 1 per 2000 population – a significant difference. Several of the UK’s top massage schools are based here including the Jing Institute and The College of Classical Massage. The University of Brighton also runs a Foundation Degree in Complementary Healthcare, a 2-year full time course which includes advanced clinical massage in its syllabus. So, what makes massage so popular in Brighton? Well in part it is the open-minded population (remember this was the first city to elect a Green MP to Westminster) who are pro ‘natural’ solutions that focus on preventative wellbeing rather than reactive ‘traditional’ medicine.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is about using the power of touch, relaxation and manipulation to heal the mind and body. It used to be thought that the physical manipulation of muscles and tissues was the cause of the healing.
Recent research suggests that the positive benefits, such as muscle relaxation, are due to effects that massage has on the nervous system. Feel-good hormones are released during massage and these can improve your health, well-being and sense of happiness. The different massage styles, including shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue massage, each have their own unique benefits.
Why is massage therapy important for your well-being?
The feelings of stress and anxiety can be reduced through massage therapy. This can mean an improved immune system, better sleep patterns, and greater resistance to illness and disease. It can also work more precisely, improving mobility, posture and muscle-related aches and pains, making movement easier and reducing the risk of injury.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy can positively influence your physical and emotional state and psychological well-being. Massage can change our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and nervous systems. Therefore, the benefits are diverse and range from reducing our perceptions of stress and anxiety, to reducing physical pain, to making us more flexible and less likely to get injured. This can mean that you sleep better, feel happier, get sick less often, and feel more in control of your life. While massage may help with a range of issues, most benefit comes from having regular monthly preventative treatments as maintenance.
Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
Acute inflammation does not normally benefit from direct massage, but may improve with gentle stroking, through reduced pain and swelling.
Stress Relief and Associated Conditions
Stress can damage our bodies, causing muscles to contract, and releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Even though these responses are valuable in the short term, they can lead to poor health in the future. Massage has been known to help improve stress.
Headaches and Migraines
Massage therapy treats both tension headaches and migraines, as these conditions are known to be caused by referred pain from the neck and shoulder muscles.
Muscle and Related Conditions such as Spasms, Strains and Sprains
Dehydration, mineral deficiency, exhaustion, and injury may cause a muscle to contract and go into spasm. A gentle massage can encourage blood flow and correct this condition. Fibre injury due to overuse and overloading can cause muscle strain or ligament sprain. While the injury is fresh, there can be swelling, and direct massage is not suitable. But once the pain reduces, massage can help with sensitivity and movement.
Back Pain
Back pain is a very common reason people visit their doctor. Back pain can be associated with numerous causes, but in most cases, it is not severe, and mostly caused by overworking the muscles. Massage can help relax the muscles and reduce the pain.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term used to describe pain caused by repeated movement and overuse of muscles, nerves and tendons. This condition is prevalent in activities such as work and sports that involve repetitive actions. This condition can be found in the upper body areas, such as the forearm, elbows, and wrists. Just like any other overuse injury, massage can be helpful in managing the pain, however, any relief will be temporary if the main cause is not treated.
Circulatory and Respiratory Problems
Massage can boost circulation in the body and can help with symptoms such as cold hands, cold feet, and swelling at the extremities. Before using massage for circulatory and respiratory conditions, get approval from a doctor as there are circumstances when massage is not suitable for these conditions.
Pregnancy and Labour Discomfort
Pregnancy massage can be done from 16 weeks up to full term and can really help with an assortment of problems such as lower back pain, headaches, swelling and tension.
Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation
The body goes into a protective state when it is traumatised. Muscles close to the injured site typically become sensitive and movement is restricted. Massage therapy aims to reverse these two states and help the body return to normal. If you are still under the care of a doctor, get approval before trying any complementary therapies.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy can be used to reduce back pain, and to relieve it. Deep Massage and Stretching are examples of massage that not only lessen sensitivity but also improve range of motion. When movement and blood flow is increased, it can help minimise post-injury and post-surgery recovery time and accelerate healing by delivering vital nutrients to the muscles and connecting tissues. Relaxing the muscle will increase strength, reduce pain associated with muscle spasm, and even improve sleep. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality analysed 20 studies comparing massage with regular care or other therapies in a 2016 study of non-drug treatments for low back pain, and found evidence that massage was successful for chronic low back pain. The strength of the data was insufficient however, emphasising the need for more study. Still, there are many indications that confirm the use of massage therapy for the treatment of back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Bear-Road
We offer over twenty different types of massage therapy. With such a wide range, it can be difficult knowing which would benefit you most. Much will rely on what you want from your care and personal preference but do not hesitate to contact us if you need help choosing.
Full Body Massage
Full body massage is our second most popular choice after back, neck and shoulder massage. Full body massage typically includes the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, buttocks, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen and chest (for men). Women’s breasts are not included, but the area from the collarbone to the point where the breasts begin can be included.
Not all of these areas need to be considered, however, because some clients may have areas such as feet or abdomen that are too sensitive to massage. It is a personal process and feeling absolutely comfortable is extremely important, therefore, the treatments are always tailored accordingly. Except on few occasions, each of our massages can be performed as a full body massage
Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage
Without a doubt, the back, neck and shoulders are the most popular areas for massages, as they are all physical and emotional tension hotspots.
These muscles tend to shorten after hours of work at the computer or phone, or when we feel tired or stressed, or after physical activities such as tennis or swimming. This shortening may cause neck stiffness or tension headache if left untreated. An integral part of our massage services is the back, neck, and shoulder massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep pressure is applied with the therapist’s fingers, forearms and elbows to help stretch compressed, tense muscles. This may seem uncomfortable, and deeper is not always better, but an experienced therapist will work with therapeutic but still relaxing pressure. It doesn’t matter if you spend too much time at the gym or have worked long hours at the computer, this is a treatment that will ease your body and help improve flexibility. The deep tissue massage will help you find relief if you suffer from knotted arms, sore thighs or lower back pain.
Our Professional, Experienced and Caring Therapists offer Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Beauty Treatments. Book your appointment Today!
Californian Massage
Californian massage affects many of the senses of the recipient. The massage motions are gradual and systematic, with gentle touches, kneading, and stretching. During a personal growth workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this technique was developed in the seventies. It is more than a soothing system; this massage technique was intended to provide an opportunity for the patient to reconnect with the body.
Chavutti Thirumal Massage
Chavutti Thirumal is a form of full body massage that involves applying pressure with the feet and using warm oils on the body. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, originating from the time of the martial arts of Kalari in Kerala, which is on the south coast of India. In the local dialect of Malayalam, Chavutti Thirumal translates as “foot pressure massage”. It was designed to maintain body flexibility, to treat pain, and manage swelling. It is, however, equally suitable as a treatment for those who are not involved in regular or strenuous physical exercise and wish to maintain their own fitness and well-being.
Remedial Massage
The therapeutic or clinical massage targeted at resolving a specific issue, such as muscular pain, is known as remedial massage. However, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and sports performance. It is sometimes called medical massage, though this term implies the therapist has a medical qualification, and this is NOT generally used in the UK. It is more commonly called sports massage in the UK. However, this term is not helpful because it suggests that the treatment only applies to sports injuries or athletes, which is not true.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga, which means oil massage, is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that uses Dosha-specific, warm herbal oil to massage the body. Base oil, sesame, is usually pre-mixed with herbs. The body is bathed with oil, and the deep, fluid strokes are used from head to toe during this full body massage.
Acupressure Chair Massage
Acupressure seated massage, also known as on-site massage or OSM, was designed in the early 1980s by David Palmer, a traditional Chinese masseur. Influenced by the Chinese traditional healing method referred to as Amma, this ancient technique was adapted to a special ergonomic chair. It was developed to counterbalance the rise in use of computers and sedentary type work.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a set of procedures designed to remove facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and permeates every part of our body. It works by removing restrictions throughout the body and relieving pain in one treatment. Myofascial release results in a permanent change to the tissues so that the end result lasts longer than regular massage treatments. Changes in posture may also occur so that symptoms do not come back. The main difference between this treatment and other forms of massage is that it is performed on dry skin without oils and lotions.
Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage uses a mix of essential oils in a carrier oil that is blended for the desired outcome. The chemical content of essential oils is complex, which is why the application of one single oil can have different effects on the body once absorbed. Many essential oils are soothing, whereas others are stimulating. Grapefruit will improve your mood; eucalyptus can clear the head, and sandalwood is very soothing. Aromatherapy massage can aid in various conditions including sleeplessness, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, stress, anxiety, skin conditions, drainage of the lymphatic system, and hormone imbalance.
Sports Massage
It is a common misunderstanding that sports massage is only for sportspeople. In fact, it is suitable for all ages and activity levels. Deep tissue massage is a big part of sports massage. The main difference is the more clinical approach to sports massage where the therapist uses a number of techniques to achieve the desired result, with less emphasis on relaxation. That desired outcome is often reducing aches and pains. However, it can also involve having a client ready for a sporting event, enhancing post-event recovery or even helping to relieve muscle tension after long hours of work.
Couples / Duo Massage
In this massage, two people receive a massage in the same room, but each one is assigned a therapist. It can be husband and wife, same-sex partners, lovers, or just good friends. This type of massage is a good option for celebrating a special occasion or finding an activity that allows you to spend time together. Couples/duo massage is also a good way for a partner or friend to try massage therapy if he/she has never been massaged before and is concerned about it. As for couples’ massage etiquette, it’s fine to talk to each other or be quiet during the massage. It really is all up to you.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian massage, otherwise known as Lomi Lomi, is one of the most intense styles of healing massage therapy as it can cause a person to fall into a state of meditation and bliss. It is based upon an ancient type of healing and bodywork that aims to treat the person as a whole. This unique oil-rich massage involves applying long and fluid strokes rhythmically all over the body. Therapists make use of their fingers, hands, forearms, and elbows to apply mild or intense pressure to stretch and lengthen the muscles. The rhythm is very relaxing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a relaxing treatment for sore muscles and soft tissue damage. The stones from volcanic basalt are heated to 60 degrees Celsius. You will understand the benefits of a heated stone massage once the smooth flat stones are placed on your body. As the stones glide on your body, easing away the stress and pain, a level of relaxation is achieved that becomes highly addictive.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a holistic massage technique that is applied to the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help restore your body’s energy back to balance. This powerful, relaxing massage relieves neck and scalp tension. . The massage happens once you are seated in a chair and wrapped in a towel. In keeping with Indian tradition, coconut oil is liberally applied and nourishes the skin and hair during this massage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an essential part of treating lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. This is a gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling. It is preferably used in cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries, both before and after. It can relieve pain and promote healing of fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains. It relieves fluid congestion and can help heal wounds and burns due to the fact that it fortifies the immune system and helps with the removal of waste products.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, is a gentle technique that has a deep yet delicate effect on relieving special pregnancy pains. This therapy is performed with the recipient lying on her side. Pregnancy massage will help release tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It is a safe, supportive procedure that is appropriate for pregnant women from 16 weeks up to full term. Pregnancy massage helps soothe pregnant women and lessens the effects of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
Reflexology is a gentle therapy that encourages well-being through deep relaxation. It works on the theory that different points on the feet and lower legs are connected to specific areas of the body. Reflexologists concentrate on these points and areas, exerting a specific degree of pressure to stabilise the body. It is a powerful technique for calming and reducing stress while promoting healthy immune and digestive systems.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is an intense massage involving a variety of techniques, including stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, and shaking. It is a milder massage than deep tissue massage, with an emphasis on relaxation and general stress relief. This is the most common type of massage and the basis of many other styles of massage.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of massage thought to have originated from Buddhist monks. The therapist stretches the client, then applies gentle pressure along the energy lines of the body to increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, and stabilise the energy system of the body. Whatever your age and flexibility, Thai massage can be useful for everyone. It is done on a large mat, on the floor, and with the client fully dressed.
Our Professional, Experienced and Caring Therapists offer Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Beauty Treatments. Book your appointment Today!
Thai Oil Massage
Thai oil massage is a type of conventional Thai Massage that involves applying strong pressure and rhythmic movements along the body’s energy lines/meridian lines. This treatment is intended to trigger, normalise, and restore the natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy in the body.
It is aimed at prevention of ill health and disease by maintaining balance in all organs and systems within the body, allowing the body to heal and work efficiently. Thai oil massage uses the properties of a number of oils, making it easy for the therapist to glide over the body.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Strong bamboo sticks of varying lengths and diameters are used in a warm bamboo massage to stimulate the body with strong, long massage strokes. It was created in Asia and becoming more popular in the UK. You will like this therapy if you enjoy deep work. You will feel relaxed and full of energy; your muscles will feel stretched, warmed, and lengthened.
Why Chose Natural Balance Therapies for your Massage near Bear-Road?
With so much choice in Brighton & Hove, choosing the right Massage Centre can be difficult. Natural Balance Therapies was started in 2007, making it one of the most established practices. All our therapists are experienced and trained in advanced bodywork techniques, plus they are caring, friendly and passionate about their work.
What we offer at Natural Balance Therapies:
- Professional, relaxed and caring service
- Central Location just 1.5 miles from Brighton Station
- 10-minute walk from Hove Station
- Online Booking system available 24 hours a day
- Experienced Team of 12 Massage Therapists, 3 Osteopaths and an Acupuncturist
- All therapists are trained in advanced techniques
- Open 7 days a week and late most evenings, up to 8pm
- Corporate events/health promotion at your workplace
Our Professional, Experienced and Caring Therapists offer Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Beauty Treatments. Book your appointment Today!