Massage in Elm-Grove, Brighton
If you live in Elm-Grove, 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?
The main focus of massage therapy is to heal the mind and body through the healing power of touch, manipulation and relaxation. 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 styles of massage, including deep tissue, shiatsu and Swedish massage, each has its own benefits.
Why is massage therapy important for your well-being?
Anxiety and stress can be alleviated through massage therapy and can result in the whole body feeling better. This, in turn, can improve sleep and bolster the immune system, the body’s natural defense against disease. There can also be direct benefits in reducing pain from aches and muscle injuries, improving mobility, improving posture, and reducing the likelihood of future injuries.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy can improve your psychological well-being, physical and emotional health. At the physical level, massage therapy can change our body, including influencing our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. The benefits are therefore diverse, from reducing anxiety and pain to making us less prone to injury and more physically flexible. These, in turn, have benefits such as improved sleep, reduced levels of sickness, a feeling os being in control and general happiness. Massage provides lots of benefits but is most beneficial when you have monthly sessions to maintain your optimum levels of physical, emotional and psychological health.
Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
Direct massage is not generally used for acute inflammatory conditions, but gentle stroking can reduce pain and swelling.
Stress Relief and Associated Conditions
Stress can affect our bodies, triggering muscle activity that releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In the short term, these responses can be beneficial, but over time, they can cause poor health. Massage has been shown to alleviate some of these problems.
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
Muscle contraction and spasm can happen for many reasons including mineral deficiency, dehydration, fatigue, and injury. Gently massaging the affected area can result in improved blood flow to reverse the condition. Muscle sprain or ligament tear can occur as a result of overuse and overloading of muscles. When the injury is acute, there is often swelling, and direct massage is not appropriate. But once the pain reduces, massage can help with sensitivity and movement.
Back Pain
One of the many reasons people visit their doctor is back pain. While back pain has many causes, in many cases, it is not serious and caused by over utilising the muscles. Massage can be used to desensitise and help relax the muscles.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is the term used to define pain caused by repetitive muscle, nerve, and tendon movement and overuse. It is common in any activity that involves repetitive action such as sports and exercises. This condition can be found in the upper body areas, such as the forearm, elbows, and wrists. As with any overuse injury, massage can help manage the pain, although without removing the cause, any relief may be temporary.
Circulatory and Respiratory Problems
Massage improves circulation in the body and can help with symptoms such as cold hands and feet, and swelling. Before massage is used to treat circulatory and respiratory conditions, approval should be obtained from a doctor as there are cases where massage is not suitable.
Pregnancy and Labour Discomfort
Pregnancy massage is available from 16 weeks up to the full term and can really help with a variety of issues including lower back pain, headaches, swelling and stress.
Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation
When the body is injured, it goes into a protective state. Muscles close to the affected site tend to become hypersensitive and movement is affected. Massage therapy can be used to manage these conditions and help the body to return back to normal. If under medical care, check with your GP before commencing complementary therapy.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy is helpful in treating back pain. A range of techniques, including deep tissue massage and stretching, may help to reduce hypersensitivity and increase 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. A non-drug treatment study in 2016 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality compared 20 cases of massage and regular treatment and found out that massage can be very effective for treating chronic lower back pain. However, the data was insufficient, which clearly indicates the need for further research. It nevertheless showed that there is ample subjective proof that Massage Therapy works for back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Elm-Grove
We offer over twenty different types of massage therapy. With such a wide range of choices, making the right decision can be tough. However, your choice will depend a lot on your treatment and personal preference but don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want help in choosing.
Full Body Massage
Full body massage is our second most popular choice after back, neck and shoulder massage. A full body massage may include the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, glutes, arms, hands, legs, feet, stomach and chest (for men). While full body massage does not cover the female breasts, it can include the neckline, from the collarbone down to where the breasts begin.
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 an individual process and it is extremely important to feel completely relaxed, that is why the treatments are always personalised accordingly. With a few exceptions, any of our massages can be given as a full body.
Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage
The back, neck and shoulders are undoubtedly some of the most popular places for massage, as physical and emotional tensions manifest there.
These muscles have a tendency to shorten from hours on the computer or phone, feeling tired or stressed, or 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 using the therapist’s thumbs, forearms and elbows, helping to stretch out muscles that are shortened and tense. It can feel uncomfortable, but deeper isn’t always better, and a skilled therapist will work with a pressure that is therapeutic but still relaxing. Whether you’re overdoing it in the gym or working long hours on the computer, this treatment helps to relieve your body and improve flexibility. If you suffer from knotted shoulders, tight hamstrings or pain in the lower back, a deep tissue massage will help free you up.
Our Professional, Experienced and Caring Therapists offer Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Beauty Treatments. Book your appointment Today!
Californian Massage
Californian massage is known for having an effect on multiple senses. The massage involves slow and systematic motions using mild touches, stretching, and kneading. During a personal growth workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this technique was developed in the seventies. California massage is more than just a means of relaxation; this massage style also helps recipients reconnect with their bodies.
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. This method of massage dates back more than 2,000 years. originating from the Kalari martial arts’ period in the southern coast of India’s Kerala. In Malayalam, the local dialect, it is literally translated as “massage by foot pressure”. Chavutti Thirumal was designed to help with body flexibility, pain, and swelling. It is, however, also suitable as a treatment for people who do not exercise regularly but want to stay fit and healthy.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a form of therapeutic or surgical massage aimed at addressing a specific issue, such as muscular pain. The effect of remedial massage can also be felt in poor posture, restricted movement, and sports performance. Remedial massage is sometimes referred to as medical massage, but since this term implies medical training for the therapist, it is NOT generally used in the UK. In the UK, it is sometimes called sports massage. Though this term is not helpful, it suggests that the procedure only applies to athletes and sports injuries which is not true.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga, meaning oil massage, is a type of Ayurvedic medicine involving body massage with Dosha-specific, warm herbal oil. Base oil, sesame, is usually pre-mixed with herbs. During this full body massage, the body is anointed with the oil, and long flowing strokes are used from head to toe.
Acupressure Chair Massage
Acupressure seated massage, also known as on-site massage (OSM), was developed in the early eighties by David Palmer, a traditional Chinese masseur in California. Inspired by Amma, a traditional Chinese healing technique, this ancient procedure was adapted to a specially designed, 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 methods aimed at releasing areas of facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds every part of our body. It works by releasing restrictions throughout the whole body, giving relief to many aches and pains in a single treatment. Myofascial release results in long-lasting tissue improvement so that the effects last longer than traditional massage treatments. Postural changes may also occur so that symptoms are not able to 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
Aromatherapy massage uses a mixture of essential oils in a carrier oil that is specially formulated for the desired outcome. The chemical composition of the essential oil can be complex, which is why a single oil can have many different effects when it is absorbed by the body. Some essential oils are relaxing, while others are stimulating. Grapefruit can lift your mood; eucalyptus can clear the head; sandalwood is very soothing. Aromatherapy massage can help with many conditions, including insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, stress, anxiety, skin conditions, lymphatic drainage, and hormonal 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 an important 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. This desired result often includes reducing aches and pains. However, it may also be having a client ready for a sporting event, speeding up recovery or helping to reduce muscle tension from long working hours.
Couples / Duo Massage
This massage means massaging two people in the same room together, but they have different therapists. It can be husband and wife, same-sex partners, lovers, or just good friends. You may choose this option to celebrate a special day or just because you want to maximise your time spent together. Couples/duo massage is a good way to introduce massage therapy to a friend or partner who has never had a massage and is anxious about the process. During couples’ massages, you can talk to your partner or stay silent the entire time. It’s really up to you.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian massage, also known as Lomi Lomi, is one of the most profound forms of healing massage because it can induce states of meditation and blissful feelings of floating. It is derived from an ancient technique of healing and working with the body while focusing on treating the person as a whole. In this unique flowing oil-based massage, long and fluid rhythmic strokes are used over the whole body. The therapist uses the hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows, exerting gentle and deep pressure to lengthen and stretch the muscles. The rhythm is very relaxing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that helps to heal tense muscles and soft tissue damage. The stones from volcanic basalt are heated to 60 degrees Celsius. You will understand why a heated massage is perfect once the smooth stones are placed on your body. Once the smooth flat stones start moving over your body, taking away all the pain and stress, you will experience a level of enjoyment that can be addictive.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a calming holistic therapy that includes head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help rebalance energy in the body. This powerful, relaxing massage relieves neck and scalp tension. . The massage happens once you are seated in a chair and wrapped in a towel. During this massage, in accordance with Indian tradition, coconut oil is generously applied and nourishes the skin and hair.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an important part of treating lymphoedema, a serious disease that causes swelling of the body’s tissues. It’s a form of gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling. It is useful in preoperative and postoperative situations for both cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries. It can relieve pain and promote healing of fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains. It helps with fluid congestion and can accelerate the healing of wounds and burns because it improves the immune system and helps remove waste products.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage, sometimes referred to as prenatal massage, is a non-invasive treatment that works deeply to relieve specific pregnancy pains. This therapy is carried out with the recipient lying on the side. Pregnancy massage soothes the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It is a non-invasive, safe treatment that is suitable for pregnant women from 16 weeks to full term. Pregnancy massage helps relax expecting mothers and reduces the impact of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
As a gentle therapy, reflexology promotes well-being through deep relaxation. It operates on the premise that different points on the feet and lower legs are related to particular areas of the body. Reflexologists focus on these points and regions using different amounts of pressure to unblock and bring balance back to the body. It is a powerful technique for relaxing and reducing stress; as such, it may promote the healthy function of the immune and digestive systems.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is an effective massage that involves a number of techniques, such as stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, and vibrating. It is a gentler massage than deep tissue, with a focus on general stress relief and relaxation. This is the most common type of massage and the basis of many other styles of massage.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an early form of massage developed by Buddhist monks. The therapist stretches the client and uses gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, and balance the body’s energy systems. Thai Massage can benefit anyone, regardless of age or flexibility. It’s done on a large floor mat, with the customer 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 modification of the traditional Thai massage, incorporating firm pressure and deep rhythmic movements along the body’s energy/meridian lines. This treatment is intended to activate, stabilise, and restore the natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/ energy in the body.
By maintaining equilibrium in all organs and systems within the body, it aims to prevent poor health and disease while enabling the body to heal itself and work efficiently. Thai oil massage uses the properties of several oils so that the therapist can glide over the body effortlessly.
Warm Bamboo Massage
In warm bamboo massage, solid bamboo sticks of various lengths and diameters are used to massage the body with deep, long massage strokes. It was developed in Asia, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This therapy is ideal if you enjoy deep work. You should feel relaxed and full of energy, knowing your muscles have been stretched, warmed, and lengthened.
Why Chose Natural Balance Therapies for your Massage near Elm-Grove?
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!