Massage in Hanover, Brighton
If you live in Hanover, 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. Up until recently, it was believed that this was achieved by directly forcing physical changes in the muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
New research, suggests that it is the effects on the nervous system that caused the physical changes, including muscle relaxation. Health and well-being are enhanced during massage through the release of hormones such as endorphins, that make you feel good. There are lots of different types of massage including Swedish, shiatsu and deep tissue massage, and each comes with its own style and benefits.
Why is massage therapy important for your well-being?
The feelings of stress and anxiety can be reduced through massage therapy. This, in time, can improve your immune system, and many see immediate improvements in their ability to sleep and relax. Massage can also have very specific effects on posture, mobility, aches and pains, improve your ability to get around, and reduce risks of injury
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy has the power to improve your physical state, emotional state and your mental health. Massage can influence our body, including our nervous system, fascial system, digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and muscular 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. These, in turn, have benefits such as improved sleep, reduced levels of sickness, a feeling os being in control and general happiness. When you maintain your physical, psychological and emotional health with regular monthly massage sessions you gain the most benefit.
Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
Inflammatory conditions don’t receive direct massage, but gentle strokes like those associated with lymphatic drainage may offer benefits such as reduced pain and swelling.
Stress Relief and Associated Conditions
Stress harms the body. It causes the muscles to contract and results in the release of 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 proven to counter some of these effects.
Headaches and Migraines
Tension headaches and migraine, often caused by pain from the neck and shoulder muscles have been known to be effectively treated through massage therapy.
Muscle and Related Conditions such as Spasms, Strains and Sprains
Muscle contraction and spasms occur for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, mineral deficiency, exhaustion, and injury. A gentle massage can encourage blood flow and correct this condition. Too much use and overloading of the muscle or ligament can tear the fibres of the muscle causing muscle strain and or ligament sprain. Massage is not ideal for the injured site while it is swollen or painful. Once the area is no longer swollen, massage can help to ease pain and improving normal movement.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the main reasons many people pay a visit to their doctor. While there are many causes for back pain, in most cases, the pain is not severe and is typically caused by overworking the muscles. Massage can help relax the muscles and reduce the pain.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury is pain caused by overusing the muscles, tendons, and nerves due to repetitive activities. This condition is prevalent in activities such as work and sports that involve repetitive actions. This disorder may affect the forearms, elbows, wrists, and other upper body areas. As with other similar injuries, massage can help bring pain relief, but this relief is usually temporary unless the cause of the problem is identified and solved.
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. When used for a circulatory and respiratory condition, it is important to get approval from a doctor as there are occasions when massage is not ideal for these conditions.
Pregnancy and Labour Discomfort
Pregnancy Massage is available from 16 weeks to full term and can really help with a range 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. This typically means that muscles close to the injury are sensitive and movement becomes restricted. Massage therapy can be used to reverse these two states and help the body to heal. If still under medical supervision, check with your doctor before having any complementary therapies.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy is helpful in managing back pain. Deep Massage and Stretching are examples of massage that not only lessen sensitivity but also improve range of motion. Increased movement and blood flow can both help reduce post-injury recovery time and promote healing by bringing nutrients to the muscles and connective tissue. Relaxing the muscles will increase strength and minimise pain associated with muscle spasm while also improving 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. Still, the strength of the data was insufficient, highlighting the need for more research. That said, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support using Massage Therapy to treat back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Hanover
We offer more than 20 different types of massage care. With such a wide range, it can be difficult knowing which would benefit you most. A lot will depend on what you want to get from your treatment and your personal preference, but if you need help choosing don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Full Body Massage
Apart from the back, neck and shoulder massage, the full body is another of our popular choice. Full body massage can include the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, buttocks, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen and chest (for men). While it does not include the breasts for women, it may incorporate the décolletage, the area from the collar bone down to where the breasts start.
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 totally up to the individual and being completely relaxed is vital, that is why each therapy is adapted accordingly. With few exceptions, every one of our massages can be given as a full body massage.
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.
Muscles here tend to shorten from hours of computer or telephone activity, stress and fatigue, or after sporting activities such as tennis or swimming. If left untreated, this shortening may cause neck stiffness or tension headache. Back, neck and shoulder massage is an integral part of most of the different massage types we offer.
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. Whether you’ve overdone it at the gym or work long hours at a computer, this treatment will help free up your body and improve flexibility. If you suffer from knotted shoulders, tight hamstrings or lower back pain, deep tissue massage can 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 incorporates many of the recipient’s senses. The massage involves slow and systematic motions using mild touches, stretching, and kneading. This technique was developed in the 1970s in Esalen Institute, in Big Sur, California, during a personal growth workshop. 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 type of full body massage that requires using warm oils and the feet to apply pressure. 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”. It was developed to maintain suppleness in the body and treat pain or swelling. However, it is also suitable as a treatment for people who do not exercise regularly but want to remain fit and well.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a therapeutic or clinical massage that aims to resolve a particular issue, usually muscular pain. Nevertheless, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and performance in sports. 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 usually referred to in the UK as a 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, which means oil massage, is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that involves body massage with warm Dosha herbal oil. Sesame, the base oil, is commonly 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. Inspired by the traditional Chinese art of healing called Amma, this ancient technique was adapted to a specially designed, ergonomic chair. It was developed to balance the growing use of computers and a sedentary lifestyle.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a series of techniques designed to release areas of facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue covering and incorporating every part of our body. This process works by removing restrictions throughout the entire body, providing relief for many aches and pains with one treatment. Myofascial release brings about permanent change in the tissues so that the results will last longer than conventional massage treatments. Posture changes may also occur so that the symptoms do not return. One important difference between this procedure and other types of massage is that it is performed without oils or lotions on dry skin.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses a mixture of essential oils in a carrier oil that is specially formulated for the desired outcome. The chemical content of the essential oil can be complex, which is why one type of oil may have different effects when absorbed by the body. Some essential oils relax, and others can energise. Grapefruit will lift your spirits; eucalyptus may clear a fuzzy head; sandalwood is very calming. 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 misconception that sports massage is intended only for athletes. In fact, it is actually ideal for everyone and at all level of activity. Deep tissue massage is a significant part of sports massage. The main difference is the scientific approach taken in sports massage where the therapist uses a number of techniques to get the desired result, but with less focus on relaxation. The desired result is typically a reduction in aches and pains. However, it could also mean get getting the client prepared for a sporting event, accelerating recovery after an endurance event or helping to reduce tension in the muscles after long hours of work.
Couples / Duo Massage
In this massage, two individuals are in the same room and receive a massage at the same time, but each person has a therapist. It’s perfect for married couples, same-sex partners, boyfriend and girlfriend, 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 the perfect way for a friend or partner who has never had a massage before to get introduced to massage therapy. During couples’ massages, you can talk to your partner or stay silent the entire time. 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-based massage involves performing long and smooth rhythmic movements all over the body. The therapist makes use of the hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows to apply soft or deep pressure so that the muscles stretch and lengthen. The rhythm is very soothing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy used to help treat tense muscles and damaged soft tissues. Volcanic basalt stones are heated to 60 degrees Celsius. As soon as you put the smooth flat stones on your body, you can understand why this heated massage is so transformative. 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 calming holistic therapy that includes head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help rebalance your body’s energy. This strong, soothing massage relieves tension in the neck and scalp. . The massage happens once you are seated in a chair and wrapped in a towel. According to Indian tradition, coconut oil is generously applied during this massage, which nourishes the skin and hair.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a vital part of lymphoedema treatment, which is a severe condition that causes tissue swelling in the body. This is a form of mild massage that stimulates the lymphatic system so that the swelling reduces. It is useful for cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries, both in preoperative and postoperative procedures. It can help repair fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains; it can even decrease pain. It relieves pressure in the body and can help heal wounds and burns, as it fortifies the immune system and helps with waste products removal.
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 helps reduce tension on the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It is a harmless and supportive technique for women, appropriate 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 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 relaxing and reducing stress; as such, it may promote the healthy function of the immune and digestive systems.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a classic massage that incorporates a range of techniques, including stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, and vibration. It is a gentler massage than a deep tissue massage, focusing on rest and general stress relief. It is the most common type of massage and what many other massages types are based on.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an early form of massage that Buddhist monks are thought to have developed. 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. Thai Massage can benefit anyone, regardless of age or flexibility. It is done on the floor, on a large mat, and with the client fully clothed.
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 variant of traditional Thai massage, using firm pressure and deep rhythmic movements along meridian/energy lines of the body. This treatment aims to unblock, balance, and restore the body’s natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy.
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 several oils so that the therapist can glide over the body effortlessly.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Warm bamboo massage is a type of massage that employs solid bamboo sticks of different sizes to apply deep, long massage strokes to the body. Invented in Asia, it is growing in popularity in the United Kingdom. This treatment is perfect if you like 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 Hanover?
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!