Massage in Kemp-Town, Brighton
If you live in Kemp-Town, 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?
Relaxation, manipulation and the power of touch are used during massage therapy to heal the body and mind. Historically, it has been believed that the physical changes that are made to soft tissues and muscles were the driving force for the healing effects of massage therapy.
New research, suggests that it is the effects on the nervous system that caused the physical changes, including muscle relaxation. Endorphins and other feelgood hormones are released during massage and can result in improved health and well-being. There are many different types of massage therapy, such as deep tissue, Swedish and shiatsu, each with a slightly different approach and benefits.
Why is massage therapy important for your well-being?
Stress and anxiety can be reduced through massage therapy, thus helping the whole body. 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 has the power to improve your physical state, emotional state and your mental health. Massage can change our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and nervous 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. The most benefit is gained from massage therapy when you have regular, monthly sessions, to prevent future deterioration physically and emotionally, and maintain a good level of overall health.
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 is dangerous to the body. It can cause the muscles to contract, resulting in the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Such reactions can be helpful in the short term but they can cause poor health over time. Massage has been proven to counter some of these effects.
Headaches and Migraines
Massage therapy has been known to effectively treat tension headaches and migraines, both conditions typically caused by pain from the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
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. Gentle massage to promote the flow of blood can help to reverse this. Muscle sprain or ligament tear can occur as a result of overuse and overloading of muscles. Direct massage is not appropriate while the injury is swollen and painful. Once the pain and swelling subside, massage can be helpful in decreasing sensitivity and improving normal movement.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the main reasons many people pay a visit to their doctor. While back pain has many causes, in many cases, it is not serious and caused by over utilising the muscles. Massage can be very helpful in relaxing the muscles and reducing back pain.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is the term used to define pain caused by repetitive muscle, nerve, and tendon movement and overuse. 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. Like any overuse injury, massage may help manage the pain, although any relief may be temporary without eliminating the cause.
Circulatory and Respiratory Problems
Massage improves circulation in the body and can help with symptoms such as cold hands and feet, and swelling. Approval must be obtained from a doctor before massage is used to handle circulatory and respiratory issues as there are some cases where massage is not appropriate.
Pregnancy and Labour Discomfort
Massage is available for expecting mothers from the 16th week up to full term and can really help manage a lot of health conditions ranging from lower back pain to headaches, swelling, and stress.
Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation
The body goes into protective mode 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 under medical supervision, get permission from the doctor before trying any complementary therapy.
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. Improved movement and blood flow can both minimise recovery time after an injury and promote healing by delivering nutrients to the muscles and connective tissue. Muscle relaxation increases strength, relieves pain associated with muscle spasms, and even improves sleep. In 2016, in a review of non-drug methods of treating lower back pain, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality studied 20 cases comparing massage with regular care or other treatments and found that massage therapy was effective for chronic lower back pain The strength of the data was insufficient however, emphasising the need for more study. It has nevertheless been shown that there is a lot of subjective evidence that Massage Therapy works for back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Kemp-Town
We have more than 20 different massage therapies for you to choose from. With such a wide range, it can be difficult knowing which would benefit you most. Your choice will be determined by your personal preference and treatment you need, but do not hesitate to get in contact if you need help making a decision.
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 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 treated and some clients may have areas that are too sensitive to be massaged, such as feet or abdomen. It is an individual process and it is extremely important to feel completely relaxed, that is why the treatments are always personalised 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.
These muscles tend to shorten from hours of work on the computer or phone, stress, and tiredness, or after sports activities such as tennis or swimming. This shortening can result in a stiff neck or tension headaches if left untreated. 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 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 affects many of the senses of the recipient. Massage movements are gradual and systematic, with delicate touches, kneading, and stretching. It was developed in the seventies at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California during a personal development workshop. It is more than a way to relax; it is also intended to help the recipient reconnect with his/her body.
Chavutti Thirumal Massage
Chavutti Thirumal is a type of full body massage that requires using warm oils and the feet to apply pressure. It dates back over 2,000 years and originates from the Kalari martial artists of Kerala, on the southern coast of India. In Malayalam, the local dialect, it is literally translated as “massage by foot pressure”. It was meant to help maintain flexibility in the body and to relieve pain and 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 is targeted at solving a specific problem, such as muscle pain. Nevertheless, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and performance in sports. 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. It is more commonly called sports massage in the UK. 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, also known as oil massage, is a form of Ayurvedic treatment that involves the use of Dosha warm herbal oil to massage the body. The base oil, sesame, is usually combined with a number of 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 designed to counter the increase in computer use and sedentary work.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a set of methods aimed at releasing areas of facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that covers and fills every part of our body. This process works by removing restrictions across the whole body, which relieves several pains and aches in one procedure. Myofascial release results in a permanent change in tissue, with results lasting longer than conventional massage treatments. Postural changes can also occur to prevent recurrence of symptoms. One main difference between this treatment and other forms of massage is that it is done on dry skin, with no oils or lotions.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses a mixture of essential oils in a carrier oil that is mixed specifically for the desired result. The chemical makeup of an essential oil may be complex, and this is why a single oil may have a range of different effects when absorbed or inhaled by the body. Some essential oils relax, and others can energise. Grapefruit can improve your mood; eucalyptus can stimulate the brain while sandalwood can soothe the nerves. Aromatherapy massage may help a range of conditions, including insomnia, nausea, muscular pain, aching joints, stress, anxiety, skin disorders, lymphatic drainage, and hormone imbalances.
Sports Massage
It’s a common misconception that sports massage is for sportspeople only. It is in fact suitable for everybody and at all activity levels. A significant component of sports massage is deep tissue massage. The main difference is the more clinical approach taken with sports massage, where the therapist uses a range of techniques to achieve the desired outcome, with less focus on relaxation. The desired result is typically a reduction in aches and pains. Still, it could also be getting a client ready for a sporting event, speeding up recovery after an endurance event or helping reduce muscular tension from long hours at work.
Couples / Duo Massage
This massage involves massaging two people simultaneously in the same room, and each person has his/her own therapist. It can be husband and wife, same-sex partners, lovers, or just good friends. You can choose this option to celebrate a special day or just maximise your 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. You can talk to your partner during the couples’ massage or remain silent all the way through. It really is all up to you.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Lomi Lomi is a form of Hawaiian massage; it is one of the most profound techniques in healing massage because it can induce a state of meditation and sensation of blissful floating. It is based on the old method of healing, working with the body, and treating the person as a whole. This unique oil-rich massage involves applying long and fluid strokes rhythmically all over the 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 soothing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that helps to heal tense muscles and soft tissue damage. Volcanic basalt stones 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 are used on your body, relieving stress and pain, you achieve a level of relaxation that cannot be quantified.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a soothing holistic therapy meant to treat the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help restore energy back to the balance in your body. This strong, soothing massage relieves tension in the neck and scalp. The massage occurs once you sit in a chair and allow yourself to be 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 essential part of treating lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in 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 accelerate healing for fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains; it provides pain relief as well. 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, sometimes called prenatal massage, is a peaceful treatment that works deeply but gently to relieve the special pains of pregnancy. This therapy is performed with the recipient lying on her side. Pregnancy massage soothes the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It is a harmless and supportive technique for women, suitable from week 16 to full-term pregnancy. Pregnancy massage helps soothe pregnant women and lessens the effects of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that aims to promote 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, applying different pressures to unblock and bring balance to the body. It is an effective technique that helps relaxation and reduces stress; therefore, it can promote a healthy functioning immune system and digestive system.
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 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 out the client and uses steady pressure along the energy lines of the body to increase flexibility, ease muscular tension, and balance the energy systems of the body. Whatever your age and flexibility, Thai massage can be useful for everyone. 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 variant of traditional Thai massage, using firm pressure and deep rhythmic movements along meridian/energy lines of the body. This therapy aims to activate, balance, and restore the body’s natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy.
It is believed that maintaining stability in all organs and systems of the body can discourage ill health and disease so that the body can recover and function effectively. Thai oil massage uses the properties of certain oils so that the therapist can smoothly glide over the body.
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. Invented in Asia, it is growing in popularity in the United Kingdom. This therapy is ideal if you enjoy deep work. It will make you feel relaxed and energised, as your muscles will feel stretched out, warmed, and extended.
Why Chose Natural Balance Therapies for your Massage near Kemp-Town?
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!