Massage in Old-Steine, Brighton

If you live in Old-Steine, 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 focuses on healing the mind and body through the power of touch, manipulation and relaxation. Until fairly recently, most people thought that healing was a result of forcing physical changes to soft tissues and muscles in the body.

Recent research suggests that the positive benefits, such as muscle relaxation, are due to effects that massage has on the nervous system. During massage, feel-good hormones including endorphins are released and can improve health and well-being. There are different approaches to massage therapy, offering different benefits, including shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue massage.

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 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 have a positive effect on a person’s physical state, emotional welfare and psychological well-being. On a physical level, it can cause changes to our bodies’ systems including the muscular, fascial, cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. The benefits of massage are therefore extremely broad, including making us less prone to injuries, making us more physically flexible, and reducing anxiety and physical pain. These, in turn, have benefits such as improved sleep, reduced levels of sickness, a feeling os being in control and general happiness. Massage offers the most benefits when you have regular sessions to prevent issues and maintain a good level of physical and emotional 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. 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 has effectively treated both tension headaches and migraines as these are often caused by referred pain from the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

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. Gentle massage can be used to handle this type of situation. Muscle sprain or ligament tear can occur as a result of overuse and overloading of muscles. Massage is not suitable when the injury is swollen or painful. But once it is no longer painful, massage can help decrease sensitivity and encourage movement.

Back Pain

A lot of people visit their doctor because of 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 very beneficial in desensitising and relaxing the muscles.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Pain caused by repetitive movement or overuse of the muscles, tendons, and nerves is known as repetitive strain injury or RSI. It is prevalent in work, sports or activities that involve a repetitive action. This disorder may affect the forearms, elbows, wrists, and other upper body areas. 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 help with circulation in the body and can also improve symptoms like cold hands and feet, as well as swelling of 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

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

When the body is traumatised, it goes into a protective state. The injured muscles typically become hypersensitive and movement is restricted. Massage therapy can be used to manage these conditions and help the body to return back to normal. However, if you are still under medical care, get the doctor’s permission before starting the therapy.

How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?

Massage therapy can be used to reduce back pain, and to relieve it. A range of techniques, including deep tissue massage and stretching, may help to reduce hypersensitivity and increase 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 and minimises the pain associated with muscle spasms while also improving 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 However, the data was insufficient, which clearly indicates the need for further research. That said, there is lots of anecdotal evidence to support the use of Massage Therapy for back pain.

Massage Therapies we Offer near Old-Steine

We deliver over 20 different types of massage therapy. With such a wide range, it can be difficult knowing which would benefit you most. 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

After a back, neck and shoulder massage, a full body massage is our next most popular choice. Typically, a full body massage involves the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, back, 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.

However, not all of these areas need to be considered, and some clients may have areas such as feet or abdomen that are too sensitive to massage. It is the individual’s choice and it is extremely important to feel completely relaxed, that is why the treatments are always adapted to the person. With a few exclusions, each of our massages can be given as a full body.

Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage

The back, neck and shoulders are, without a doubt, the most popular areas to be chosen for massage as we all hold physical and emotional tension here.

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 lead to a stiff neck or tension headache if not treated. Back, neck and shoulder massage is an essential part of most of the types of massage therapies 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 overdo it in the gym or work on the computer for a long time, this treatment helps to relieve your body and improve flexibility. The deep tissue massage will help you find relief if you suffer from knotted arms, sore thighs or lower back pain.

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Californian Massage

Californian massage affects many of the senses of the recipient. Massage movements are gradual and systematic, with delicate touches, kneading, and stretching. This technique was developed in the 1970s in Esalen Institute, in Big Sur, California, during a personal growth workshop. 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 full body massage which involves applying pressure with the feet and using warm oils on the body. 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 developed to maintain suppleness in the body and treat pain or swelling. However, it is also suitable for the treatment of people who do not exercise regularly or strenuously and want to maintain their physical fitness and well-being.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a therapeutic or clinical massage that aims to resolve a particular issue, usually muscular pain. 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. In the UK, it is sometimes called sports massage. However, this term is unhelpful because it suggests the treatment is only for sports injuries or sports people, which it isn’t.

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. Sesame, which is the base oil, is often pre-mixed in 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 procedures designed to remove facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds 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 brings about permanent change in the tissues so that the results will last longer than conventional massage treatments. Postural changes may also occur so that symptoms do not keep reoccurring. 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 works with a blend of essential oils specially mixed to deliver the desired result. The essential oil’s chemical composition can be complex, which is why, when absorbed by the body, a single oil can have many different effects. 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 be beneficial for many conditions, including insomnia, nausea, muscular pain, joint pain, anxiety, stress, skin disorders, lymphatic drainage, and hormonal imbalance.

Sports Massage

It’s a common misconception that sports massage is for sportspeople only. In fact, it is suitable for all ages and activity levels. Deep tissue massage is an important component of sports 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. 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

This massage involves massaging two people simultaneously in the same room, and each person has his/her own 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 a good way to introduce massage therapy to a friend or partner who has never had a massage and is anxious about the process. When it comes to massage for couples, you can talk to each other during the massage, if you want, or you can be quiet the entire time. It really is all 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 was developed from an ancient healing technique and treatment that aims to heal the entire body at once. This unique, oil-based massage involves performing long and smooth rhythmic movements all over the body. The therapist uses his/her palms, feet, forearms, and elbows while applying gentle pressure to stretch and lengthen 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 volcanic basalt stones are used for heating at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. After placing smooth flat stones on your body, you’ll understand why a heated massage is so wonderful. 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 rebalance energy in the body. This strong, soothing massage relieves tension in the neck and scalp. The massage takes place when you are sitting 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 a vital part of lymphoedema treatment, which is a severe condition that causes tissue swelling in the body. It is a type of gentle massage that helps to reduce swelling in the lymphatic system. It is useful for cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries, both in preoperative and postoperative procedures. 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, also known as prenatal massage, is a gentle technique that has a deep yet delicate effect on relieving special pregnancy pains. This therapy is carried out on the recipient when she is laying 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 calm down expecting mothers while reducing the effects of tension on their bodies.

Reflexology Foot Massage

Reflexology is a gentle therapy that encourages well-being through deep relaxation. The theory emphasises that various points on the feet and lower legs are connected to different parts of the body. Reflexologists focus on these points and regions, applying different pressures to unblock and bring balance to the body. It is a strong aid for relaxation and stress reduction, promoting the proper function of the 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 been 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 be useful for everyone regardless of your age and flexibility. It takes place on a big mat on the floor, and the customer is fully clothed.

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Thai Oil Massage

Thai oil massage is a variation of the traditional Thai massage that uses strong pressure and deep rhythmic movements along the meridian/body energy lines. This therapy aims to activate, balance, and restore the body’s natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy.

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 a number of oils, making it easy for the therapist to glide over the body.

Warm Bamboo Massage

Warm bamboo massage involves using strong bamboo sticks of varying lengths and diameters to massage the body with deep massage strokes. It was created in Asia and becoming more popular in the UK. This therapy is ideal 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 Old-Steine?

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

Information about Old Steine

Our Professional, Experienced and Caring Therapists offer Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Beauty Treatments. Book your appointment Today!

Contact us Book Online