Massage in Patcham, Brighton

If you live in Patcham, 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. 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.

Recent research suggests that the positive benefits, such as muscle relaxation, are due to effects that massage has on the nervous system. 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, in time, can improve your immune system, and many see immediate improvements in their ability to sleep and relax. Massage also has a very direct effect of improving posture, reducing muscle aches and pains and improving mobility.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage therapy can improve your psychological well-being, physical and emotional health. On the physical side, massage can change our body systems including the cardiovascular, fascial, lymphatic, muscular, 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. 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

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 can harm our bodies, causing muscles to contract and stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to be released. Such reactions can be helpful in the short term but they can cause poor health over time. 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. Gentle massage can be used to handle this type of situation. Muscle sprain or ligament tear happens when there is a tear in the fibre of the muscle caused by too much use or overloading either one. While the injury is fresh, there can be swelling, and direct massage is not suitable. 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 most common reasons for people to see their GPs. 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 be used to desensitise and help relax the muscles.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injury is pain caused by overusing the muscles, tendons, and nerves due to repetitive activities. It is prevalent in work, sports or activities that involve a repetitive action. The condition may affect many areas of the upper body, such as forearms, elbows or wrists. 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. 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 can be done on pregnant women from 16 weeks up to the full term and can help improve a wide range of health issues, 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 affected site tend to become hypersensitive and movement is affected. Massage therapy can be used to help manage these conditions so that the body can heal quickly. 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 is helpful in treating back pain. Many methods, including deep tissue massage and stretching, can help reduce hypersensitivity and increase range of motion. Increased motion and blood flow can reduce recovery time after injury and accelerate healing by nourishing muscles and connective tissues. Muscle relaxation increases strength and minimises the pain associated with muscle spasms while also improving sleep. In a 2016 review of nondrug treatments for low back pain, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reviewed 20 studies comparing massage with regular care or other interventions and found evidence that massage was effective for chronic low back pain. Still, the strength of the data was insufficient, highlighting the need for more research. It nevertheless showed that there is ample subjective proof that Massage Therapy works for back pain.

Massage Therapies we Offer near Patcham

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. 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 covers the back, neck, shoulder, head, face, buttocks, arms, legs, feet, stomach, and chest (for men). Although it does not cover female breasts, it can cover the neckline, the area from the collarbone to where the breasts begin.

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 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 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 can lead to neck stiffness 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

The therapist’s thumb, forearms and elbows exert a deep pressure to stretch out shortened and tensed muscles. 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’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 thighs or lower back pain, the deep tissue massage will help to free you from the discomfort.

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Californian Massage

Californian massage is known for having an effect on multiple senses. This massage therapy involves slow and intentional movements of gentle touches, kneading, and stretching. It was developed in the 1970s during a personal growth workshop at the Esalen Institute® in Big Sur, California. 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 full body massage using warm oils and the feet to apply pressure. The history dates back over 2,000 years and comes from the time of Kalari martial arts in Kerala, on India’s southern coast. In the local Malayalam dialect, Chavutti Thirumal translates as “massage by foot pressure”. 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. The effect of remedial massage can also be felt in poor posture, restricted movement, and sports performance. Remedial massage is sometimes called medical massage, but this term is incorrect because it suggests that the therapist has medical qualification; therefore, it is not generally used in the UK. It is usually referred to in the UK as a 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, meaning oil massage, is a type of Ayurvedic medicine involving body massage with Dosha-specific, warm herbal oil. 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 or on-site massage (OSM) was originally founded by David Palmer, a traditional Chinese masseur, in California in the early 1980s. Inspired by the traditional Chinese art of healing called Amma, this ancient technique was adapted to a specially designed, ergonomic chair. It was designed to counterbalance the increase in computer usage and the sedentary type of work.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release refers to a set of procedures designed to remove facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue covering and incorporating 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 do not keep reoccurring. One way this treatment differs from other massage options is that it is done on dry skin, with no oils or lotions.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage works with a blend of essential oils specially mixed to deliver the desired result. 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 can improve your mood; eucalyptus can stimulate the brain while sandalwood can soothe the nerves. 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

Sports massage is commonly assumed to be intended only for sportspeople. It is actually appropriate for all ages and activity levels. Deep tissue massage is an important part of sports massage. The main difference is the more scientific approach of sports massage, where the therapist uses a variety of techniques to achieve the desired effect, with less emphasis on relaxation. The desired result is often relief from 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 involves massaging two people simultaneously in the same room, and each person has his/her own therapist. It can be a married couple, partners of the same sex, lovers, or simply good friends. This type of massage therapy allows you to celebrate a special moment or just spend time 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. 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

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 an old technique of healing and working with the body, as it aims to treat the whole person. This unique oil-rich massage involves applying long and fluid strokes rhythmically all over the body. The therapist uses his/her hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows to apply soft, deep pressure to lengthen and gently stretch muscles. The rhythm is very soothing and enjoyable.

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 the benefits of a heated stone massage once the smooth flat 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 relaxing therapy that involves treating the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help rebalance your body’s energy. This powerful, relaxing massage relieves neck and scalp tension. The massage takes place when you are sitting in a chair and wrapped in a towel. Following the Indian tradition, coconut oil is applied liberally during this massage, nourishing the skin and hair.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an important technique in the treatment of lymphoedema, a chronic condition which causes tissue swelling in the body. This is a gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling. It is preferably used before and after surgery in both cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries. It can help repair fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains; it can even decrease pain. 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 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 and supportive treatment for women, suitable from 16 weeks to full term. Pregnancy massage helps mums-to-be relax and reduces the impact of stress on their bodies.

Reflexology Foot Massage

Through deep relaxation, reflexology is a beneficial therapy that promotes well-being. It is based on the theory that different points of the feet and lower legs are connected to certain 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 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 for many other massage styles.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is an early massage type that is thought to have been created by Buddhist monks. The therapist pulls the client and gently presses along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, release muscle tension, and balance the body’s energy system. Thai Massage can benefit anyone, regardless of age or flexibility. It is done on a large mat on the floor, with the client fully clothed.

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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 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. This is originally from Asia and gaining popularity in the UK. 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 Patcham?

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 Patcham

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

Contact us Book Online