Massage in Portslade, Brighton
If you live in Portslade, 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?
Through the power of relaxation, manipulation and touch massage therapy, it is possible 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.
Recent research suggests that the interaction with the nervous system during massage is the primary cause of physical changes, including muscle relaxation. 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?
Stress and anxiety can be reduced through massage therapy, thus helping the whole body. As a result, the immune system can improve, you can have better sleep, and you can even find that you get well more easily. 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 positively influence your physical and emotional state and psychological well-being. At the physical level, massage therapy can change our body, including influencing our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. As such, the benefits are board, from reducing pain and anxiety to making us more flexible and less susceptible to injury. 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
Gentle stroking, such as for lymphatic drainage, can reduce swelling and pain, although direct massage is not normally used when there is acute inflammation.
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 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
Mineral deficiency, dehydration, fatigue, and injury, are some of the causes of muscle spasms and contraction. 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. While the injury is fresh, there can be swelling, and direct massage is not suitable. But once the pain reduces, massage can help with sensitivity and 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 extremely beneficial in helping the muscle to relax and become desensitised.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury or RSI is used to describe pain that is caused by muscle, nerve, and tendon overuse, as well as repeated movement. 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 in all other injuries caused by overuse, massage can be used to bring relief, although if the underlying cause is not treated, the relief will 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
The body goes into a protective state when it is injured. This typically means muscles shorten to restrict movement and areas close to the injury become hypersensitive to touch. Massage therapy can be used to help manage these conditions so that the body can heal quickly. If you are still under the care of a doctor, get approval before trying any complementary therapies.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy can be used to both prevent and treat back pain. Many methods, including deep tissue massage and stretching, can help 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 muscles will increase strength and minimise pain associated with muscle spasm 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. However, the data was inadequate and emphasised 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 Portslade
We have more than 20 different massage therapies for you to choose from. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one would benefit you the 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 the back, neck and shoulder massage, another of our popular choice is the full body massage. Full body massage typically includes the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, buttocks, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen and chest (for men). Women’s breasts are not included but the massage may include the region from the collarbone to the point where the breasts start.
That said, not all of these areas have to be included, and some clients may have areas, such as their feet or stomach, that are too sensitive to be massaged. 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 exceptions, any of our massages can be given as a full body.
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 tend to shorten after hours of work at the computer or phone, or when we feel tired or stressed, or after physical activities such as tennis or swimming. This shortening can lead to a stiff neck or tension headache if not treated. The back, neck and shoulder massage is an essential part of most of the 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 may feel uncomfortable and deeper is not always better, but a professional therapist will be able to exert a therapeutic but relaxing pressure. It doesn’t matter if you spend too much time at the gym or have worked long hours at the computer, this is a treatment that will ease your body and help 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 unites multiple senses of the recipient. The massage involves systematic and gradual motions of gentle 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 type of full body massage that requires using warm oils and the feet to apply pressure. This form of massage dates back over 2,000 years and comes from the era of the Kalari martial arts, which is from Kerala on India’s southern coast. In the local dialect of Malayalam, Chavutti Thirumal translates as “foot pressure massage”. It was meant to help maintain flexibility in the body and to relieve 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. However, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and sports performance. Sometimes, it is called medical massage, although the term suggests that the therapist has medical qualifications and is generally NOT used in the UK. It is also commonly referred to as sports massage in the UK. 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 form of Ayurvedic medicine involving massage of the body with warm Dosha herbal oil. The base oil, sesame, is usually pre-mixed with herbs. The body is smeared with oil during the full body massage, using long, smooth movements from head to toe.
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 traditional Chinese medicine known as Amma, this ancient technique has been 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 set of procedures designed to remove facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and permeates every part of our body. It works by releasing restrictions throughout the whole body, giving relief to many aches and pains in one treatment. Myofascial release contributes to lasting tissue improvement, and the effects last longer than conventional massage therapies. Postural changes may also occur so that symptoms do not keep reoccurring. 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 mix of essential oils in a carrying oil that is mixed particularly for the desired result. 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. Many essential oils are soothing, whereas others are stimulating. Grapefruit can improve your mood; eucalyptus will clear your head, and 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 is a common misconception that sports massage is intended only for athletes. 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 taken with sports massage, where the therapist uses a range of techniques to achieve the desired outcome, with less focus on relaxation. Typically, the desired result is a reduction in 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 husband and wife, same-sex partners, girlfriend and boyfriend, 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 great way to introduce a partner or friend who has never experienced a massage and is apprehensive about it. 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’s 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 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. Therapists make use of their fingers, hands, forearms, and elbows to apply mild or intense pressure to stretch and lengthen the muscles. The rhythm is calming and pleasurable.
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. 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 holistic massage technique that is applied to the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help restore your body’s energy back to balance. 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. 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 an essential part of treating lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It is a type of gentle massage that helps to reduce swelling in the lymphatic system. It is useful in preoperative and postoperative situations for both cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries. It can reduce pain while helping to repair 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, or prenatal massage, is a gentle and highly-effective technique that helps relieve the special pains associated with pregnancy. This therapy is carried out with the recipient lying on the side. Pregnancy massage helps reduce tension on 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 soothe pregnant women and lessens the effects of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
Reflexology is a gentle therapy that encourages 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 regions while applying different pressure levels in order to unblock and balance the body. It is a powerful aid for relaxation and stress reduction; as such, it may support the healthy function of the immune and digestive systems.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is a classic method of massage involving a series of techniques, such as stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, scratching, tapping, punching, and vibrating. It is a milder massage than deep tissue massage and focuses on relaxation and general relief from stress. This is the most common type of massage, and it is the foundation for many other types of massage.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of massage thought to have been developed 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, and with the client 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 treatment is intended to trigger, normalise, and restore the natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy in the body.
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 certain oils so that the therapist can smoothly glide over the body.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Strong bamboo sticks of varying lengths and diameters are used in a warm bamboo massage to stimulate the body with strong, long massage strokes. It was created in Asia and becoming more popular in the UK. If you like deep work, you’ll like this therapy. 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 Portslade?
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!
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