Massage in Preston-Village, Brighton
If you live in Preston-Village, 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. Until fairly recently, most people thought that healing was a result of forcing physical changes to soft tissues and muscles in the body.
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. 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?
Anxiety and stress can be alleviated through massage therapy and can result in the whole body feeling better. This can have the effect of improving your sleep, enhancing your immune system, and make you more resistant to illness and disease. 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. On the physical side, massage can change our body systems including the cardiovascular, fascial, lymphatic, muscular, 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. The spin-off benefits include feeling a greater sense of control and happiness in life, getting better quality sleep, and being unwell less frequently. 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
Direct massage is not generally used for acute inflammatory conditions, but gentle stroking can reduce 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 can be positive in the short term, with time they can cause poor health. 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
Muscle contraction and spasms occur for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, mineral deficiency, exhaustion, and injury. Gently massaging the affected area can result in improved blood flow to reverse the condition. A muscle strain or ligament sprain occurs where a tear to the fibres is caused by overloading the muscle or ligament or through repetitive overuse. 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
One of the many reasons people visit their doctor is 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 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. It is prevalent in work, sports or activities that involve a repetitive action. This condition can be found in the upper body areas, such as the forearm, elbows, and 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 a protective state when it is injured. Muscles close to the affected site tend to become hypersensitive and movement is affected. Massage therapy can be used to reverse these two states and help the body to heal. If under medical care, check with your GP before commencing complementary therapy.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Back pain can be both treated and prevented with massage therapy. A variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage and stretching, can help to lower 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, 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 Nevertheless, the data’s strength was inadequate, stressing the need for more analysis. It nevertheless showed that there is ample subjective proof that Massage Therapy works for back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Preston-Village
We deliver over 20 different types of massage therapy. 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. A full body massage may include the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, glutes, arms, hands, legs, feet, stomach and chest (for men). Women’s breasts are not included, but the area from the collarbone to the point where the breasts begin can be included.
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 a few exceptions, any 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.
Muscles in these areas tend to shorten after spending hours from hours on the computer or phone, due to tiredness and stress, or after physical exercises, 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 will apply deep pressure using the thumbs, forearms, and elbows to help stretch out tense and shortened muscles. This can be rather uncomfortable and deeper is not always the best, however, an experienced therapist will use pressure that is equally therapeutic and relaxing. 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. 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 unites many of the recipient’s senses. The massage involves systematic and gradual motions of gentle touches, kneading, and stretching. During a personal growth workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this technique was developed in the seventies. 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. 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 meant to help maintain flexibility in the body and to relieve pain and 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 is targeted at solving a specific problem, such as muscle 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. In the UK, it is more often referred to as sports massage. While this is also not helpful, it implies that the massage is only beneficial to athletes and sports injury, which is incorrect.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga, which means oil massage, is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that involves body massage with warm Dosha herbal oil. Base oil, sesame, is usually pre-mixed with herbs. During the full body massage, the body is smeared with oil using long, smooth movements from head to toe.
Acupressure Chair Massage
Acupressure seated massage, also known as on-site-massage (OSM), originated in California in the early 1980s by David Palmer, a traditional Chinese masseur. Inspired by Amma, a traditional Chinese healing technique, this ancient procedure was adapted to a specially designed, ergonomic chair. On-site massage is intended to counterbalance the increasing use of computers and sedentary work.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a number of techniques developed to release areas with facial restrictions. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and permeates every part of our body. It works by removing restrictions throughout the body and relieving pain in one treatment. Myofascial release results in a permanent change in tissue, with results lasting longer than conventional massage treatments. Postural changes may also occur so that symptoms are not able to come back. A major difference between this technique and other massage types is that it is performed on dry skin, without oils or lotions.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses a mixture of essential oils in a carrier oil that is specially formulated for the desired outcome. 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, and others are energising. 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 clinical approach to sports massage where the therapist uses a number of techniques to obtain the desired result, but with reduced emphasis on relaxation is a major difference. The desired result is typically a reduction in aches and pains. However, it can also include getting a client ready for a sporting event, speeding up post-event recovery or even helping to reduce muscle tension after long work hours.
Couples / Duo Massage
This massage involves massaging two people simultaneously in the same room, and each person has his/her own therapist. It is ideal for married couples, same-sex partners, lovers, 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 also a great way to introduce a partner or friend who has never experienced a massage and is apprehensive about it. As for couples’ massage etiquette, it’s fine to talk to each other or be quiet during the massage. It is strictly 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 is based on the old method of healing, working with the body, and treating 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 relaxing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a relaxing therapy for tense muscles and damaged soft tissues. The volcanic basalt stones are heated to around 60 degrees Celsius. As soon as the smooth flat stones are placed on your body, you will understand why a heated massage is so sublime. 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 calming all-round therapy that addresses the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help rebalance energy in the body. This powerful, relaxing massage relieves tension around the neck and scalp. The massage takes place with you 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 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 beneficial when used as preoperative or postoperative treatment for 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, sometimes called prenatal massage, is a peaceful treatment that works deeply but gently to relieve the special pains of pregnancy. This therapy is done in a lateral position. Pregnancy massage soothes 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
Reflexology is a gentle therapy that encourages well-being through deep relaxation. 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 an effective technique that helps relaxation and reduces stress; therefore, it can promote a healthy functioning immune system and digestive system.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is an intensive massage technique that involves stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, punching, 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 for many other massage styles.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of massage thought to have originated from Buddhist monks. The therapist stretches the recipient, then gently applies pressure throughout the energy lines of the body to increase strength, lessen muscle tension, and balance the body’s energy system. Thai massage can be useful for everyone, regardless of age and flexibility. It is done on a large mat on the floor, 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 therapy is designed to unlock, balance, and restore the natural flow of the body’s 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 certain oils so that the therapist can smoothly glide over the body.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Warm bamboo massage uses solid bamboo sticks of different lengths and diameters to massage the body with deep, long massage strokes. It was created in Asia and becoming more popular in the UK. This treatment is perfect if you like 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 Preston-Village?
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!