Massage in Rottingdean, Brighton

If you live in Rottingdean, 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?

The main focus of massage therapy is to heal the mind and body through the healing power of touch, manipulation and relaxation. It used to be thought that the physical manipulation of muscles and tissues was the cause of the healing.

Recent research suggests that the positive benefits, such as muscle relaxation, are due to effects that massage has on the nervous system. Feel-good hormones are released during massage and these can improve your health, well-being and sense of happiness. 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?

Massage therapy has the power to reduce anxiety and stress and so help the entire 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. There can also be direct benefits in reducing pain from aches and muscle injuries, improving mobility, improving posture, and reducing the likelihood of future injuries.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage therapy can improve your psychological well-being, physical and emotional health. On a physical level, it can cause changes to our bodies’ systems including the muscular, fascial, cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. As such, the benefits are board, from reducing pain and anxiety to making us more flexible and less susceptible to injury. The spin-off benefits include feeling a greater sense of control and happiness in life, getting better quality sleep, and being unwell less frequently. When you maintain your physical, psychological and emotional health with regular monthly massage sessions you gain the most benefit.

Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis

Direct massage isn’t used for inflammatory conditions when acute, but gentle strokes such as those in lymphatic drainage may help reduce swelling and associated pain.

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 shown to alleviate some of these problems.

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

Muscle contraction and spasms occur for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, mineral deficiency, exhaustion, and injury. A gentle massage can encourage blood flow and correct this condition. Too much use and overloading of the muscle or ligament can tear the fibres of the muscle causing muscle strain and or ligament sprain. Direct massage is not appropriate while the injury is swollen and 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 there can be numerous causes for back pain in the majority of cases, it is not serious and is caused by overworking the muscles. Massage can help relax the muscles and reduce the pain.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Pain caused by repetitive movement or overuse of the muscles, tendons, and nerves is known as repetitive strain injury or RSI. This condition is common in sports, work and other activities that involve repeated actions. The disorder can affect multiple upper-body regions, 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 increases circulation in the body and can be helpful with symptoms such as cold hands or feet and swelling at the extremities. 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 to full term and can really help with a range of issues including lower back pain, headaches, swelling and stress.

Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation

The body goes into protective mode when it is traumatised. The injured muscles typically become hypersensitive and movement is restricted. Massage therapy can be used to help manage these conditions so that the body can heal quickly. If still under medical supervision, check with your doctor before having any complementary therapies.

How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?

Massage therapy is helpful in managing back pain. Deep Massage and Stretching are examples of massage that not only lessen sensitivity but also improve range of motion. Increased movement and blood flow can both help reduce post-injury recovery time and promote healing by bringing nutrients to the muscles and connective tissue. Muscle relaxation increases strength, relieves pain associated with muscle spasms, and even improves sleep. In a study on non-drug treatment by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2016, 20 massage cases and regular treatments were compared and it was discovered that massage therapy can be very effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain. However, the data was insufficient, which clearly indicates the need for further research. 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 Rottingdean

We deliver over 20 different types of massage therapy. With so many choices to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which one would most help you. 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. 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 totally up to the individual and being completely relaxed is vital, that is why each therapy is adapted accordingly. 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. The Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage form an integral part of our massage services.

Deep Tissue Massage

Using the therapist’s thumbs, forearms and elbows, deep pressure is applied to help stretch the strained, tense muscles. It may feel uncomfortable but is not always bad, and a professional therapist will work with a therapeutic but still 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 stiff shoulders, tight hamstrings or pain in the lower back, deep tissue massage can help ease your body.

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Californian Massage

Californian massage is known for having an effect on multiple senses. The massage motions are gradual and systematic, with 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 which involves applying pressure with the feet and using warm oils on the body. 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 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. 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 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. It is usually referred to in the UK as a sports massage. However, this term is not helpful because it suggests that the treatment only applies to sports injuries or athletes, which is not true.

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, the base oil, is commonly pre-mixed with herbs. The body is bathed with oil, and the deep, fluid strokes are used from head to toe during this full body massage.

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. This ancient technique, influenced by the traditional Chinese practice of healing called Amma, 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 series of techniques designed to release areas of facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that covers and fills 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 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 works with a blend of essential oils specially mixed to deliver 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 are relaxing, while others are stimulating. Grapefruit can improve your mood; eucalyptus can stimulate the brain while sandalwood can soothe the nerves. Aromatherapy massage can help with many conditions, including insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, stress, anxiety, skin conditions, lymphatic drainage, and hormonal imbalance.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is commonly assumed to be intended only for sportspeople. 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. 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’s perfect for married couples, same-sex partners, boyfriend and girlfriend, or just good friends. This option allows you 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 is strictly up to you.

Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage

Hawaiian massage, also called Lomi Lomi, is one of the deepest forms of healing massage, as it can cause meditation and a blissful feeling of floating. It is derived from an ancient technique of healing and working with the body while focusing on treating the person as a whole. 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 soothing and blissful.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a therapy used to ease tense muscles and heal damaged soft tissues. The volcanic basalt stones are heated to around 60 degrees Celsius. After placing smooth flat stones on your body, you’ll understand why a heated massage is so wonderful. 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 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 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 useful in preoperative and postoperative situations 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, also called prenatal massage, is a procedure that has a deep and delicate effect on alleviating special pregnancy pains. This massage therapy is carried out on a recipient who is lying sideways. Pregnancy massage helps reduce tension on the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It is a non-invasive, safe treatment that is suitable for pregnant women 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 is based on the theory that different points of the feet and lower legs are connected to certain areas of the body. Reflexologists focus on these points and regions using different amounts of pressure to unblock and bring balance back to the body. It is a powerful technique for calming and reducing stress while promoting healthy 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, with an emphasis on relaxation and general stress relief. This is the most common type of massage on which many other types of massage are based.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is an early form of massage that Buddhist monks are thought to have developed. 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. Thai Massage can benefit anyone, regardless of age or 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 type of conventional Thai Massage that involves applying strong pressure and rhythmic movements along the body’s energy lines/meridian lines. This treatment is intended to activate, stabilise, 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 utilises the properties of specific oils to allow the therapist to 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. This is originally from Asia and gaining popularity in the UK. If you like deep work, you’ll like this therapy. You should feel relaxed and full of energy, knowing your muscles have been stretched, warmed, and lengthened.

Why Chose Natural Balance Therapies for your Massage near Rottingdean?

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 Rottingdean

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

Contact us Book Online