Massage in Round-Hill, Brighton
If you live in Round-Hill, 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. 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. Endorphins and other feelgood hormones are released during massage and can result in improved health and well-being. There are lots of different types of massage including Swedish, shiatsu and deep tissue massage, and each comes with its own style 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 have a positive effect on a person’s physical state, emotional welfare and psychological well-being. Massage can change our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, 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. 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
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 can affect our bodies, triggering muscle activity that releases 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 demonstrated to combat some of these impacts.
Headaches and Migraines
Tension headaches and migraine, often caused by pain from the neck and shoulder muscles have been known to be effectively treated through massage therapy.
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 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. Massage is not suitable when the injury is swollen or painful. But once the pain reduces, massage can help with sensitivity and movement.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the main reasons many people pay a visit to their doctor. Even though back pain can be caused by many factors, it is mostly mild and caused by muscle overuse. 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 common in any activity that involves repetitive action such as sports and exercises. RSI can affect different parts of the upper body including the forearms, 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 be beneficial for circulation and respiration in the body, as well as improve symptoms of cold hands, feet, and swelling. 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 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. This typically means that muscles close to the injury are sensitive and movement becomes restricted. Massage therapy can be used to help manage these conditions so that the body can heal quickly. If under medical care, check with your GP before commencing complementary therapy.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy is helpful in treating back pain. A range of techniques, including deep tissue massage and stretching, may help to 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 Round-Hill
We deliver over 20 different types of massage therapy. With such a wide range of choices, making the right decision can be tough. 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, full body is our second most popular choice. Full body massage can include the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, buttocks, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen 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.
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 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 certainly some of the most popular places for massage as these are physical and emotional pressure points.
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. An integral part of our massage services is the back, neck, and shoulder massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep pressure is applied with the therapist’s fingers, forearms and elbows to help stretch compressed, tense 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. Regardless of whether you are overdoing things at the gym or working for a long time at the computer, this treatment helps to relieve the body and 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 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 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 form of full body massage that involves applying pressure with the feet and using warm oils on the body. 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 Malayalam dialect, Chavutti Thirumal translates 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 appropriate for treating people who do not exercise regularly and want to improve their physical fitness and wellness.
Remedial Massage
The therapeutic or clinical massage targeted at resolving a specific issue, such as muscular pain, is known as remedial massage. However, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and sports performance. Remedial massage is sometimes referred to as medical massage, but since this term implies medical training for the therapist, it is NOT generally used in the UK. It is also commonly referred to as sports massage in the UK. Though this term is not helpful, it suggests that the procedure only applies to athletes and sports injuries which is not true.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga, meaning oil massage, is a form of Ayurvedic medicine involving massage of the body with warm Dosha herbal oil. Sesame, the base oil, is commonly pre-mixed with 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
David Palmer, a traditional Chinese masseur, originally developed acupressure seated massage or on-site massage (OSM) in California in the early 1980s. This ancient technique, influenced by the traditional Chinese practice of healing called Amma, was adapted to a specially designed, ergonomic chair. It was developed to counterbalance the rise in use of computers and sedentary type work.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a series of techniques designed to release areas of facial restriction. 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 to the tissues so that the end result lasts longer than regular massage treatments. Posture changes may also occur so that the symptoms do not return. 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 uses a mix of essential oils in a carrying oil that is mixed particularly for 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 energise, and others can relax. 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. It is in fact suitable for everybody and at all activity levels. Deep tissue massage is a significant 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. That desired outcome is often reducing 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 means massaging two people in the same room together, but they have different therapists. It can be a married couple, partners of the same sex, lovers, or simply 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 to massage therapy, especially if he/she has never had a massage and is anxious about it. During couples’ massages, you can talk to your partner or stay silent the entire time. It is strictly 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 derived from an ancient technique of healing and working with the body while focusing on treating the person as a whole. This unique oil-rich massage involves applying long and fluid strokes rhythmically all over the 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 very relaxing and blissful.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a relaxing treatment for sore muscles and soft tissue damage. The volcanic basalt stones are meant to be heated up to 60 degrees Celsius. You will understand why a heated massage is perfect once the smooth stones are placed on your body. You will feel a level of enjoyment that can be addictive once the smooth flat stones start moving over your body, taking away all the pain and stress.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a soothing holistic therapy meant to treat the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure are used to help rebalance the energies of your body. This strong, soothing massage relieves tension in the neck and scalp. The massage occurs once you sit in a chair and allow yourself to be 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 an important part of treating lymphoedema, a serious disease that causes swelling of the body’s tissues. It’s a form of gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling. It is beneficial when used as preoperative or postoperative treatment for both cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries. It can ease pain and promote the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains. It relieves fluid congestion and can help heal wounds and burns; it improves the immune system and encourages the removal of waste products.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage, sometimes referred to as prenatal massage, is a non-invasive treatment that works deeply to relieve specific pregnancy pains. This therapy is carried out with the recipient lying on the side. Pregnancy massage removes tension from 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 soothe pregnant women and lessens the effects of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
As a gentle therapy, reflexology promotes 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 use varying amounts of pressure on these points and regions to unblock and align the body. It is a powerful technique for calming and reducing stress while promoting healthy immune and digestive systems.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a classic massage that incorporates a range of techniques, including stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, and vibration. 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 massage type that is thought to have been created by Buddhist monks. The therapist stretches the client, then applies gentle pressure along the energy lines of the body to increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, and stabilise the energy system of the body. Thai massage can be useful for everyone, regardless of age and flexibility. It takes place on a big mat on the floor, and the customer is 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 treatment is intended to activate, stabilise, and restore the natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/ energy in the body.
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 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. If you like deep work, you’ll like this therapy. It will leave you feeling relaxed and energised, with a sense that your muscles have been stretched, warmed, and elongated.
Why Chose Natural Balance Therapies for your Massage near Round-Hill?
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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