Massage in Westdene, Brighton
If you live in Westdene, 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 quite recently, it was thought that the effects of massage therapy which result in physical changes to soft tissues and muscles are a cause of healing.
New research, suggests that it is the effects on the nervous system that caused the physical changes, including muscle relaxation. 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 can help the whole body by reducing stress and anxiety. This, in turn, can improve sleep and bolster the immune system, the body’s natural defense against disease. 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 have a positive effect on a person’s physical state, emotional welfare 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. The benefits are therefore extremely diverse, from making us less stressed and anxious to reducing physical pain and the risk of future 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. 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
Direct massage is not generally used for acute inflammatory conditions, but gentle stroking can reduce 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. Even though these responses can be positive in the short term, with time they can cause poor health. Massage has been demonstrated to combat some of these impacts.
Headaches and Migraines
Massage therapy effectively treats both tension headaches and migraines, as these are frequently caused by neck and shoulder muscle pain.
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. 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. When the injury is acute, there is often swelling, and direct massage is not appropriate. Once the pain and swelling subside, massage can be helpful in decreasing sensitivity and improving normal movement.
Back Pain
One of the many reasons people visit their doctor is back pain. Even though back pain can be caused by many factors, it is mostly mild and caused by muscle overuse. Massage can be extremely beneficial in helping the muscle to relax and become desensitised.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Pain caused by repetitive movement or overuse of the muscles, tendons, and nerves is known as repetitive strain injury or RSI. It is prevalent in work, sports or activities that involve a repetitive action. This disorder may affect the forearms, elbows, wrists, and other upper body areas. As with any overuse injury, massage can help manage the pain, although without removing the cause, any relief may be temporary.
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. 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
Pregnancy massage can be done from 16 weeks up to full term and can really help with an assortment of problems such as lower back pain, headaches, swelling and tension.
Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation
The body goes into a protective state when it is injured. Muscles close to the injured site typically become sensitive and movement is restricted. 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 reduce back pain, and to relieve it. A variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage and stretching, can help to lower hypersensitivity and increase range of motion. Increased movement and blood flow can help minimise recovery time after injuries and surgery, and accelerate healing by providing essential nutrients to muscles and connective tissue. Relaxing the muscle increases strength, decreases muscle spasm-related pain and even improves sleep. A non-drug treatment study in 2016 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality compared 20 cases of massage and regular treatment and found out that massage can be very effective for treating chronic lower back pain. The strength of the data was insufficient however, emphasising the need for more study. Still, there are many indications that confirm the use of massage therapy for the treatment of back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Westdene
We offer more than 20 types of massage therapy. With so many choices to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which one would most help you. 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). While full body massage does not cover the female breasts, it can include the neckline, from the collarbone down to where the breasts begin.
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 a personal process and feeling absolutely comfortable is extremely important, therefore, the treatments are always tailored accordingly. With a few exclusions, each of our massages can be given as a full body.
Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage
Undoubtedly, the back, neck and shoulders are the most popular places for massage, because they are physical and emotional tension spots.
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 neck stiffness or tension headaches if left untreated. The Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage form an integral part of our massage services.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep pressure is applied with the therapist’s fingers, forearms and elbows to help stretch compressed, tense muscles. This may seem uncomfortable, and deeper is not always better, but an experienced therapist will work with therapeutic but still relaxing pressure. Whether you’re overdoing it in the gym or working long hours on the computer, 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 incorporates many of the recipient’s senses. Massage movements are gradual and systematic, with delicate 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 form of full body massage that involves applying pressure with the feet and using warm oils on the body. 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. It literally translates as “foot pressure massage” in Malayalam, a local dialect. It was designed primarily to provide flexibility in the body and aid with 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
The therapeutic or clinical massage targeted at resolving a specific issue, such as muscular pain, is known as remedial massage. However, the outcome could relate to poor posture, reduced mobility, or 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 more commonly called 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 type of Ayurvedic medicine involving body massage with Dosha-specific, warm herbal oil. Sesame, the base oil, is commonly pre-mixed with herbs. During abhyanga, the body is anointed with oil through a series of long, fluid strokes 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. It was designed to counterbalance the increase in computer usage and the sedentary type of 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 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. Changes in posture may also occur so that symptoms do not 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 mixed specifically 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. Some essential oils relax, and others can energise. Grapefruit can improve your mood; eucalyptus can stimulate the brain while sandalwood can soothe the nerves. Aromatherapy massage can help treat a wide range of conditions, such as insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, joint problems, stress, and anxiety, skin disorders, lymphatic drainage, and hormone imbalance.
Sports Massage
It’s a common misconception that sports massage is for sportspeople only. 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 to sports massage where the therapist uses a number of techniques to achieve the desired result, with less emphasis on relaxation. The desired result is often relief from 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 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 type of massage is a good option for celebrating a special occasion or finding an activity that allows you to spend 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. As for couples’ massage etiquette, it’s fine to talk to each other or be quiet during the massage. It really depends on 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-rich massage involves applying long and fluid strokes rhythmically all over the body. The therapist uses the hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows, exerting gentle and deep pressure to lengthen and stretch the muscles. The rhythm is very soothing and enjoyable.
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. 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 soothing holistic therapy meant to treat the head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help restore energy back to the balance in your body. This powerful, relaxing massage relieves tension around the neck and scalp. The massage occurs once you sit in a chair and allow yourself to be 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 a vital part of lymphoedema treatment, which is a severe condition that causes tissue swelling in the body. It is a form of gentle massage which helps to reduce swelling in the lymphatic system. It is preferably used before and after surgery in both cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeries. It can accelerate healing for fractures, torn ligaments, and sprains; it provides pain relief as well. It helps with fluid accumulation and can heal wounds and burns because it strengthens 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 done in a lateral position. 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 calm down expecting mothers while reducing the effects of tension on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
As a gentle therapy, reflexology promotes well-being through deep relaxation. This theory is based on the idea that different points on the feet and lower legs can influence 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 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. It is the most common type of massage and what many other massages types are based on.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of massage thought to have been developed by 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 benefit anyone, regardless of age or 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 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 believed that maintaining balance in all organs and systems of the body prevents ill health and diseases so that the body can heal and work efficiently. Thai oil massage uses the properties of a number of oils, making it easy for the therapist to glide over the body.
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. It was developed in Asia, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This treatment is perfect if you like deep work. 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 Westdene?
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!