Massage in Withdean, Brighton
If you live in Withdean, 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.
Recent understanding through research suggests that it is the effects of massage therapy on the nervous system that are the likely cause of the positive benefits of massage therapy. 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?
The feelings of stress and anxiety can be reduced through massage therapy. 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 positively influence your physical and emotional state and psychological well-being. Massage can influence our body, including our nervous system, fascial system, digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and muscular systems. The benefits are therefore diverse, from reducing anxiety and pain to making us less prone to injury and more physically flexible. This, in turn, can lead to better quality sleep patterns, the general feeling of more happiness and control in life, and even getting sick less often. 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
Inflammatory conditions don’t receive direct massage, but gentle strokes like those associated with lymphatic drainage may offer benefits such as reduced pain and swelling.
Stress Relief and Associated Conditions
Stress can damage our bodies, causing muscles to contract, and releasing 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 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
Dehydration, mineral deficiency, exhaustion, and injury may cause a muscle to contract and go into spasm. Gently massaging the affected area can result in improved blood flow to reverse the condition. Fibre injury due to overuse and overloading can cause muscle strain or ligament sprain. When the injury is acute, there is often swelling, and direct massage is not appropriate. Once the area is no longer swollen, massage can help to ease pain and improving normal 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 be very beneficial in desensitising and relaxing the muscles.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury is pain caused by overusing the muscles, tendons, and nerves due to repetitive activities. This problem is common in all activities where actions are usually repetitive. The disorder can affect multiple upper-body regions, such as forearms, elbows, or wrists. 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 can help with circulation in the body and can also improve symptoms like cold hands and feet, as well as swelling of 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 is available for expecting mothers from the 16th week up to full term and can really help manage a lot of health conditions ranging 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 traumatised. This typically means that muscles close to the injury are sensitive and movement becomes restricted. Massage therapy can be beneficial in reversing the situation and helping the body to heal. 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 treating back pain. Techniques such as deep tissue massage and stretching not only reduce hypersensitivity but also improve 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. Relaxing the muscle increases strength, decreases muscle spasm-related pain and even improves 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 insufficient, which clearly indicates the need for further research. It nevertheless showed that there is ample subjective proof that Massage Therapy works for back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Withdean
We have more than 20 different massage therapies for you to choose from. With such a wide range, it can be difficult knowing which would benefit you most. Your selection will depend on your personal preference and treatment, but if you need help making a decision, do not hesitate to contact us.
Full Body Massage
After the back, neck and shoulder massage, another of our popular choice is the full body massage. Typically, a full body massage involves the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, back, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen, 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.
However, not all these areas are usually covered as some clients may have areas that are too sensitive to be massaged, such as the feet and abdomen. It is very much up to the individual and feeling totally relaxed is of paramount importance, so treatments are always adapted accordingly. Each of our massages can be performed as a full body massage with a few exceptions
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.
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
The therapist will apply deep pressure using the thumbs, forearms, and elbows to help stretch out tense and shortened 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 overdo it in the gym or work on the computer for a long time, this treatment helps to relieve your body and improve flexibility. The deep tissue massage will help you find relief if you suffer from knotted arms, sore thighs or lower back pain.
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 motions are gradual and systematic, with 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 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 developed to maintain suppleness in the body and treat pain or 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 type of clinical or therapeutic massage that is carried out to solve specific problems, such as muscle pain. Nevertheless, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and performance in sports. Remedial massage is sometimes called medical massage, but this term is incorrect because it suggests that the therapist has medical qualification; therefore, it is not generally used in the UK. It is more commonly called sports massage in the UK. 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, also known as oil massage, is a form of Ayurvedic treatment that involves the use of Dosha warm herbal oil to massage the body. The 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 or OSM, was designed 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 developed to counterbalance the rise in use of computers and sedentary type work.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to a set of methods aimed at releasing areas of facial restriction. Fascia is the connective tissue that covers and permeates all parts of our bodies. This process works by removing restrictions across the whole body, which relieves several pains and aches in one procedure. Myofascial release brings about permanent change in the tissues so that the results will last longer than conventional 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 mixture of essential oils in a carrier oil that is specially formulated for the desired outcome. The chemical content of essential oils is complex, which is why the application of one single oil can have different effects on the body once absorbed. Some essential oils are relaxing, while others are stimulating. Grapefruit can lift your mood; eucalyptus can clear the head; sandalwood is very soothing. Aromatherapy massage can aid in various conditions including sleeplessness, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, stress, anxiety, skin conditions, drainage of the lymphatic system, and hormone imbalance.
Sports Massage
It is commonly assumed that sports massage is meant only for sportspeople. It is actually appropriate for all ages and activity levels. Deep tissue massage is an important component of sports 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. This desired result often includes reducing aches and pains. Still, it could also be getting a client ready for a sporting event, speeding up recovery after an endurance event or helping reduce muscular tension from long hours at work.
Couples / Duo Massage
In this massage, two individuals are in the same room and receive a massage at the same time, but each person has a therapist. It can be husband and wife, same-sex partners, lovers, 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 good way for a partner or friend to try massage therapy if he/she has never been massaged before and is concerned about it. You can talk to your partner during the couples’ massage or remain silent all the way through. It really depends on 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. 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 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 heated to around 60 degrees Celsius. As soon as you put the smooth flat stones on your body, you can understand why this heated massage is so transformative. 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 your body’s energy. This vigorous, relaxing massage provides relief for tension in the neck and scalp. The massage takes place as you sit in a chair, after being wrapped in a towel. Coconut oil is generously applied during this treatment, nourishing the skin and hair, in keeping with Indian practice.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an important technique in the treatment of lymphoedema, a chronic condition which causes tissue swelling in the body. It is a type of gentle massage that helps to reduce swelling in the lymphatic system. 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 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, or prenatal massage, is a gentle and highly-effective technique that helps relieve the special pains associated with pregnancy. This massage therapy is carried out on a recipient who is lying sideways. Pregnancy massage can help relieve tension in 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 mums-to-be relax and reduces the impact of stress on their bodies.
Reflexology Foot Massage
As a gentle therapy, reflexology promotes well-being through deep relaxation. It operates on the premise that different points on the feet and lower legs are related to particular 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 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 the basis for many other massage styles.
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 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 variation of the traditional Thai massage that uses strong pressure and deep rhythmic movements along the meridian/body energy lines. This therapy is designed to unlock, balance, and restore the natural flow of the body’s Prana/Qi/Chi/energy.
It is believed that maintaining stability in all organs and systems of the body can discourage ill health and disease so that the body can recover and function effectively. Thai oil massage uses the properties of certain oils so that the therapist can smoothly glide over the body.
Warm Bamboo Massage
In warm bamboo massage, solid bamboo sticks of various lengths and diameters are used to massage the body with deep, long massage strokes. Invented in Asia, it is growing in popularity in the United Kingdom. You will like this therapy if you enjoy 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 Withdean?
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!
Other Areas We Cover
- Massage Therapy in Hanover
- Massage Therapy in Hollingbury
- Massage Therapy in Hollingdean
- Massage Therapy in Hove
- Massage Therapy in Kemp Town
- Massage Therapy in Mile Oak
- Massage Therapy in Montpelier
- Massage Therapy in Moulsecoomb
- Massage Therapy in New England Quarter
- Massage Therapy in North Laine