Massage in Woodingdean, Brighton
If you live in Woodingdean, 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?
Massage therapy focuses on healing the mind and body through the power of touch, manipulation and relaxation. 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 research suggests that the interaction with the nervous system during massage is the primary cause of physical changes, including muscle relaxation. Feel-good hormones are released during massage and these can improve your health, well-being and sense of happiness. 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?
Massage therapy can help the whole body by reducing stress and anxiety. As a result, the immune system can improve, you can have better sleep, and you can even find that you get well more easily. 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 can improve your psychological well-being, physical and emotional health. Massage can change our fascial, muscular, lymphatic, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and nervous systems. The benefits are therefore extremely diverse, from making us less stressed and anxious to reducing physical pain and the risk of future injury. These, in turn, have benefits such as improved sleep, reduced levels of sickness, a feeling os being in control and general happiness. 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 can affect our bodies, triggering muscle activity that releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Such reactions can be helpful in the short term but they can cause poor health over time. Massage has been demonstrated to combat some of these impacts.
Headaches and Migraines
Massage therapy has effectively treated both tension headaches and migraines as these are often caused by referred pain from the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
Muscle and Related Conditions such as Spasms, Strains and Sprains
A muscle can contract and go into spasm for many reasons, including dehydration, mineral deficiency, fatigue, and injury. Gentle massage can be used to handle this type of situation. Muscle sprain or ligament tear happens when there is a tear in the fibre of the muscle caused by too much use or overloading either one. While the injury is fresh, there can be swelling, and direct massage is not suitable. But once the pain reduces, massage can help with sensitivity and movement.
Back Pain
A lot of people visit their doctor because of back pain. Back pain can be associated with numerous causes, but in most cases, it is not severe, and mostly 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 prevalent in activities such as work and sports that involve repetitive actions. This disorder may affect the forearms, elbows, wrists, and other upper body areas. 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. If under medical supervision for a circulatory and respiratory condition, it is essential to get approval from a doctor before having a massage as there are scenarios where massage is not appropriate.
Pregnancy and Labour Discomfort
Pregnancy massage is available from 16 weeks up to the full term and can really help with a variety of issues including lower back pain, headaches, swelling and stress.
Post-injury and Post-surgical Rehabilitation
When the body is traumatised, it goes into a protective state. This typically means muscles shorten to restrict movement and areas close to the injury become hypersensitive to touch. Massage therapy can be beneficial in reversing the situation and helping the body to heal. However, if you are still under medical care, get the doctor’s permission before starting the therapy.
How can Massage Therapy help you with your Back Pain?
Massage therapy is helpful in managing back pain. 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. Relaxing the muscle increases strength, decreases muscle spasm-related pain 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. Still, there are many indications that confirm the use of massage therapy for the treatment of back pain.
Massage Therapies we Offer near Woodingdean
We offer more than 20 different types of massage care. 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
Full body massage is our second most popular choice after back, neck and shoulder massage. A full body massage may include the back, neck, shoulders, face, head, glutes, arms, hands, legs, feet, stomach 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.
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 very much up to the individual and feeling totally relaxed is of paramount importance, so treatments are always adapted accordingly. Except on few occasions, each of our massages can be performed as a full body massage
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.
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 neck stiffness or tension headaches if left untreated. Back, neck and shoulder massage is an integral part of most of the different massage types we offer.
Deep Tissue Massage
The therapist’s thumb, forearms and elbows exert a deep pressure to stretch out shortened and tensed muscles. It can feel uncomfortable, but deeper isn’t always better, and a skilled therapist will work with a pressure that is therapeutic but still relaxing. 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 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. It was developed in the 1970s during a personal growth workshop at the Esalen Institute® in Big Sur, California. California massage is more than just a means of relaxation; this massage style also helps recipients reconnect with their bodies.
Chavutti Thirumal Massage
Chavutti Thirumal is a type of full body massage that requires using warm oils and the feet to apply pressure. 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 designed primarily to provide flexibility in the body and aid with 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
The therapeutic or clinical massage targeted at resolving a specific issue, such as muscular pain, is known as remedial massage. Nevertheless, this massage can also help with poor posture, limited mobility, and performance in sports. 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 usually referred to in the UK as a sports massage. 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. The base oil, sesame, is usually combined with a number of 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), 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 is a set of procedures for removing facial restrictions. 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 a single treatment. Myofascial release results in long-lasting tissue improvement so that the effects last longer than traditional massage treatments. Postural changes may also occur so that symptoms are not able to come back. The main difference between this treatment and other forms of massage is that it is performed on dry skin without oils and lotions.
Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage uses a mix of essential oils in a carrier oil that is blended for the desired outcome. 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 can improve your mood; eucalyptus will clear your head, and sandalwood is very calming. 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 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
In this massage, two people receive a massage in the same room, but each one is assigned a therapist. It’s perfect for married couples, same-sex partners, boyfriend and girlfriend, 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 to massage therapy, especially if he/she has never had a massage and is anxious about it. When it comes to a couple’s massage, you can talk to each other if you want or be silent during the massage. It really depends on you.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian massage, also known as Lomi Lomi, is one of the most intricate ways of healing massage; it can trigger meditation and a sensation of floating. It is based on an old technique of healing and working with the body, as it aims to treat the whole person. 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 calming and pleasurable.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a therapy used to ease tense muscles and heal damaged soft tissues. Volcanic basalt stones are heated to 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. As the stones glide on your body, easing away the stress and pain, a level of relaxation is achieved that becomes highly addictive.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is a calming holistic therapy that includes head, ears, neck, and shoulders. Massage and acupressure help rebalance energy in the body. This vigorous, relaxing massage provides relief for tension in the neck and scalp. . The massage happens once you are seated in a chair and 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 a vital part of lymphoedema treatment, which is a severe condition that causes tissue swelling in the body. It’s a form of gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling. 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 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 called prenatal massage, is a peaceful treatment that works deeply but gently to relieve the special pains of pregnancy. This therapy is carried out with the recipient lying on the side. 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 focus on these points and regions, applying different pressures to unblock and bring balance 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
Swedish massage is an effective massage that involves a number of techniques, such as stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, 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 and the basis of many other styles of massage.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an ancient form of massage thought to have been developed by Buddhist monks. 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. Whatever your age and flexibility, Thai massage can be useful for everyone. It is done on a large mat, on the floor, and with the client fully dressed.
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 aims to unblock, balance, and restore the body’s natural flow of Prana/Qi/Chi/energy.
It is believed that maintaining equilibrium in all bodily organs and systems can prevent ill health and disease so that the body can regenerate and work effectively. Thai oil massage uses the properties of several oils so that the therapist can glide over the body effortlessly.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Strong bamboo sticks of varying lengths and diameters are used in a warm bamboo massage to stimulate the body with strong, long massage strokes. Originally from Asia, it is becoming increasingly well-known in the UK. This therapy is lovely if you like deep work. 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 Woodingdean?
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!