Massage in Brighton: Dare to Be different

Owning a thriving massage practice in Brighton with a developed base of recurring clients, or just starting to get clients? This next few lines will try to summarize known secrets that will enable you to get more joy from your work, get more clients, ultimately make more money doing what you love, and show how online marketing allows you some of the best ways to achieve those goals.  

Every successful marketing campaign should always lead with your WHY. "Why are you doing what you are doing?" It sounds simple, right? But if you want to be an accomplished massage practitioner, you must identify a way to separate yourself from your competitors. There are about 50,000 registered massage therapists in the U.K. alone ... and guess what they all have in common?

They massage!!

So, if you need to stand out from the crowd and have customers wanting to be treated by you rather than any of the other countless massage therapists out there, do not just tell people what you do, tell people why you do it. This is the angle that will if managed appropriately will lead to a competitive advantage, an edge over other practitioners..

It’s true that the world of business is undergoing a completely revolutionary shift. The rules and practices are changing and a rapid rate. Operations that focus exclusively on the bottom line will go away and soon be forgotten. It would be safe to assume that most of you reading this article  you were first drawn to massage because you had a passion to heal others, right? And if you are just starting out, you have invested countless hours in your training and education. And if you have been in business for a few years, lets add a few more hours of continuing education to fuel the inspiration that keeps you focused on why you continue to do what you do. But it goes beyond that. You need to fully and comprehensively understand the "Why" as for most people in the profession, it isn't about the money.

Consider this, if the massage profession is so inspiring, why is it estimated that 7,000 out of the total 50.000 leave the profession each year? To put it in other words, that means more than one out of every six massage practitioners will leave the profession this year, and this is not because they don't enjoy it, but simply because they do not know how to translate their "why" they do what they do into how it helps their customers and potential customers lead better, healthier and more energised lives.

On our next instalment we will be advising on how to make this all important change in mentality and turn your Brighton massage therapy practice  around. 

Advice - How to give a great Foot Massage in Brighton

Women ( and men) love a foot massage in Brighton, it is well known that feet are one of the key primary places on the human body that can become sore, mainly from extensive and prolonged walking.

While a little effort will ensure that a foot massage is at the very least mediocre, some knowledge will make it stellar. Also, if you are trained adequately or have experience at giving foot massages yourself, you don’t need to refer anyone to professional massage therapist.

Another great characteristic of foot massage is its ability to heal the body over and above just the foot. There a lot of professionals that believe that a properly executed foot massage yields a full-body relaxation, but this belief is based on reflexology and has little proven efficacy.

Massage Therapy in Brighton

Before commencing the massage, it is important to have the feet be wet, whether with water or some other soaking preparation. After they are soft, you can use many different techniques to induce pleasurable feelings.

One of the techniques utilized involves holding the back of one’s foot and rotating your hand around it continuously, while periodically reversing direction. The rotations and reversals enable long-lasting stimulation, and it is not too difficult on the person delivering the treatment.

Another great and straightforward maneuver is the repeatedly stroking of the foot with both palms. You will need to apply a continuously good amount of pressure as you slide each palm down the length of the foot, and just keep placing one hand in front of the other as you move, as if climbing a rope. You can apply variable pressure to further spice up the technique, although a medium level pressure is fine if you want to keep stable.

There is also plenty of things to do with just a few fingers instead of your whole hand. For instance, you can use your forefinger or thump to move up and down the foot with this linear motion being very relaxing. You can also do elaborate patterns that make the massage more interesting and indulgent.

Adequate attention should also be paid to the toes. A lot of people love having their toes pulled and cracked, but that comes down to personal preference. Rubbing the toes lightly is a great supplement to a foot massage, and is also much easier than focusing on a larger area

To spice things up you can go for a slightly more exotic option such as the Thai foot massage from Little Jasmine Therapies in the Brighton city centre.

Massage in Brighton : Focus on the Thai Massage practice

Engaging in strenuous activities such as running, cycling or lifting , or you simply want to take a break and relax a Thai massage in Brighton will give you the healing you’re looking for, both physically and mentally! 

Research has repeatedly shown the people who get a Thai massage before an exam or other potentially stressful situation showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system. 

The Techniques vary – but whichever one you go for, try not to fight the masseuse – stay loose so she can work properly. Thai massage is not for everyone, but most people walk out far less tense than when they went in. 

What is the difference between a European or Swedish massage and a Thai massage?

Unlike European or Swedish style, traditional Thai massage focuses on circulation and pressure points, promoting internal health as well as muscular flexibility throughout. The traditional procedure is centuries old. Using hands, elbows, knees and feet, the therapist applies pressure to numerous points along the body’s meridians, or ‘life-power lines’, and manipulates the customer’s body and limbs. The aim is to encourage an even and harmonious flow of physical energy. 

"Often people are stressed in our culture. Stress-related disorders make up between 80%-and-90% of the ailments that bring people to family practice physicians. What they require is someone to listen, someone to touch them, someone to care. Unfortunately, that does not exist in modern medicine.

One of the complaints heard frequently is that doctors don't touch their patients any more. Touch just isn't there. Years ago massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage. Now nurses for the most part are as busy as physicians. They're writing charts, dealing with insurance notes, they're doing procedures and often there is no room for massage any more.

We believe that massage therapy is absolutely vital in the healing process and not only in the hospital environment, because it relieves stress, it is obviously foundational in the healing process anytime and anywhere."

You can clearly see that Thai massage or Thai yoga massage in Brighton is not only popular but actually helps to make you healthier! People who have experienced a Thai massage report that they have an increased sense of daily well-being, better posture and more energy than ever before.

If you haven’t tried a Thai massage in Brighton there’s no time like the present to get started on a healthier, happier life!

Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies recommended reading : Parents can massage babies to promote sleep quality and stress reduction

Massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies found the following research useful and fascinating therefore we are sharing it with all of you, enjoy.

Massage Brighton

Newborn babies parents can assist their infants and children sleep through the night and cry less by giving them a gentle massage, according to research conducted by Warwick Medical School  and the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick.

The research was led by Dr. Angela Underdown, examined nine previous studies on baby massage that included 601 infants younger than a year old. During the studies, health professionals trained the parents in baby massage therapy.

"There are indications that infants who were massaged were more relaxed, probably due to lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, compared to infants who did not receive massage," Underdown said.

Infant massage -- long practised in Africa and Asia -- has been shown to be as effective as rocking in helping babies cry less and sleep through the night. Typically, the massage involves touching the baby with light pressure from head to toe, gently moving the muscles beneath the skin, while looking into the baby's eyes.

"As there are indications that infant massage therapy may have an effect on sleep and crying, this would seem a useful technique that parents can use with their babies to help them relax and promote sleep," Underdown said.

No negative effects were found in the research of infant massage, and noted that mothers suffering from postnatal depression who massaged their infants built better relationships with their babies.

Underdown urged parents interested in learning the technique to seek advice from midwives or health workers.

According to natural health advocate Mike Adams, modern-day medicine has caused people to forget "the healing power of therapeutic touch," and its positive health effects.

"All humans need loving physical contact, including babies," Adams said. "Parents can literally boost their baby's immune function, accelerate healing and speed recovery from physical stress by giving their babies the gift of human touch. It's powerful medicine

Learn how massages in Brighton and stretching can be used to enhance recovery abilities!

Massage in Brighton is a great tool for speeding up recovery. It helps the athlete physically and psychologically rests. Stretching has also been shown to be a key factor in proper recovery as well as in proper flexibility. Stretching also reduces the chance of injury. 

Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies

Massage
 
Massage has been an important part of European athletes' for many years. Just recently, North American athletes have learned to appreciate the value of massage. A study conducted by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, found promising evidence to support the benefits of massage. In this study, a group of cyclists pedaled until complete fatigue and then took a ten-minute rest. During the ten-minute rest period. Half of the cyclists received a massage while the other half didn't. 

After the rest period, the cyclists were asked to perform 50 knee extensions on a leg machine. The results showed that the cyclists who received massages were 11% stronger than the athletes who did not receive massage. With compelling evidence such as this, it is undoubtable that massage has benefits for athletes. Massage can also help maintain the health of muscles. 

Maintenance Of Muscle
 
 Muscle can help improve muscle recovery, which leads to efficient training. Massage can improve the circulation of bodily fluids. With increased circulation, tissues are better able to receive nutrients and other substances that are vital for optimal body functioning. Massage also helps decrease the swelling of muscles and relaxes and stretches sore muscles. 

Massage does not directly affect normal muscle strength but it is more effective than rest at optimizing your recovery abilities. Massage keeps your muscles healthy and flexible. I would recommend that all athletes should have massages from time to time. If you have access to a massage on a regular basis it would be beneficial to add it to your program. Once you have a massage, you will be amazed how good you will feel during and after the massage. 

Massage Before Competition
 
Pre-competition massage can be a tool for increasing or decreasing the stimulation level of nerve cells, ligaments, and joints, which helps in keeping them loose and flexible. This can help to prevent excessive micro-trauma (injury to cell membranes). Massage before a competition focuses on stretching and warming up the tendons and ligaments of the legs and arms. These connective tissues do not have their own blood supply; therefore it takes longer to warm them up. Massage improves the bodies' circulation; hence improved blood flow to the tendons and ligaments. 

It is important that an athlete's tendons and ligaments be properly warmed up before engaging in a competition. When properly warmed up, performance ability is increased and the chance of injury is decreased. 

Pre-competition massage also helps nervous athletes to relax and calm down before competition. It is recommended that the massage should be performed before the specific warm-up. After the massage, pre-competition stretching and warming up should be performed. 

Massage After A Competition
 
A massage after an athletic event is very relaxing. Most athletes that have massages after their events say this is the best method of relaxation. The massage helps the mind and body to relax. Massages performed after a workout or competition help to relieve the effects of muscular fatigue. Massage helps the body by relieving soreness and stiffness and it allows the muscles to maintain flexibility and looseness. The joints, tendons and ligaments are also helped in the same manner. Research says that post-workout or post-competition massage can speed up recovery time by as much as two times faster than rest alone. When given a massage, the body is able to transport nutrients and oxygen better to the muscles because of the enhancing blood flow. 

The by-products of metabolism are also carried away from the muscles more efficiently; therefore increasing recovery time. Intense exercise results in micro-trauma. Massage can help decrease the soreness associated with micro-trauma. The post workout massage should last at least 30 minutes. This allows adequate time for the body to be relieved physically and mentally. The massage should be given a minimum of 90 minutes after your last meal. This allows the meal too be partially digested before the massage begins. During digestion, most of the body's blood flow is directed toward the stomach. By allowing partial digestion to have taken place, the massage is better able to direct the blood flow to the muscles. 

Massage Helps Injuries
 
Massage has been shown to accelerate the recovery of injured muscles. Massage also allows for a greater range of motion of the injured muscle. Andy Pruitt, Certified Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, advises that massage therapy for muscle damage should not be performed immediately after the injury. This would only worsen the condition. He recommends that massage therapy in Brighton should not be given any sooner than 48 hours after the injury occurs. 

Also, be sure the swelling and pain have ceased before undergoing massage therapy. Massage therapy induces blood and lymph movement, which increases nutrition to the muscles and joints and also reduces swelling and eliminates inflammatory waste products. Deep breathing, massage or muscular movement induces lymph movement. Massage helps to trigger lymphatic vessels when exercise is obsolete. 


Stretching
 
With proper stretching, recovery can be enhanced, as well as preventing stiff an sore muscles. Stretching before a workout helps to circulate blood. Stretching helps to rush nutrients to the muscles and it also allows the body time to prepare for exercise. Stretching after a workout helps to relieve the body of muscle soreness and stiffness. Stretching after exercise also helps to flush out waste products from the muscles.

A proper stretching program such as Thai massage in Brighton will have positive effects on your recovery abilities. Top-level performance cannot be achieved by training, nutrition and supplement without proper recovery. Pay close attention to factors that affect your recovery abilities and do your best to achieve optimal levels of recovery. Proper recovery can go a long way in improving your physique and performance level.

Brighton Spa etiquette – Learn and Be Confident

 Not all of us are regular spa goers in Brighton and a first visit to the spa can be a bit of a daunting experience for anyone. Behind the polished doors of the spa lies a space that is classy and apparently inviting but there is always a nagging fear that you may not belong there and a faux pas committed by you could really travel. Such things do travel and could reach your workplace too and woe betide you if you’re not the type to laugh it off.

The objective of this article is to apprise you of the basic dos and don’ts regarding your conduct in a spa. The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association has developed a Spa Code of Conduct that you should read, it will make you breathe easy and ease of any feelings of self-consciousness that you may be harboring.

Essentially as a patron of a spa it is your responsibility to let the spa management know of your expectations from the treatment that you want and learn about it from the concerned person. You should also come clear about any medical condition that you have. Be courteous. Follow directions and use unguents and ointments as directed by the staff.

You will do fine if you observe basic etiquette and show some common sense. For example, arrive around 10-15 minutes before an appointment and do not distract others by talking loudly on your phone. Wash off the chlorinated water on your body from the hot tub before you move on to the steam bath. Do not leave your children unattended. Ideally you should not carry any jewelry to the spa but if you do then deposit it in your locker before proceeding for treatment.

As a patron of a spa, you can expect courteous treatment; you have the right to stop a particular treatment at any time for whatever reason. You can elaborate on any discomfort that you may be experiencing and the therapist will make adjustments accordingly. You have the right to ask questions about staff training, licensing and certification. Your disclosure about any condition should be kept a secret by the spa staff. If you are uncomfortable taking a massage nude with a towel on, you have the option of wearing your undergarments. Alternatively you can opt for a Thai massage where you stay fully clothed during the massage.

It is important to know what you want when you enter a spa; for example if you do not specify the gender of a masseur it is likely that you will be assigned a male masseur. This is because female masseurs are in demand with female clients who may have issues with undressing before a man and may not be comfortable with a man’s touch. More than women, one would think it’s the men who would opt for female massagers. So, let your preference be known. For many experienced spa goers, the gender of the massage therapist is secondary to his/her skill. For some type of massages such as a deep tissue massage, a male massager is a better choice as this massage technique requires strength.

Tipping is always an issue that most people seek enlightenment on. In the spa industry, the tipping norm is usually 15%-20%. Check if the tip is included in the price of the service. If you get a gift certificate that entitles you to a spa treatment check if it is inclusive of the tips. Also if you are visiting the spa with a gift certificate mention it in advance so that the spa can clear any policy issues related to treatments with gift certificates.

One of the major concerns for most spa goers is information regarding nudity at the spa. Read on to learn about it. At the outset it would be fair to say that in most European countries attitudes towards nudity are far relaxed than what they are in America, so much so that in Germany men and women can take steam baths together in the nude. The general procedure before a massage treatment is that you are given time to change into a robe before you enter the massage room. The spa may or may not have a private changing space. The masseur will escort you to the massage area and leave giving you time to disrobe and slip under the sheets. After the massage, you should vacate the massage area in around five minutes. Do not keep the next customer waiting. If you wish you can unwind in the waiting room or meditation room.

There are certain body treatments that will require you to be fully exposed for some time. So, learn beforehand about the kind of massage that you are going for. You can request the spa to provide you with disposable underwear; with certain spas it is mandatory. You can enter a steam bath or a sauna naked or draped. You may have to share the space with people of the opposite sex.

Most day spas in Brighton experience peak traffic during late afternoon and at weekends. So if you wish to be treated by your favorite therapist book an appointment in advance. If, for some reason you have to cancel an appointment give the spa as much of an advance notice as you possibly can. With some spas, a minimum 24-hour notice is required. This is because spas are obliged to pay therapists for their time regardless of client arrival or not. They need advance notice to fill the slot vacated by you.

Brighton Massage Post : Eleven Great Ways to Reduce Stress

Massage in Brighton Post : Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays. The sources of stress are many and the helpful ways to reduce stress are also plentiful. Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, impotence, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration.

We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.

Massage in Brighton

Here are 10 simple steps we can easily take to reduce stress:

Define your goals: we must define our life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will support us against stress because we will feel that we know what our life purpose is and why, and that we control our own lives.

Take control of your diet: we can use simple ways in our diet plans to reduce stress by avoiding some stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar and we can use chamomile tea as an alternative because of its calming and relaxing effect. We need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow our digestive system to work well. We can use honey as an alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).

 Take hot baths regularly: after a very busy day or when we feel that we need to relax (I do this three times a week). You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water and the water level should be above the waist, using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.

 Aromatherapy: in the office you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress. One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most.

 Exercise: This is one of the important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring happiness. When we exercise, our brains release substances which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation; we need engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming.

Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathing techniques. To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.

Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: we can easily do this after the hot bath to relax even more, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it, then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening -- you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.

 Massage therapy: this is a great way to reduce stress, I do this when other ways fail, I feel better after receiving a massage. You can get a professional massage or you can simply ask your partner to massage you.

Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction. You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions.

Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B complex regularly to decrease stress and this has been a great help in my stress reduction.

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful, my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it. Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action. One of the things you can do is visit Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton, one of the best massage therapies providers in the South East.