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Gift Guides

Urban Blog | Gift Guides

Massage has been a central part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, with records stretching back as far as the 2nd century BCE. Unlike deep tissue or sports massage, which focus on releasing tight muscular knots by targeting blood flow to the area, Chinese massage techniques also aim to promote overall health by easing the flow of energy, or “qi”, around the body.

What is Chinese massage?

Discover what a Thai massage is in this detailed guide where we discuss everything from the history of this ancient practice, to the various benefits of this type of massage.

What is a Thai massage?

What is a Thai Massage?

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

5 of the best massage oils to try 

Foot massage combines techniques from different traditions to help relax and improve health by pressing on foot nerves. It can make you feel better, boost blood flow, and lower stress

What is foot massage?

Find something new to do in Manchester with our pick of the best hidden gems. From Britain’s oldest library to at-home massage, discover your next favourite secret.

Our favourite hidden gems in Manchester

Get your step count up with our pick of Manchester’s most relaxing walks – from pretty parks to 4-hour hikes, there’s something for every level of walker.

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

The most relaxing walks in Manchester

Take a breather with us and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Manchester – from creative classes to canal strolls, we've got 11 activities to choose from. End the day with an Urban home massage, of course.

Our guide to a relaxing weekend in Manchester

Relax in the city with our top picks – from an at-home massage to scenic walks.

The best things to do in Glasgow to relax

Craving a pretty walk or bored of the same route? If you're in Edinburgh, you're pretty lucky...

The best places to walk in Edinburgh

Uncover Edinburgh's hidden hotspots for a trip you won't forget – here's our favourites...

Hidden gems in Edinburgh: a wellness-seeker's guide

Hidden gems in Edinburgh

There’s nothing better than playing football on a proper pitch, so if you’re planning a kickabout in London be sure to make use of one of the city’s many parks. Most of these green spaces have their own pitches inside them, so you can practise your skills in a professional size playing field.

Best London parks to play football in

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

Massage and London marathon training plans

London's best deep tissue massages are plentiful and can be found near you in London's best spas, at iconic hotels and even delivered to you in the comfort of your home. Here are our five favourite places to book a deep tissue massage in London.

The best deep tissue massages in London

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

The best facials in London | Fake entry

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

Discover how Clxmbr founder Rotimi uses massage to get himself back up on the wall.

How massage helps this climber reach new heights

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

Top 10 benefits of sports massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

The four best climbing massages

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

Ollie Jones on life behind the handlebars

Get a better understanding of how massage can help treat knee pain when cycling.

Reduce knee pain when cycling with massage

Massage for cyclists: how it can help with knee pain

Get a better understanding of tennis elbow, how to treat it and why it’s so important to get treatment as early as possible.

Tennis elbow and massage: the ultimate guide

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

When monthly massage is non-negotiable: The menstrual coach doing city life her way

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

Discover the ancient art of Japanese massage, rooted in the traditions of “Anma” and refined over millennia to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing. 

From Amna to Shiatsu: What is Japanese massage?

From Amna To Shiatsu: What Is Japanese Massage?

Over the course of nine months, a pregnant person's body adapts in incredible ways to support growing life. Here are some of the less talked about transformations and how specialist pregnancy treatments can help.

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy

6 surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy blog

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Mental benefits of massage: how it can boost your wellbeing

Mental benefits of massage

My name's Dr Ella Woods, I consider myself an expert in perimenopause for two reasons: I’m a clinical psychologist who specialises in the topic; and I’m going through it myself. I’m working with Urban to answer some of the most common questions I get, and how you can best manage your symptoms.

Perimenopause: everything you need to know and how massage can help

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

Massage for grief

A guide for the worriers among us, set to put your mind to rest about potentially-awkward massage moments. 

The overthinker’s guide to a home massage

Unsure about the differences between manual, Brazilian lymphatic drainage and sculpting massage? Let's take a look.

Different types of lymphatic drainage massage – manual vs Brazilian vs sculpting

Different types of lymphatic drainage massage 

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Meet the Urban beauty pros

20 non-baby things your new mum friend will love (and actually use), suggested by another mum.

The best gifts for new mums

The best gifts for new mums | Blog

From espresso martinis to pancakes in bed, if you're the kind of couple that doesn't "do" Valentine's Day, this gift guide is for you. 

14 unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Unique Valentine's Day gifts | Fake entry

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a gift card for a strength-giving at-home treatment. Treat them to their choice of 30+ treatments – massages, physiotherapy, osteopathy and more.

Lunar New Year gift ideas

Lunar New Year gift ideas | Fake entry

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The best gifts for busy people

Best gifts for busy people | Fake entry

Whether it’s simple skincare, tailored haircare or unique at-home beauty treatments, you can unwrap the magic of beauty and choose products they’ll love (and actually use) this festive season.

Best beauty gifts for Christmas

Best beauty gifts for Christmas | Fake entry

We’ve done the scrolling for you to bring together our favourite unique Dad gifts – from cooking to coffee, grooming to gadgets.

Christmas gifts for Dad 

Christmas gifts for Dad | Fake entry

From affordable gym gear to chef-cooked meal prep, a fitness app that'll keep them on track and even the luxury of a sports massage at home, you’ll be able to tick their Christmas gift off your list in no time.

Christmas fitness gift ideas

Fitness gifts | Fake entry

We’ve pulled together a few unique Christmas gift ideas to suit every kind of mum. You’re especially in luck if she happens to be doing Dry Jan, prefers experiences over products or has a sweet tooth.

Unique Christmas gifts for Mums

Unique Christmas gifts for Mum | Fake entry

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Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands fingers elbows knees forearms feet or a device

Massage

Massage | Massage Near Me | Urban.co

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So awesome!!!

This is my favorite product yet! Thanks Nate for the example products and reviews.