hózhó • {h/o/zho} • Navajo (n.) a fundamental Navajo concept reflecting beauty, harmony and balance in life, promoting a deep connection with the natural world
Nestled in North Laine, you will discover hózhó, offering a tranquil escape from the daily grind of Brighton life. The interior embodies calm, characterized by gentle lighting and the scent of handmade aromatherapy oils. You will be greeted by delightful proprietors, Charlotte and Glenn, who also exude calm and tranquillity.
The space is thoughtfully curated with a blend of natural elements, featuring wooden accents and vibrant artwork by local artists, all designed to create a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation. The two treatment rooms are located upstairs, complemented by a comfortable waiting area, which offers an even more relaxing ambiance.
After spending time on a Native American reservation with his Navajo friend, Glenn learned much about their culture, and one of the ideals that left an impression was hózhó. The word translates to ‘beauty and balance in all things, with the world and each other — in a physical and metaphysical sense.’
This concept ties into hózhó’s philosophy on how treatments are administered. A heuristic approach is employed (in layman’s terms, this means enabling the person to discover something for themselves). For example, a client may come in and explain their physical problem, and Charlotte and Glenn use their experience to help them further.
Charlotte explained, “A client may come to us with sore shoulders, and they haven’t linked the fact that they are really stressed; they may wrongly assume the stiffness comes from sitting at a computer all day. We know how our bodies hold so much emotion and stress; essentially, we treat the whole person.”
Glenn was keen to point out that while one massage is pleasurable, they prefer to work with a client over time. “It’s like going for therapy; one conversation with your counsellor isn’t going to fix you. It’s a similar process with massage, therapy for the whole body as opposed to just a quick fix.”
As a trained aromatherapist, Charlotte has created hózhó’s own brand of organic oils, with everything from skincare and beard oil, to nail care and reed diffusers. These are available to purchase in store and through their website.
Memberships are available for just £50 per month, providing a full hour of body massage once a month, plus 10% off any other treatments. If you are unable to take advantage of the massage yourself, you are permitted to gift it to a friend or family member in your place.
We highly recommend visiting this gorgeous space, and we guarantee you will leave feeling just a little bit lighter.
