The History Of Massage. Where does it come from?
It’s ancient healing, but How Did it All Begin?
Massage has been around for many years now, and almost everyone has some idea of what it is and what it is supposed to do. Massage therapy has been considered a popular alternative treatment for body aches and pains. While many might think that it is a modern trend introduced by natural healing practitioners, you would be surprised to find out that this type of healing method is one of the oldest forms. In fact, it first began more than 5,000 years ago.
The practice of massage therapy, where touch and strokes are involved, was rooted in ancient history. This form of natural healing was first considered as a sacred and holistic system. How did it all begin? Let’s find out.
The Origin of Massage Therapy
The massage therapy we know now dates back to 3000 BCE in India. Some historians believe that it was first discovered earlier and was used by Hindus as part of the “Ayurveda,” or life health medicine, wherein it functions around the belief that diseases are caused by being out of sync with the environment. At the same time, many also believed that ancient natural scientists developed the practice after years of research as well as experiments and meditation practices. As years passed, the massage therapy practice was adopted. It was made into a form of cure for pain and illnesses, as it was also believed to restore both of the body’s natural and physical balance as a way to heal itself.
Massage Therapy in Egypt and China
Researchers have found texts written between 1500 and 500 BCE that indicated Ayurvedic practices and principles based on the information gathered, and it was not only adopted in India but in Southeast Asia as well. Later on, records of massage therapy practices in Egypt and China were discovered, specifically from tomb paintings that showed kneading done on individuals. In 2500 BCE, reflexology was first credited with using reflexology or applying pressure to certain points or zones on the feet and hands.
Around 2700 BCE, texts in China documented the health benefits of massage therapy. Eventually, the development of the massage therapy tradition evolved through a combination of several methods, including Chinese medicine and spiritual practices. As for Chinese massage methods, it was believed that illnesses stem from imbalances in the energy pathways connected to the physiological systems; thus, massage will help the energy flow become more in sync. Some techniques in China were called Tui Na, acupuncture, and acupressure, which can also be complemented with herbal medicines and exercise.
Massage Therapy in Japan
According to studies, massage therapy reached Japan in 1000 BCE when Japanese monks who were studying Buddhism took notice of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the healing effects of massage therapy. Because of this observation, Japan started to also use Chinese massage techniques that paved the way for traditional Japanese massages, which popularly grew into what we all know now as Shiatsu. Shiatsu’s primary goal is to raise the level of energy which helps with the regulation of organs and increases immunity against illnesses.
Massage Therapy Practices in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire
The Egyptians highly influenced the Greeks and Romans to use massage therapy as a form of healing and other body treatments. Between 800 and 700 BCE, athletes in Greece were said to practice massage as a way to condition their bodies before a sports competition or event. Doctors at that time were already using herbal oils in combination with massage practice to help treat various medical issues. According to history, Hippocrates, also known as “the father of medicine,” was said to use friction, a massage technique, as well as practice a healthy lifestyle such as proper diet and exercise to treat patients during the 5th century BCE. Aside from those things, Hippocrates also prescribed fresh air and music to help restore the body’s health imbalance, which is something we hear a lot from physicians today.
Around the 1st century BCE, a Roman doctor named Galen was said to use massage therapy on prominent figures such as emperors and other wealthy Romans. Galen used techniques and followed principles started by Hippocrates to treat various injuries and diseases. Around this time as well, at-home massages and Roman baths or spa treatments have already existed. Just like today, they mainly use these to stimulate circulation and help loosen stiff joints.
The decline
The massage therapy phenomena once experienced a decline in the west and continued until the 17th Century. It was when new discoveries and scientific breakthroughs emerged, specifically in terms of pharmacology and medical technology. However, while manual healing methods started to fade, not even doctors could deny the benefits of massage therapy to their patients.
Europe and the inception of Swedish Massage
The early 1900s saw the development of a form of treatment for chronic pain, which was called the Swedish Movement Cure. This method was created by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish doctor and teacher, and was the precursor to one popular massage technique we all know today as Swedish massage. The Swedish massage is known as a technique that involves stroking, squeezing, pressing, and even striking. It has been very popular among massage enthusiasts because of its benefits, such as alleviating pain caused by extreme activities.
Ling’s method used more massage techniques, but another style created in the 19th Century by Dutchman Johan George Merger can be credited with some of those that are still being used today. Here some methods used are the following:
Effleurage – long strokes, gliding strokes at various pressure levels;
Petrissage – rhythmic strokes that include massage movements such as kneading, skin rolling, lifting, and even push-pull;
Tapemotement – tapping movement is done using the side of the hand, cupped hand movement typically used in Swedish massage;
Friction – a technique consisting of circular motions using the thumbs, fingertips, and even palms to penetrate the tissue;
United States and the 20th Century Massage Therapy
America jumped on the massage therapy bandwagon around the 1700s massage therapists. During this time, the ones who administered massage as a form of treatment were called “rubbers,” or women that were hired by surgeons to help patients with orthopedic problems by performing manual rubbing and friction. In the 1850s, techniques such as movement and manipulation were performed by “medical gymnasts” who finished their training and practiced them in hospitals as well as clinics. The titles “masseur” and “masseuse” became popular during the late 1800s. These people are those who practice soft tissue manipulation. Another technique that was used in conjunction with massage was called hydrotherapy, which we all know today as a spa service. It was also during this time when full-body massage started to become more popular, especially among wealthy women.
Massage techniques have evolved over time, and by the 20th Century, new methods have been practiced, particularly in the United States. During World War I, massage techniques were documented to have been applied to patients who were suffering from injury and shell shock at that time. However, it remained a secret and did not become part of the mainstream right away because it was seen as a luxury rather than a treatment for the general public. Later on, it was associated with the sex trade, which scathed its reputation, but during the latter part of the 20th Century, interest in natural healing started to regain its momentum.
Massage therapy in the 21st Century
As the interest in natural healing methods such as massage began to rise, so did the requirements and qualifications to practice in various states. The regulation of massage therapy allowed individuals to perform to seek licensing and education. Thus, it grew into a much more respectable form of alternative treatment for various illnesses. By the 1950s, physical therapy was officially licensed, and massage therapy held a category on its own.
What is massage therapy today?
Today, massage therapy is defined as a part of integrative medicine and is usually offered as a treatment in combination with a standard one. It is often used for a range of health conditions and has been deemed adequate.
Nowadays, it’s also recognised as part of the wellness boom, and massage therapists practice techniques that can be attributed to previous generations. Various clinics recommend and offer massage therapy services to help individuals suffering from pain and health conditions. It’s also meant to help reduce stress, lessen muscle tension, significantly increase relaxation, and improve immunity from certain diseases. Several massage therapy styles have also been developed, and some of the most popular types can be credited from history.
Recent developments in massage therapy
Massage therapy has become a well-known form of healing. For some, it’s become a go-to solution to different health problems. As modern technology progressed, massage therapy techniques have also evolved and become more effective to a certain extent. The way experts and individuals approach massage therapy has also changed. Here are a few recent developments in massage therapy we can all experience and enjoy today.
Improved machines
As what we have mentioned, modern technology has made things more convenient for everyone. One of the ways it has helped the massage therapy practice is through the development of new and improved massage machines and equipment. These machines have become more intelligent and more reliable, essentially in terms of giving therapists a more targeted massage to treat specific areas of the body that are tense or sore. It has also allowed customers or clients to experience a customised massage technique in order to see better results.
Massage guns are one good example of the recent development in this industry. While it may not be for everyone, it certainly has made it a whole lot easier for individuals to target muscles resulting in alleviating the pain.
Laser therapy is another example, wherein a beam of light is used to penetrate the skin, which is known to help stimulate the body’s cells, improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Ultrasound therapy is also known to promote healing with the use of high-frequency sound waves applied to the skin to stimulate the cells in the body.
Better technique
Aside from the advances in technology and equipment, massage techniques have also improved. For example, the trigger point release therapy is a type of massage wherein the focus in relieving pain is by targeting a specific point in the body and has been proven to ease chronic pain, headaches, and other medical conditions.
Lymph massage is another recent advancement in massage wherein the technique is gentle to help decrease apparent swelling or noticeable edema that can be seen in the body. It is supposed to help improve the lymphatic system and its ability to function.
The myofascial technique is another advancement in massage therapy wherein the goal is to release any restrictions in an individual’s fascial layers, which generally happens between the skin and the muscles. It is often gentle and known as skin rolling.
These advances in massage therapy have allowed therapists to offer more options to their clients and improve their health as well as their well-being. Many of these enhanced techniques can be incorporated into other kinds of massages that are more commonly known by many. Various combinations of these techniques provide different benefits, and based on history, it’s worked so well for a lot of people, and generations will continue to experience the tremendous benefits it can provide.
