The History of Massage
The word “massage” that we use today originated from the French word massage which means “friction of kneading,” which accurately describes the method that modern massage therapists use to practice their trade. But where did the actual physical act of massage begin? Many people attribute the beginning of massage to Hippocrates, who wrote in 460 BCE about the “friction” of rubbing and the necessity of healers to incorporate this rubb
Ancient and medieval times
Writings on massage have been found in many ancient civilizations including Rome, Greece, India, Japan, China, Egypt and Mesopotamia. A biblical reference from c.493 BC documents daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes. Hippocrates wrote in 460 BC that "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing."
The ancient Chinese book called Huangdi Neijing by the Yellow Emperor recommended "massage of skin and flesh."The technique of massage abortion, involving the application of pressure to the pregnant abdomen, has been practiced in Southeast Asia for centuries. One of the bas reliefs decorating the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, dated circa 1150, depicts a demon performing such an abortion upon a woman who has been sent to the underworld. This is believed to be the oldest known visual representation of abortion.... source from: Wikipedia.org
Massage therapy has been touted as one of the oldest forms of medical treatment. First recorded in China during the second century B.C. in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, massage was mentioned as a recommendation for the treatment of certain ailments. In India, the traditional healing system of Ayurvedic medicine also prescribed massage for a variety of medical conditions. Physicians of ancient Greece and Rome utilized massage as one of the primary methods to treat pain. In the West, during the fifth century B.C., Hippocrates also instructed his fellow physicians on the many benefits of rubbing.
History of Swedish Massage
It would seem that the impulse to rub a hurt was quite instinctual, but up until the early 1800s, there were few advances in the actual massage techniques until Swedish massage was developed. A Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling is often mistakenly associated with Swedish massage. He actually incorporated massage with medical gymnastics and physiology and developed the Swedish Gymnastic Movement System. Early on, physiotherapy was actually originally based on Ling's manual methods... source from: massagetherapy.com
The benefits of a soothing rubdown are priceless -- and timeless -- so it's no wonder massage has been around since ancient times. The Chinese are often credited with creating the earliest form of massage around 3000 BC; India is also known for its long use of massage. In the 6th century AD, the Japanese further developed the art to manipulate energy within the body.
Although rooted in Eastern tradition, massage eventually traveled westward to the ancient Greeks and Romans. When the Roman Empire fell, however, massage, like many medical and scientific practices, became suspect. Eventually resurfacing in Europe during the Renaissance, it continued to evolve as a form of healing. But it wasn't until the 19th century that Swedish massage -- the most popular technique in the United States today -- was developed, combining modern principles of physiology with ancient techniques.
Since World War II, massage has enjoyed ever-growing popularity. Nowadays, thanks to strict industry standards and licensing of practitioners, massage is a commonly accepted form of alternative -- as well as traditional -- medicine. Many people rely on massage to maintain good health and energy, to prevent and cure illness, and for simple relief from stress and other consequences of life in the 21st centur.
