The History of Massage

The History of How Massage Came to Be

Massage Therapy has been around for over 3,000 BCE possibly earlier.  The earliest written records of were discovered in Egypt and China.  Tomb paintings in Egypt depict individuals being kneaded by others.  Furthermore, Egyptians are credited with creating reflexology in approximately 2500 BCE.  In this system practitioners apply pressure to specific points on the hands and feet.  

In China, approximately 2700 BCE texts documenting the medical benefits of massage therapy was developed from the combined expertise and methods of doctors in traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners of martial arts, Buddhists and Taoists who viewed touch as essential to their spiritual yoga training, and laymen who offered massages for relaxation.  Chinese massage methods originated from the principle that diseases and illnesses arise due to a deficiency or imbalance in the energy in specific pathways or meridians that represent physiological systems.  In turn, the recipient experiences beneficial effects on the areas of the body.   

Starting around 1000 BCE Japanese Monks studying Buddhism in China observed healing methods of the traditional Chinese medicine which included massage therapy.  Japan soon began to import and customize Chinese massage techniques, giving rise to traditional Japanese massage, or Anma, which grew into Shiatsu.  The primary goal of Shiatsu is to raise the energy level of the patient.  This increased energy level regulates the functioning of the organs and stimulates natural resistance to illnesses.  

Starting in 800 and 700 BCE Athletes and Philosophers introduced massage to Greece.  Derived from the Eastern philosophies and practices, massage progressed into Western civilization in approximately the eighth century BCE.  Athletes in Ancient Greece employed massage therapists to keep their body in peek working condition prior to competitions.  Physicians of the time used herbs and oils in combination with massage techniques to treat medical conditions.  Greek woman recognized the benefits of these aromatic oils and used them as beauty treatments for their skin.  

In the fifth century BCE, Hippocrates prescribed "friction" to treat physical injuries and instructed his physician colleagues on the benefits of rubbing to help the body heal itself.  Hippocrates promoted a combination of massage, proper diet, exercise, rest, fresh air, and music to restore the body to a healthy state.  

The Romans started practicing massage between 200 and 100 BCE.  In Rome, during the first century BCE Galen, a physician to many emperors, began using massage therapy to treat different types of physical injuries and diseases.  Following Hippocrates' principles, Galen believed in exercise, healthy diet, rest, and massage as integral pieces in restoring and maintaining a healthy body.  While the wealthy received massages in their homes by personal physicians, many Romans were treated in public baths where trainers and doctors delivered massages.  The recipients would first bathe themselves and then receive a full body massage to stimulate circulation and loosen their joints.  Massages typically included oils to benefit the skin.  

Massage Therapy has been passed down orally through generations.  Ayurveda is the traditional holistic medical system in India.  Ancient seers and natural scientists developed this system based on centuries of studies, and experiments.  The practice of using touch as a ancient healing method was used to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent illnesses.  What's more, it helped reduce stress and produce deep relaxation.  

Massage Therapy declined in popularity in the West approximately 1600 CE.  Scientific breakthroughs in medical technology and pharmacology were changing the foundation of modern medicine. Manual methods of healing faded from view.  Between 1600 and 1800, numerous physicians and scientists observed and documented the benefits of massage.  However Western techniques made few advances until 19th century.  In the early 1800's, the Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling developed the Swedish Gymnastic Movement System.  This system incorporated massage and medical gymnastics and physiology.  Techniques included stroking, pressing, and squeezing, and striking to manually treat physical issues.  

Through the early part of the 20th century, an increasing number of new and rediscovered massage techniques were documented and practiced.  In particular, massage was used to treat World War I patients who suffered from nerve injury or shell shock.  However, massage remained out of the mainstream as a form of treatment for many years.  It was perceived as luxury reserved for the wealthy.  Furthermore, its reputation endured another unsavory period with the advent of massage parlors where the practice became associated with the sex trade.  In the latter half of the 20th century, rising interest in natural healing methods revitalized massage.  More and more states started to regulate the practice, and industry standards in licensing and education emerged.  As a result, massage earned a place as a legitimate and respectable form of complementary medicine.  Because of the wellness boom the focus on disease prevention and maintaining wellness became more mainstream. 

Massage therapy began as a sacred system of natural healing.  Today's massage therapists practice a multitude of techniques originating from ancient methods.  From those roots, they remain inspired by a goal cultivated centuries ago- to help others heal their physical and emotional well-being and experience a higher quality of life.  Enduring the turns of history massage therapy stands as a highly respected holistic healing method practice across the world.  

*BCE is known as "before the Common Era" or also known as the "Current Era".

Sources: Hollistic Online, Massagewire.com, PlanetHerbs.com, naturalhealers.com