Massage has been used as a therapeutic practice for thousands of years across different cultures and civilizations. Here is a quick look at the history of massage from the earliest known references to the practice, through to the modern day popularity of this ancient remedy.
Ancient history of massage
There is evidence that the practice of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BC. Some of the earliest indications come from India, where Ayurveda, a holistic healing system, incorporated massage techniques. It involved the use of warm herbal oils and vigorous strokes to stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body. It was called Abhyanga and was used to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and boost immunity.
Reference is made to massage practice in “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” a foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back to 2700 BC. In China, massage was seen as a way to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and maintain overall health. Known as “anmo”, it involved pressing, kneading, and rubbing specific pressure points on the body to stimulate the flow of “qi,” or life force energy. Anmo was used to treat various conditions such as muscle pain, digestive issues, and emotional imbalances.
Egyptian tomb paintings from 2500 BC depict scenes of massage therapy, suggesting its use in their medical practices. Egyptians are credited with pioneering reflexology, applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands to influence other areas of the body. This practice, alongside their use of aromatic oils, demonstrates their understanding of the mind-body connection and the potential of massage to promote holistic well-being.
The Rise of Massage in the West
Through trade and cultural exchange, massage techniques journeyed westward. Around the 8th century BC, massage entered the Greek world. Athletes in ancient Greece employed massage to improve physical performance and recovery. Greek physicians like Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” incorporated massage into their treatment regimens. They believed it could alleviate a variety of ailments, from muscle soreness to joint pain. The Greeks also recognized the cosmetic benefits of massage, with women using aromatic oils and massage techniques for skincare.
The Romans, greatly influenced by Greek medicine, adopted massage practices. Roman physicians like Galen, advocated for massage as a therapeutic tool. Public bathhouses in Roman society often offered massage services, highlighting its integration into their cultural understanding of health and hygiene.
The Middle Ages and Beyond (5th Century AD – 19th Century AD):
During the Middle Ages, massage lost its popularity in Europe due to the influence of the church, which viewed massage as a form of hedonism. However, massage continued to be used in other parts of the world, such as Asia and Africa, where it was an integral part of traditional healing practices. Japan developed its own unique massage style, Anma (later known as Shiatsu), which focused on applying pressure to specific points along meridians to stimulate energy flow.
The Modern Era (19th Century AD – Present):
The 19th century witnessed a resurgence of massage in the West. Inspired by the “Swedish Movement Cure” developed by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physician, massage schools began to emerge in Europe and North America. Ling’s system emphasized specific techniques like kneading, percussion, and vibration to improve circulation and muscle tone.
Another significant figure in the history of massage was Johann Georg Mezger, a German physician who categorized various massage techniques and contributed to its standardization. In the United States, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of various massage schools and professional organizations, working to establish massage therapy as a legitimate healthcare practice.
The 20th and 21st Centuries: Recognition and regulation
Today, massage therapy is a recognized profession with established standards and a growing body of research supporting its benefits. From relaxation and stress relief to pain management and improved circulation, massage offers a range of therapeutic applications. Massage schools offer a variety of programs catering to different massage styles and specializations.