History of Massage

Massage is “the systemic or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits, both physical and mental.”

Massage has truly been around forever.  Massage is one of the earliest healing practices of humankind.  The art of massage is found in writings as early as 2000 B.C.  During the last thousand years, cultures around the world have instinctively used their hands, herbs, oils and various substances to heal physical discomfort as well as to promote well-being and physical appearance.  In many of these cultures, a special person such as a healer, religious leader or doctor was selected to administer healing power.

Some examples of how different cultures have utilized massage follow.

3000 B.C. —  the Chinese used a special procedure called “amma”.  This procedure found points on the body where rubbing, pressing and stretching brought relief.  The Chinese also used acupressure and acupuncture. 

6^th Century, A.D.  –  The Chinese influenced Japan. The Japanese were able to develop what is called Shiatsu.  

1800 B.C. – the Chinese influenced India.  It was the kneading, tapotement and friction that played a big role in the Hindu tradition.  The Indian approach included a deep belief that hygiene and cleanliness must be part of their treatments.

Around 300 B.C.  – The Greeks embraced massage as part of their physical fitness regimen.  Many famous Greek historians used massage.  Homer wrote about it in the Iliad and Odyssey.  Aesculpadius, the “god of medicine,” combined exercise and massage to discover gymnastics.  And Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” is quoted as saying, “Hard rubbing binds, much rubbing causes parts to waste, and moderate rubbing makes them grow.”  He also believed that it was more beneficial to rub toward the head rather than away.

Finally, the Romans received their massage influence from the Greeks.  The Romans built public baths where people of all classes, rich or poor, were able to participate.  They used massage as part of their exercise and gymnastic routines.  Once again, documentation from many historians, such as Emperor Tiberius, Claudius Galen, and Plato, proved that massage helped fight disease and sore muscles.

In modern times, Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) is the man credited with taking many techniques and organizing them into the system we know today as “Swedish massage

20^th Century – Randolph Stone developed Polarity Therapy; Dr. Ida Rolf developed Rolfing and Structural Integration; Dave Palmer created “on-site massage” or chair massage

1980s – Organizations like Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals were formed.  These professional organizations provide liability insurance to massage therapists as well as other services

1991 – National Institute of Health created the Office of Alternative Medicine

Swedish massage is the most widely-used modality and is often incorporated into other procedures.  There are many effective modalities that deal with different elements of the human body.  Whatever method the practitioner prefers, it is essential to be knowledgeable in all technical movements and the effects on the various body systems.  The objectives of all professional practitioners are generally the same:  to provide a service that enhances the client’s physical health and sense of well-being.

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanmclingman@comcast.net; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com