THE HISTORY OF MASSAGE
The word Massage is derived from different languages – in Latin ‘massa’ meaning lump and massage being a technique which removes and smooths away ‘lumpiness’ in the body – in Greek ‘massein’ means to knead. In French ‘masser’ means to rub and in Arabic ‘mass’ means to touch or feel.
Massage has existed since at least 3000 BC when it was part of the Ayurveda or ‘life health’ medicine practised by Hindus in India. They believed that massage helped prevent disease and injuries by balancing the body and encouraging self-healing. The practise then spread to China where it was added to the traditions of martial arts, yoga, Chinese medicine and became the foundations of the practices of acupressure and acupuncture. The Egyptians were using massage by 2,500 BC and developed reflexology as a result.
Buddhist monks passed on the knowledge of massage to the Japanese and Shiatsu was their particular version which aimed to balance energy levels using pressure points. Around two hundred years later in 800 BC the Greeks were using massage as a way of preparing for the games and indeed Hippocrates himself prescribed ‘Friction’ and the use of oils and herbs to treat injuries. This may have been the foundation for aromatherapy. The Romans also incorporated massage into their spa treatments at the baths.
Massage became less popular over the next few hundred years, possibly in line with the new ‘science’ and advancements in medicine although a lot of doctors still believed in the therapeutic benefits it was not very fashionable. All this changed in the 1800s when a Swede called Per Henrik Ling began practising his ‘Swedish Movement Cure’ – he had a background in gymnastics and medicine and this vigorous method of striking, squeezing and stroking was designed to help with chronic pain. This eventually evolved into ‘Swedish Massage’.
Building on this method, Johan George Megzer developed specific movements; Effleurage – long inward strokes. Petrissage- kneading, rolling, pushing and pulling rhythmically. Tapotement -tapping using a cupped hand or the side of the hand or fingertips. Friction – used to stimulate deep tissue by strong circular or cross ways movements using hands or elbows.
Practitioners of massage were also fully trained in anatomy and pathology and started to work in hospitals and clinics and by the late 1800s were known as ‘Masseurs’ or ‘Masseuses’ As well as working in medical units they were also in demand at spas which were very popular with the wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Massage was offered alongside steam rooms, Turkish baths, scrubs and wraps.
Over the next decades massage did go through periods when it was seen as less than respectable or only for use by sports professionals but in the last 40 years as part of an increased interest in mental and spiritual health and physical wellbeing, the practise of massage is now firmly established as part of an holistic approach to health by the general public and healthcare professionals alike.
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