History of Massage

If we were to list the oldest ways by which humans perform hands-on-healing on each other, then massages will be in the top few, if not the first. Moreover, massages have been a part of almost every culture of the world. They could involve either healing through touch, thermotherapy, stones or a combination of these techniques.

Deep Tissue Massage

The effectiveness of deep tissue massages was discovered a long time ago. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks were the first nations who can claim the rights of using deep tissue massages for the first time. The art of massage that was used by these ancient civilizations is partially lost to us in these modern times. Nevertheless, we did rediscover and redefine this form of therapy during the mid-1800s. During that time, Canadian physician, Therese Phimmer is the person we have to thank for it. In 1949, she developed the guidelines that we now use in deep tissue massage. The guidelines are actually a part of her definitive work, known as “Muscles – Your Invisible Bonds.”

Swedish Massage

Since we have partially lost the ancient massage technique, the closest we can come to following in their footsteps is by Swedish massage. Also called the classic massage technique, Swedish massages are among the most common massage therapy type. This technique was first developed in Sweden in the 18th century. We owe its discovery to one Swede, named Per Henrik Ling. Ling not only discovered it but gave the Swedish massage the form that we recognize. He then brought this art form with him into the U.S. In the States, the massage was hailed as “The Swedish Movement Cure” and was quite popular in the late 1850s.

Indian Massage

The Indian massage technique is reportedly as old as 3,000 BCE although it may be even older! Like most things that have their roots in the traditional holistic medicine or Ayurveda, the Indian massage is a part of it. It is also based on the same principles i.e. diseases afflict an individual when they are not in sync with their environment. Thus, restoring that balance can help people heal naturally. The Indian head massage started as a technique that was used to help housewives and other Indian women. With that massage, they not only relieved themselves of the stress of daily life but also benefitted in other ways. The massage would remove the dead cells from the scalp and improve the quality of their hair among other things.

Stone Massage

The development and discovery of the modern stone massage involves three major cultures. This type of massage technique was influenced through the hard work of Hawaiians, Chinese, and the Native Americans. However, other cultures have also contributed to its shaping. These include the Egyptian and Ayurvedic healing arts. The earliest evidence that we have of a culture using stone massage is from Ancient Chinese medical practitioners. These were experts who used stones of different shapes and sizes to treat disease. The burning of the herb mugwort was another way by which they added heat to their ministrations.

Acupressure Massage

Acupressure massage comes from a form of Japanese massage or Anma. Anma is at least 1,500 years old and refers to a technique that used pressing and rubbing to heal people. While acupressure massages are based on Anma’s principles, they are slightly different, as well. The former massage technique is relatively a newcomer that graced the scene in the United States in the 1980s. It all started with David Palmer who worked for Apple Computers in Silicon Valley. He started giving his coworkers brief massages that involved the back, neck, and shoulders. Once he became a roaring success, Palmer went on to design a portable massage chair.

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Aromatherapy Massage

Ancient cultures knew how beneficial scented ointments and oils could be when it came to healing physical and psychological illnesses. Healers as early as Hippocrates discovered the power of aromatherapy. He is reported to have said that good health is guaranteed if one took an aromatic bath and scented massage daily. Aromatic oils also played a part in medicine in ancient China, Egypt, and India. Ayurvedic medicine also mentions the use of aromatic oils to massage. In fact, certain oils, such as Jasmine, are considered as a tonic for the entire body. Chamomile was used to cure headaches while Rose oil was good for the liver.

Trigger Point Massage

We owe gratitude to a certain doctor, Janet G. Travell. Her vision in the field of treatment for myofascial pain treatment is what is responsible for giving us the trigger point massage. Travell was the personal physician of John F. Kennedy during his stint in the White House. No doubt it could have been the immense onus of his presidential duties that resulted in chronic back pain. That was when he turned to Dr. Travell who cured the pain. She researched how referred pain followed a specific pattern and was triggered by a particular point in a muscle. Known as the myofascial trigger point, it could be used to relieve a person of the pain in other parts of the body.

As you can see, massage techniques have a long history that has walked hand in hand with our own. Massage therapy is a way of healing. Get your appointment right now!