History of Massage Therapy

The origins of massage are found in China in 2700 B.C. where the first documentation of massage is found. The text is called "The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine." This book was only published in English in 1949. In less than 50 years, this book has become a staple and is often used as a textbook for teaching many forms of alternative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, acupressure and herbology.
We also find massage in India in the 2nd century B.C., where the Hindus used the art of healing touch in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda from the Sanskrit translation means “life health” or “life science.” It is regarded as the basis of holistic medicine, combining meditation, relaxation and aromatherapy.
Massage can be followed from the East, then to the Greek and Roman empires by the 17th century B.C., taking its origins from Egypt, where reflexology had been used for hundreds of years.

Western Migration
It was from this history that in the early 1800s the Swedish doctor, gymnast and educator Per Henril Ling* developed a method of movement known as the “Swedish Movement System,” which is commonly regarded as the foundation for Swedish massage most commonly used in the West today.
*Note: Although the “Swedish Movement System” was developed by Ling, it was the Dutch Johan Georg Mezger who defined the basic hand strokes of Swedish massage.
Today the most common types of massage practiced in the western hemisphere are Swedish massage and the Japanese massage practice of Shiatsu, also referred to as pressure point or trigger point massage. Great emphasis is also being placed on movement and bodywork. Types of body work include: Reiki, Feldenkrais and Pilates, where the focus is a combination of movement, breathing and relaxation to improve mobility.
Where It’s Going
Considering the long history of massage, its incorporation into Western medicine is only in its infancy. The potential for growth and research of the healing properties of therapeutic massage and body work has gained great momentum over the last fifty years and the public demand for massage therapy is at an all-time high.
As a preventative practice, therapeutic massage is used in spas, gymnasiums and work places all over the country. Using therapeutic massage to promote balance and maintain internal and external health is something that is now a standard part of the North American lifestyle.
In the health care industry, massage is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes and birthing centers. It is also used in physical therapy and in chiropractic clinics to treat pain, increase circulation and expedite the healing of injured muscles.
Massage as Preventative Treatment
While the benefits of massage as a restorative treatment have earned respect in modern medicine, its benefits as preventative treatment have only recently been considered. Can a body-mind-spirit synergy actually prevent certain forms of disease? This question is now being seriously pondered by medical professionals.
We have merely begun exploring the myriad healing properties of massage therapy. It is the hope and goal of many professional massage therapists to see their techniques more fully integrated into our professional healthcare system and personal lifestyles.