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Massage History
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Massage is defined as manual or mechanical manipulations of soft tissues of the body, by rubbing, kneading or exerting pressure on the muscles. Massage is done for relaxation of the body and therapy by encouraging circulation of the blood and lymph systems. The benefits of massage can be both physical and mental. Massage has been in existence since ancient times. Its history can be traced back to cultures in China, India, Greece, Egypt, Persia and Japan. The writings found in these ancient cultures document many uses of massage techniques and physical therapy. Many different forms of massage date back further than 500 B.C. at which time Hippocrates taught rubbing techniques to his students. A famous Greek doctor by the name of Asclepiades used massage exclusively rather than medicine because he believed it was better to cure the body of its ails by restoring nutritional fluids in a natural manner. The Chinese had developed a form of massage that involved pressure points (known as meridians) being rubbed to provide relief for various parts of the body. These parts of the body included not only the muscles being rubbed, but the particular internal organs corresponding to the pressure points as well. This system of massage is very common today, and it is known to provide relief and improve function of the various muscles and organs of the body. Massage is very popular in Sweden which was apparently one of the first countries in the Western world to experience massage. It is believed that the French brought Chinese massage to the Western world, which is the reason that many massage terms are still known by their French words. Some of these terms include: Effleurage (gliding type of massage Petrissage (kneading); Tapotement (striking); Friction (compression); and Friction (shaking and vibrating). Although massage has been accepted in the medical field in Eastern medicine since ancient times, in the Western World (especially in the United States), massage was merely thought of as making someone relax. It was usually done on the wealthy because they could afford to pay for it just to make them feel good, and relaxed as well. Massage was not thought to have any medical benefits. This attitude has changed within the past 30 years or so, when massage gained more credibility in the field of medicine. It is now acknowledged to have preventative and healing benefits. Hospitals and rehabilitation clinics have incorporated massage into their treatment programs. Much research has been done to confirm the health benefits of massage on both the mind and body. The positive effects of massage have even been noted on the growth and development of babies who were born prematurely. There have also been studies to indicate the benefits of massage in children and teens who were being treated for anxiety and depression, although not much has been published on this particular subject. One of the benefits some corporations have instituted for their employees is to give them a massage during a "coffee break." They have reported a better outcome in production after their employees received a massage. Physical and massage therapists have gained greater respect in recent years as people have become more aware of the benefits of massage therapy. This, of course, is even more evident in those people who get regular massages to keep them fit and relaxed in body and mind. Of course, an overwhelming benefit of massage is that it feels good. And, of course, it is good for you! |
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