Therapeutic Massage

Massage History

Writings on massage have long been found in ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt, and India. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, recommends ‘breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet” as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever.” The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments, such as weight reduction, sleep aid, relaxation and fatigue.

It was one of the principal methods of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was said to have been given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. Greek soldiers were given regular massages to ease pain and fatigue during training, as well as before and after tournaments. Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. It was from this history that in the early 1800’s the Swedish doctor, gymnast and educator Pehr Henrik Ling developed a method of movement known as the “Swedish Movement System”, which created the foundation for numerous types of massage recognized today.

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