History of Massage
Massage is arguably the oldest of medical treatments. We instinctively rub an aching shoulder or neck, or sooth a furrowed brow. This is an instinct that is common to all cultures.
Massage has been recorded in Ancient Chinese and Indian cultures going back over 3,000 years. In these cultures massage was used to prevent and cure diseases and to heal injuries. In Greek and Roman cultures, massage was used before and after sport and instead of exercise during convalescence.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, massage grew in popularity in Europe through the influence of a Swede Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) who introduced the form of massage common today 'Swedish' massage.
By the end of the 19th century, massage was a popular medical treatment used by surgeons, cardiologists and physicians. During the First World War, massage was used extensively in the treatment of nerve injury and shell-shock. Sadly, medical treatment soon began to focus more on the use of modern drugs or machinery and massage began to fall from favour as an effective means of treatment.
Today massage is enjoying a revival of fortune in health care and as a complement to medical treatments and as a means of helping us all maintain positive health.
