The History Behind Massage Therapy

Massage

The power of touch is one of the most popular ideas to be conceptualized long ago. In fact many believe a person’s touch has the ability to heal. It is thought touch can relieve both pain and stress. This belief then evolved by the introduction of massage therapy.

The word massage has a very interesting story. It was derived from several languages. In Greek, it came from the word masso or massein. This means to touch or to handle. The Latin also lifted the Greek word and used the word masso. On the other hand, the Arabic used the word mass’h or mass which translated to press softly. In Sanskrit, the term is makeh which has the same meaning as the Arabic word.

The history of massage can be traced in several countries. In China, there was a book believed to have existed way back in 2,700 B.C. The book was believed to be The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine. It was composed of techniques that enhance relaxation using breathing and touch. It is stated that such techniques are used as a remedy to relieve pain.

On the other hand, in ancient Greece and Rome, it was believed that the doctors used massage as their principal means of their therapy. In fact, one of their famous leaders, Julius Caesar, had his neuralgia treated by getting a daily massage session. Ancient writing of the Egyptians was believed to contain details about massage treatments.

In India, the system of their medicine called Ayurveda, is mostly based on the power of touch. Though there are a lot of things introduced by modern medicine today, massage still remains a huge part of the medicine practiced in India.

However, the use of massage diminished when the civilization of Rome and Greece disintegrated. It was only in the 19th century that massage began to make a significant return. Once again, massage became popular as it became an in-demand way of therapy.

Today, the power of massage therapy is still an effective way of treating pains. Healing of back aches and muscle cramps can occur more easily with a therapeutic massage. Doctors also often recommend getting massage for those who have been in an injury that results to restriction of movement.

Massages have also become a popular way to relax and unwind. Spas and wellness centers offer all types of massage therapy treatments. Examples are Shiatsu, Swedish and Hot-Stone.