Massage therapy has a history that dates back to 3000 BCE (earlier), and 3000 CE (or more) in India. It was once considered a sacred system of medicine for pure healing. Massage therapy was initially utilized by Ayurveda practitioners, mostly Hindus. It h
Massage was first discovered in the earliest days of Greece, when Hippocrates, the ancestor of medicine, became interested in the healing properties of rubbing up the tissues of the body. He noticed the similarity between the human skin and that of the sheep of the mountain. He then realized that rubbing his body could relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, which would improve overall health and well-being. Later, during the Hellenistic period, when many of today's modern massage techniques were first developed it was Hippocrates who made this discovery. Hippocrates was likely in some way influenced by Indian techniques and massage was introduced to western cultures by Hippocrates.
Over the course of time, different cultures around the world began to develop and adopt various massage techniques, with some, like the Chinese massage with its distinct origins. The original goal was to encourage healing and relieve pain. This type of massage was widely used across Asia and Europe and was called shiatsu in Japan, much Suvarna in India (also known as Indian Head Massage), talmyasa (also known Chinese Tantra Massage) as well as Ludwig in Germany and Scandinavia. The Chinese Acupuncture Massage is the modern day version of Chinese massage.
Many countries in the east and west have adopted this art as well as many of its traditional practices. There are a variety of styles of this type of massage. However they all have an holistic method of healing. The treatment doesn't just focus on pain relief but also helps to heal the body. Certain Chinese massages also incorporate acupuncture, herbs, and meditation. These are thought to work in conjunction to improve overall well-being and health. The theory is that it's stable and effective because it was developed by the Asians who had been treating muscles and joints for centuries.
One of the most important branches of modern day massage therapy is reflexology. It is a kind of massage that was first developed in China. Reflexology relies on pressure being applied to specific areas of the hands, feet and soles of feet to ease aches and discomforts. This was considered to be highly effective at the time it was first practiced by the ancient Egyptians, although today's techniques differ. Reflexology can be utilized in combination with any of the four basic massage techniques and can even be used on its own. This technique was originally used to treat foot problems such as leg pains and aches. It is now part of Chinese Acupuncture Massage.
The ancient Egyptian massage techniques were similar to the techniques used by the Egyptians. using your hands to rub, massage or press using your hands, or the palms of your fingers and hands to apply pressure. They also employed massage oils to provide essential lubrication and nourishment. They also used massage cushions that were either worn underneath or wrapped around thighs and buttocks to create friction.
Ancient Chinese massage uses effleurage and the gliding strokes. Effleurage is a type of stroke that loosens and warms muscles. Gliding strokes are used for circulation and to reduce soreness. Gliding strokes are referred to as ping-pong strokes and are used to stretch muscles. Both effleurage and gliding are beneficial for injuries to soft tissues. The Chinese also employ the concept of lymphatic drainage which means that the body cleanses itself through the flow of lymph.
Looking at ancient Rome and Greece We can observe that both Hippocrates as well as the Romans used classic massage techniques. Hippocrates was the father of medical science and believed that all sickness begins in the body, and the most effective treatment was prevention via preventative treatment. The Romans however, on their part, utilized massage therapy and Hippocrates's ideas were later used by the Roman physician Sigmund Freud.