A booklet about the

history and the

THE HISTORY OF development of

wellness massage, it
contains the origin

WELLNESS MASSAGE and how massage

was used all
throughout the
century and how it
works now.
10-5 | Anne Grace B. Tolentino

Ms. Valdevieso
Massage in Ancient Times
In India, where it was considered a sacred system of natural healing, the history of massage therapy dates
back to 3000 BCE (or earlier). Massage therapy, used by Hindus in Ayurveda's 'life health' medicine, was a
procedure passed down through centuries to treat injuries, alleviate pain, and prevent and cure diseases.

The therapeutic methods of massage spread to China and Southeast Asia around 2700 BCE as culture and
history developed. Chinese massage techniques were developed as a mixture of traditional Chinese medici
ne skills and practices, martial arts and Buddhist and Taoist philosophical yoga training.

Based on the assumption that illness was caused by an energy imbalance or deficiency in different pathways
their practices were very close to those of the Indians. The ancient Chinese founded a text called The Yellow
Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine that is today considered a staple of massage therapy alternative
medicine (acupuncture, acupressure and herbal remedies).

By 2500 BCE, massage therapy had made its way to Egypt, where in tomb paintings it was portrayed. The E
gyptians also introduced their own bodywork methods and are credited with inventing reflexology, which in
cludes applying pressure on the feet and hands to particular points or zones to effect healing.

Later, in 1000 BCE, monks studying Buddhism in China brought massage therapy to Japan and put their own
spin on it, later known as Shiatsu, naming it "anma." This technique is intended to control and reinforce or
gans through the rebalancing of energy levels by stimulating pressure points in hopes of bringing about nat
ural disease resistance.

Massage therapy in Ancient Greece and the Roman

Empire
The Egyptians inspired the Greeks and Romans, who in various ways used massage therapy? Athletes used m
assage in Greece between 800 and 700 BCE to prepare their bodies prior to tournaments, and they also use
oils and herbs to treat medical conditions.

In the 5th century BCE, Hippocrates, the' father of medicine,' treated physical injuries with friction, a massage
technique, and was the first to prescribe a combination of massage, healthy diet, exercise.

In the 1st Century BCE, the Roman physician Galen used massage therapy on emperors, echoing the concepts
of Hippocrates to treat injuries and diseases. The rich Romans would provide massages in their homes, but fo
r "spa" treatments and fullbody massages, the general public would flock to the Roman baths to improve circ
ulation and relax their joints. The popularity of massage therapy decreased in the West until the 17th century,
when new advances in pharmacology and medical technology changed.
Massage in Classical Greece
The Greeks believed in a balanced mind and body being cultivated, which is close to the holistic approach foll
owed by many people today. Men and women performed practices of bathing, massage, exercise or dancing.
They promoted the pursuit of physical fitness and organized regular sports, athletic and gymnastic competiti
ons. Before events, massage was used to boost performance and after events to alleviate exhaustion and aid r
ecovery. Before war, gladiators and soldiers were massaged.

The Development of Modern Massage Techniques

Modern massage techniques have evolved mainly from a system developed by Per Henrik Ling (1776
-1839), a Swedish physiologist.

He created a passive and active exercise system known as 'Swedish Remedial Gymnastics' and a mas
sage movement system. The terms' effleurage ',' petrissage ',' vibration ',' friction ',' rolling 'and' slapp
ing 'were also used by Ling. Most of these terms are still used today, but in the groupings and names
of manipulations, certain improvements and modifications have been made.

A Dutch physician, Dr Johann Mezgner (1839-1909), created massage for rehabilitation use and
used it successfully to treat many diseases and disorders. In light of his understanding of anatomy
and physiology, he changed massage techniques. His theories were accepted as medical practice,
based on sound scientific principles, and gained him many followers, especially in Germany and
America.

Massage as an efficient therapeutic treatment was established by the work of Ling and Mezgner.
In medical schools, methods were taught and the beneficial results were generally known and
accepted in the medical field. In England, massage was used to treat joints by the eminent surgeon
John Grosvenor (1742–1823). For the treatment of rheumatism, gout and joint stiffness, he
recommended a massage.

Under the guidance of physicians, nurses were encouraged to train and use massage for patient
treatment.

The need for massage to treat the wounded increased during the First World War and many
more massage therapists were qualified. The Society of Skilled Masseuses' membership expanded
and merged with the Institute of Massage and Remedial Exercise in 1920. A Royal Charter was issued
in recognition of the important work contributed by its members during the war, and the title was
transferred to the Chartered Massage and Medical Gymnastics Society. In 1943, the title was
amended again and became the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. In 1964 its members became
state registered. This protected and gave status to those qualified therapists who were practicing in
clinics and hospitals, and made it impossible for those without a recognized qualification to practice
in hospitals.